Home schooling has grown tremendously in the last decade and is quickly becoming a popular alternative education option for families all around the country. This steady rise in popularity has attracted many people who are interested in finding out how long the average homeschool year typically is.
The answer to this question isn’t simple and can vary depending on the family’s homeschool basis, type of curriculum, and local laws. In this article, we’ll review the most important topics related to the length of a homeschool year. We’ll answer this question by looking at what kind of planning and preparation goes into building a full year of homeschooling, review how state laws play a factor in the length of a homeschool year, and explore tips and strategies to best make use of the time during a homeschool year.
With these key points in mind, let’s dive right in!
What type of Planning & Preparation goes into a Homeschool Year?
The length of a homeschool year is going to depend on the amount of time that a homeschooling parent or guardian is willing to devote to the endeavor. To make sure that learning goals are met and that students are properly prepared for testing, most homeschoolers plan out a year-long curriculum that covers multiple disciplines such as math, science, social studies, and language arts. If the homeschool basis is for religious reasons, then additional material may be added too – such as scripture readings and prayer.
Furthermore, extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, or art may also be included in a homeschool year. All of this planning and preparation takes time and needs to be done in order to make sure the homeschool year is successful.
Additionally, depending on the kind of material being used, research often has to be done in order to make sure the information is up to date and accurate. For example, when using pre-packaged curriculum, homeschoolers may need to compare different types and make sure they are using the most up to date version available. Finally, the particular goals and learning objectives of the individual student should also be taken into account.
This means that the curriculum may need to be customized or tailored to meet their particular needs.
How do State Laws determine the Length of a Homeschool Year?
Laws concerning homeschooling are determined on a state by state basis. This means each state sets their own parameters for homeschooling. In this context, the length of the homeschool year is also determined on a state by state basis and it isn’t always the same from state to state.
For example, states such as Texas or Maryland currently have laws that require homeschoolers to have a minimum of 180 days in a year, while other states such as New York or Illinois require homeschoolers to have a minimum of 180 days of instruction in a year. At the same time, states such as Vermont or Montana have no minimum requirements at all – leaving it up to the individual homeschoolers to determine the length of their homeschool year.
In some cases, a minimum amount of hours is required. For instance, in Rhode Island, homeschoolers are required to have a minimum of 900 hours in a year.
Finally, states such as Louisiana or Arkansas have no requirements connected to the length of a homeschool year, but do require a yearly assessment or testing in order to qualify for a homeschool diploma.
Tips and Strategies for Making the Most of a Homeschool Year
Due to the great amount of freedom that homeschoolers have, it is essential that they make the most of their time and the homeschool year. Here are some tips and strategies that help homeschoolers succeed in the long run:
Planning: As a homeschooler, planning should never be an afterthought. Make sure to set aside some time to review and plan out the homeschool year.
Flexibility: Don’t feel constrained to follow only one curriculum or stick to a certain routine. Allow flexibility in the homeschool year as different subjects and teaching styles can often open new learning opportunities.
Variety: Don’t forget to include a few fun activities into the homeschool year too. In this sense, adding more variety by exploring different topics or joining a homeschool group can be beneficial.
Organize: Make sure to keep records and organize the notes, tests, and other material that comes with the homeschool year. This will help when it comes to meeting local requirements or just keeping track of progress over time.
Conclusion
The length of homeschool year depends on many factors including the local laws, the homeschool basis, the type of curriculum, the amount of planning and preparation, the goals and learning objectives of the student, and the willingness of the homeschoolers to make it successful. In most cases, a homeschool year will last between 180-200 days (or 900-1000 hours). However, some states have regulations and requirements in place that might require more or less days.
In any case, homeschoolers need to be aware that planning and preparation need to be done in order to make sure learning goals are met and the homeschool year is successful.