Homeschooling
If you have been considering homeschooling but don't know where to start or if it would even be the right fit for your family, or perhaps if you're already homeschooling but would like more supportive resources, you've come to the right place! Here you will find information about umbrella schools, curriculum, state laws, and more. I am excited to share our homeschooling journey with you!
Our Story
My husband and I were both educated in the public school system and used to say that we were never going to do anything other than that for our children some day. However, as our eyes began to open to the reality of the world around us, we realized that "the system" wasn't going to work for our family. When we made the decision to educate our children at home, we admittedly didn't know exactly what we were doing. What curriculum were we going to use? Should we join a co-op? How should we structure our days? What information do we have to report and to whom? While getting answers to these questions was a bit overwhelming at times, it turns out that homeschooling has offered us all of the freedoms we were looking for!
The Basics
Record Keeping
Also known as cover schools, umbrella schools serve the purpose of helping homeschooling families stay within legal requirements of their particular state. Each umbrella school differs on their set-up and services offered - some are physical private schools while others are solely internet-based. We love Home Life Academy because it offers excellent record-keeping assistance, such as attendance, grades, diplomas, and more. If you choose to utilize an umbrella school, be sure to search for one that serves your state. Check out the Home School Legal Defense Association's (HSLDA) record keeping tips below for more information!
State Requirements
Requirements for homeschooling families vary greatly from state to state. For example, some states require that the homeschooling parent have an education degree teaching particular subjects while other states don't even require reporting. Some states offer multiple avenues to compliantly educate your own children while other states only offer one protocol. If homeschooling is something that your family is seriously considering, one of your first steps will be to verify your state's requirements, which you can do using the button below.
Curriculum: Customized Learning
Just as there are a variety of homeschooling methods (i.e. un-schooling, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, etc), there is a vast variety of available curriculums to choose from. Some curriculums mimic the public school structure while others are more child-centered and pricing can range from free to a few hundred dollars. The point is, there are so many options available and it's important to choose a method that will work best for your family. There is no one right way to educate at home. The Homeschool Mom is a wonderful resource with extensive information and tips on customizing your homeschooling experience!
Socialization
One of the most prominent stereotypes about homeschooled children is that they are "unsocialized." While this is surely not the majority as perceived, peer socialization is not an illegitimate concern. It's much simpler than you may think to make sure your child has the opportunity to forge meaningful friendships. A few of the things that we have done include dance classes, trying different sports, joining homeschool groups, and attending public events such as fairs and special homeschool days at places like museums and zoos.