Homeschooling is a common choice for parents who desire to offer more personal control and customization to their child’s education. Kansas is one of the more homeschool-friendly states, allowing families to choose the right type of homeschool program for their child.
Understanding the laws governing homeschooling and the considerations when choosing a homeschool program can help parents make the right decision in Kansas.
What Are Homeschooling Requirements in Kansas?
Homeschooling in Kansas is controlled by the nonbinary system, which requires parents to adhere to certain regulations to ensure their child is receiving an appropriate education. This includes a four-year high school graduation requirement, quarterly educational assessments, and adherence to all state and federal education laws.
Parents must also adhere to a curriculum and instructional plan that meets the educational standards of education in the state. The state does not require any specific kind of homeschool program, but all programs must include a total of 1,116 instructional hours, with no less than 6 hours per day. Instructional hours are broken down into:• 660 hours of Language Arts and/or Reading• 330 hours of Math• 166 hours of Science• 50 hours of Social StudiesParents must also register as a private school and keep records of their child’s progress, including attendance and instruction hours.
What Are My Homeschool Curriculum Options?
Parents have various homeschool curriculum options, including online courses and traditional materials. Traditional materials include textbooks, workbooks, and teaching manuals. Parents can also find online courses offered by accredited schools, colleges, and universities.
Online courses often include tuition assistance and transferable credits. Other options for curriculum include virtual schools, blended learning, dual enrollment, and home education providers.
Virtual schools provide a full curriculum for students, with both online instruction and daily activities. Blended learning combines online and in-person instruction and is available from many schools and providers.
Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college-level classes, often with a flexible schedule. Home education providers make provide curriculum, instruction, and teacher oversight for students learning at home.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Homeschool Program?
Choosing a homeschool program is based on a child’s individual needs. Parents should choose a program that meets their child’s learning styles and goals. Factors to consider include the amount of structure, instruction format, availability of supplemental materials, and cost.
Parents should also consider whether a program provides enough flexibility and resources to meet their child’s needs. Flexibility may include an all-online program, an on-site program, or a combination of both.
Parents should also consider the availability of extracurricular activities, to help their child engage in social activities or develop an interest or skill. They should also look for specialized classes and academic opportunities that may be available in a program.
Finally, parents should consider the costs associated with a program, including any required supplies and tuition fees. Different programs may have different cost structures. If a program charges tuition, parents should make sure that it provides enough resources and instruction to meet their child’s needs.
How Can I Find a Homeschool Program in Kansas?
Finding a homeschool program in Kansas can be done by checking the local school district’s website for available homeschooling options and by accessing the state Department of Education website for more in-depth information. Another option is to join local homeschooling networks and search online forums.
These networks let parents connect and share resources related to homeschooling. They may also hold events and activities allowing parents to meet other homeschool families in person. Local libraries may also provide resources to help with finding a homeschool program.
What Resources Are Available for Homeschooling Families?
Kansas has numerous resources available to help homeschooling families provide quality instruction to their children. The state Department of Education offers resources which include grants, financial assistance, and other programs to help support homeschooling families.
The department also provides resources for public school districts to provide support for homeschool students and families. Local homeschooling groups may also offer resources such as classes, materials, activities, and events. Local libraries may also have resources to help families find resources and materials for their homeschool program.
Online resources and websites also have numerous resources, including materials, worksheets, activities, and more.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling in Kansas?
Homeschooling in Kansas has a number of benefits for families. Many parents prefer to have more control and customization over their child’s education.
Homeschooling allows parents to tailor the curriculum and instructional plan to meet their child’s individual needs and learning styles. Homeschooling also allows parents to take advantage of various resources such as online courses and materials, virtual schools, and dual enrollment programs. This helps children receive quality instruction while getting an early start to college courses.
Homeschooling also provides social and developmental benefits for children, as it allows them to choose their own learning pace, interact with their family more, and develop skills such as self-discipline and independence.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Kansas is a viable option for parents who want to offer more personalized control and customization to their child’s education. Understanding the laws, curriculum options, and resources available to homeschooling families can help parents choose the right program for their child.
With the right information and support, parents can find a program that best meets their child’s needs and bring them educational success.