Calcutta: Siddhant Shree Vodela, 12, does not go to school. He studies at home, does assignments that interest him and never has to worry about writing exams. At least not yet.

Shambhavi Das, 9, does not attend school either. Her projects are those that are given by her parents. She is currently planning a campaign against plastic.

Iya, 7, builds "skills" at home when her peers are poring over school lessons. She has just designed a board game that sharpens calculation skills.

Aira Kashyap, 10, loves math and history. She gets to focus on what she likes because her parents have relieved her of the pressure of learning from a school curriculum.

Siddhant, Shambhavi, Iya and Aira are part of a growing community of Calcutta kids who are being homeschooled, and not just as an experiment. Around 15 such families meet once a week for an activity session and discuss the progress made in what is still uncharted territory. "We also keep track of other homeschool communities," said Shradha Garg of the Facebook group Kolkata Homeschoolers.

Pratiksha Rao is a "follower", but has left it to her daughters Aadya and Ruhaani to make up their minds on homeschooling.

Homeschool parents usually chalk out the curriculum according to their children's interests. Some have "facilitators" to help with the lessons. "Only those parents who enjoy spending the greater part of their day with kids should attempt homeschooling. It takes a lot of energy," Shradha said.

Homeschooled kids follow three teaching methods. The first is the online "homecoming curriculum" that includes assessments and assignments. Then comes "unschool", where parents decide what to study and when according to the child's interest. The third is "free school", which is education through travel, reading and other activities.

Most go on to write the International General Certificate of Secondary Education or National Institute of Open Schooling exams.

Parents cite stress, competition and a regimental lifestyle for taking their kids out of school. "My son was in a school till Class VI. He was doing well but his interest in art and music was taking the backseat. So, I decided to pull him out," said Isha Vodela.

A facilitator who also teaches schoolgoing children said the parents of homeschooled kids were more open to experimentation. "A schoolgoing child is always bound by a routine. The focus is on exams. I found homeschooled kids more confident and eager to learn."

Devi Kar, director of Modern High School for Girls, sees homeschooling as "a refuge for students who cannot cope with competition".

"There are kids who really don't fit in with a regimented school life. They suffer from performance anxiety. A home school environment is best for them. For others, school life is important. It develops your coping mechanism and prepares you to face the world," she said.