Making the decision to take your child out of the classroom and into homeschool presents a number of challenges. Not only do you need to decide what homeschooling approach to take, but you also need to know how to transfer your child from their current school to homeschool status. From understanding the process of deregistering to gathering all the necessary documents, here are 15 questions answered to assist you in transferring your child from an LPS to a homeschooling environment.
1. What is Involved in Deregistering my Child From their LPS School?
The process of deregistering from school is relatively simple, but it helps to have a plan before you start. Firstly, you will need to contact the school where your child is currently registered and schedule an appointment with the principal or head of school.
They will have paperwork for you to complete and return, which includes a withdrawal form and will usually ask for reasons why you are withdrawing your child. If a school transfer request has been made within the district, this is often done in person, otherwise you must send your signed forms through the mail. Once the forms are completed and the school has all the necessary information, they will provide you with a copy of the student’s records and deregister your child.
2. Do I Need to Submit a School Transfer Request?
In some cases, depending on the district, you may need to submit a school transfer request. This request is submitted to the local school district that your child is currently enrolled in and must be submitted before the student is unenrolled from their school. It states your intention to transfer your child and requests that the student’s records be sent to their new school.
In the case of homeschooling, this is often sent to either the school district or the state.
3. What Records Do I Need to Gather for my Child?
The first step to transferring your child from an LPS school to homeschooling is to gather all the necessary documents. You will need to ensure that you have all the relevant paperwork, including student records, grades, class schedules, and test results.
Additionally, you should collect any assessments that they have completed, such as continuing education certificates, AQA A level certificates, etc. Finally, you should get a copy of the student’s records from the school, which will include grades and attendance.
4. What Forms do I Need to Complete?
Depending on your location, you will likely need to submit a deregistration form to your school. This form should contain all the details of your student’s withdrawal, such as the date on which the withdrawal takes effect and the student’s new school (which, if you are homeschooling, should be your address). You may also need to submit any other relevant forms such as the home education notification form and a request for withdrawal letter.
5. What Happens to my Child’s Transcript and Grades?
The school records and grades that your child accumulates while enrolled in an LPS school will remain in their student file. When you are ready to transfer your child to a new school or homeschool environment, the school will provide you with a copy of the student’s records. It is up to you whether you transfer these records to the new school or keep them for yourself if your child is homeschooling.
6. Will my Child Need to Complete any Tests or Examinations?
Most states do not require children who are transitioning from an LPS school to homeschooling to take any tests or examinations. However, depending on the exact circumstances of your transfer, you may need to have your student complete certain assessments.
For example, your child may need to complete an entrance examination before entering a homeschool program in some areas.
7. Do I Need to Inform the State About My Homeschooling Arrangement?
In most states, it is required that you inform the local school district and state education department of your decision to homeschool your child. This is usually done by submitting a home education notification form.
This form is used to inform the state that you are homeschooling your child and provides them with the necessary details, such as your contact information, the name of your homeschool, and the name of your child.
8. Are there Any Other Requirements I Need to Meet?
In addition to submitting the necessary forms to the appropriate authorities, you may need to meet certain other requirements when transferring your child from an LPS school to homeschooling. Depending on the state where you live, you may need to ensure that your homeschool program meets certain requirements, such as providing a certain number of hours of instruction each week or ensuring that your child follows certain educational standards.
9. How Long Does the Process Take?
The time frame for transferring your child from an LPS school to homeschooling will vary depending on the state where you live. Generally, the process should take anywhere from two weeks to three months, depending on the forms and documents that need to be submitted.
10. Can I Transfer my Child to Homeschool at Any Time?
Yes, you can transfer your child to homeschool at any time, as long as you meet the requirements of the state in which you live. Your location may have specific deadlines that the withdrawal must be completed by, such as the end of a term or school year.
11. Will it Affect my Child’s Education in the Long Term?
No, transferring your child from an LPS school to homeschool will not adversely affect their long-term education. In fact, research has shown that homeschooling can have a positive effect on a child’s educational development. A homeschooling environment provides a personalized experience that is tailored to meet the individual needs of the student, which can make it easier for them to excel academically.
12. What Supports are Available for Parents Who Choose to Homeschool?
There are several supports and resources available to parents who opt to homeschool their children. Many states provide a range of resources and guidance to help parents navigate the homeschooling process. Additionally, there are several organizations, such as HSLDA, that can provide advice and support to parents as they transition their children to homeschooling.
13. What if My Child Wants to Return to LPS School After Being Homeschooled?
If your child decides that they would like to return to a traditional school setting after being homeschooled, they can do so. Your child can transfer back to their original school, provided that there is an open space, or can enrol in a new school. Generally, returning to their original school is preferable, as the school will have the child’s records and can easily transfer them back into the school system.
14. Do I Need to Notify my Child’s Previous School if We are Moving Out of the District?
Yes, it is important to notify your child’s previous school if you are planning to move out of the district. This is to ensure that the school has your child’s records in case they are needed in the future, such as if your child decides to return to the school in the future. It is also important to provide the school with your new address and contact information in case they need to reach you in the future.
15. What are the Benefits of Homeschooling for my Child?
There are numerous benefits of homeschooling for children. Firstly, homeschooling can provide a more personalized approach to education, as it allows the parent or teacher to tailor the instruction to meet the specific needs of the child.
Additionally, homeschooling can allow children to explore and pursue interests that they would not be able to do in a traditional school setting, and it can provide more flexibility in terms of when and how the student learns.
Conclusion
Taking your child out of the classroom and into a homeschooling environment can be exciting and rewarding. By understanding the process of transferring your child from an LPS school to homeschooling and gathering all the necessary documents and information, you can ensure that the transition is as smooth and successful as possible. By following the advice provided here, you can make the process of transferring your child from an LPS to homeschooling easy and stress-free.