Are you thinking of taking your child out of traditional school and homeschooling them? It’s a big decision that is not to be taken lightly. There are a variety of factors to consider when unenrolling your child from school, so it’s important to be aware of the process and know what questions to ask before considering homeschooling.
In this article, we’ll cover the steps you need to take to make an informed decision and unenroll your child when the time is right.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling?
Homeschooling can be beneficial in numerous ways, depending on the needs of the child, family, and circumstances. Autonomy, one-on-one attention, and personalized learning plans are some of the primary benefits that you can look forward to when homeschooling.
It’s also important to consider the social and emotional development of your child. Many homeschooling families choose to join local homeschooling-networks, which can provide communities for socialization and social development. The downside of homeschooling is the dedication and effort that it requires from both the parents and the students.
Before unenrolling your child from school, be sure to consider the possible lack of structure and motivation, as well as the financial and emotional commitment that comes with the decision.
What Type of Homeschooling Are You Interested In?
Before unenrolling your child from school, it’s important to decide which type of homeschooling is the best fit. Traditional homeschooling is the most widely known type, where parents provide the instruction, resources, and curriculum.
Internet-based homeschooling or hybrid homeschooling can be convenient alternatives. There are also educational programs, such as K12 or Connections Academy, that offer classes or courses through a virtual classroom that students can take from home. As you consider the type of homeschooling you would like to pursue, keep in mind that there are no quick fixes.
Resources and curricula can be expensive, and there’s no guarantee that the type of homeschooling you choose will work for your family. Talk to other families who have tried different forms of homeschooling, find out what has worked best for them, and then decide what would be the most appropriate for your child.
Do You Have the Time and Financial Resources to Homeschool?
Time and money are often overlooked when considering homeschooling, but they can be significant factors when unenrolling your child. Homeschooling requires a great deal of time, both in researching and creating a curriculum, as well as the actual instruction and learning.
Additionally, parents need to be prepared to cover the costs of supplies and curriculum. Some virtual school-programs and online homeschooling programs can help reduce costs but require an upfront investment. It’s also important to consider and plan for the emotional cost of homeschooling.
Finding the right resources can be difficult, and it’s hard to predict what sort of challenges you may face once you begin the process. Be sure to consider the mental and physical toll on both the parent and the student when unenrolling your child from school.
Should You Notify the School Ahead of Time?
Most states require that parents provide written notice if they plan to withdraw their child from traditional school. Notice usually needs to be provided at least 10 days prior to the date of withdrawal.
However, some states have different requirements. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws of your state and get in contact with the school district to find out what the specific notice and paperwork requirements are.
How Many Days of Instruction are Required?
Requirements vary from state to state, but they generally require schools districts to provide a certain number of days or hours of instructional time. When unenrolling your child, familiarize yourself with the requirements of your state to make sure that you are meeting the necessary criteria for homeschooling.
How Do I Choose a Curriculum?
Choosing a curriculum can be challenging. Luckily, there are many resources available online and in print that can provide guidance on choosing the right curriculum for your child.
Decide which topics you want to cover, research various curricula, determine the skills and level of your child, and speak with other homeschoolers in your area who have experience with different curricula. Also, consider the learning style of your child. Do they learn best through play, hands-on activities, audio-visuals, or written instructions?
Knowing your child’s preferred style of learning can help you choose a curriculum that best meets their needs and interests.
How Can I Support My Child’s Social Development?
Socialization is a legitimate concern when considering homeschooling. Homeschooling teaches a variety of social and communication skills, but it may not provide the same socialization environment that traditional schools can. It’s important to consider how to fill the void of socialization for your child when unenrolling them from school.
Finding a homeschooling cooperative or support group in your area is a great way to provide your child with educational and social opportunities. Keep an open line of communication with your child; ask them how they are feeling socially, and provide honest answers to any questions they may have.
Your child should be able to reach out to you when in need of support.
Do I Need to Keep Records?
Parents of homeschooled children are usually required to keep records of the educational activities and progress achieved. Keeping records of the curriculum, activities, and assessments will help demonstrate that the homeschooling program is progressing in an appropriate manner.
Some parents choose to keep a portfolio or transcript and present a yearly review of the work.
Are Test or Assessment Required?
Testing is not required for all homeschooling families, but many decide to include some form of assessment for their children. Standardized testing can provide feedback on how well the curriculum is working and can also help ensure that the student is meeting the expectations of standardized assessments.
Is a High School Diploma Needed?
Most states do not require homeschooling parents to obtain a high school diploma, but it can be useful if a student would like to attend college in the future. Generally, homeschooled students will need to obtain a GED or take the SAT/ACT or other standardized assessment to be accepted into college.
Do I Need to Develop a Schedule?
Creating a schedule is a great way to ensure that your child or student stays focused and accountable. Homeschooling often requires more self-discipline than traditional schooling, so a consistent schedule can help prevent distractions.
When creating a schedule, it’s important to include breaks and free time. Have the student keep a journal or planner to help them track their own progress and hold themselves accountable for the completion of tasks. Set reasonable goals for each week and break down the activities into manageable chunks.
Are There After-School Activities?
After-school activities are an important component of socialization for homeschoolers. Activities, such as sports, scouting, and theater programs can provide your child with valuable opportunities for learning, growth, and development. Research what activities are available in your area and sign your child up for the ones that are applicable.
Conclusion
Unenrolling your child from school and homeschooling them can be a very rewarding experience. However, before unenrolling them, it’s important to consider your child’s needs and abilities, the amount of time, energy, and financial resources it will require, and the possible benefits and drawbacks. Understand the various types of homeschooling, familiarize yourself with the laws of your state, and remember that homeschooling is a process, not a destination.
Taking the time to research and prepare will help you make an informed decision about unenrolling your child and ensure that their education is tailored to their needs and interests.