The principle of subsidiarity in general education

This article examines the often complex and tense relationship between the State and parents in the sphere of pupils’ education. It argues that while the State is responsible for promoting the common good and protecting the best interests of the child, parents retain significant rights in selecting educational institutions, collaborating with educators, and aligning their child’s education with personal, philosophical or religious beliefs. Central to this dynamic is the principle of subsidiarity. This article aims to critically analyse the legal, ethical and practical dimensions of the relationship between the State and parents in educational decision-making, with a particular focus on the principle of subsidiarity. The article examines how the principle of subsidiarity shapes the distribution of educational responsibilities among parents, the state and municipalities, using legal-scientific methods to assess its implications for the child’s best interests and good governance. The State requires active parental cooperation, including the provision of relevant health information and the conclusion of formal agreements with educational institutions. The article pays particular attention to situations in which parents assume primary responsibility for their child’s education at home and legal, ethical and practical implications of balancing public educational mandates with private family rights.