What I found surprising is they don't know how many children are actually being homeschooled in the Kanton. I found this odd considering that in order to homeschool you must request this at the local level. I would think the Kanton would have an interest in keeping some numbers on this. The rules are far more relaxed than in Zürich, you don't need to be a teacher, for starters.
The article was quite balanced in that it talked to those in favour of homeschooling and those against it.
Phone 021 316 3232 or e-mail [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
According to the law on schooling of Canton Vaud, schooling is obligatory from the age of 6 and in principle comprises 9 years of study, although there is the possibility of exceptions being agreed by the Department of Public Instruction and Churches. see below in french
So it may or may not be obligatory for the boy depending on his age and how much schooling already completed.
Art. 5
1 La scolarité obligatoire commence à l'âge de 6 ans révolus au 30 juin. Toutefois, sur demande écrite des parents, l'admission des enfants nés du 1er mai au 31 août peut être retardée ou avancée d'une année.
2 Elle comprend en principe neuf années d'études, des dérogations pouvant être accordées par le Département de l'instruction publique et des cultes (ci-après: le département) A .
Apparently it can, with periodic official visits:
http://homeschooling-network.com/For...itzerland.aspx
edit: cantonal regulations for Vaud here: (in French, sorry)