As parents, you want what’s best for your child. But the right answer when it comes to their education might not be the same for all families. Choosing between district schools, charter schools, private schools and homeschooling can be a difficult decision.
In this article, we answer 15 questions to help you make an informed decision about whether homeschooling is the best option for your child. Homeschooling is increasingly popular, with homeschooled students now making up
5% of the school-aged population, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. It has become an attractive choice for many families for various reasons, ranging from scheduling flexibility to an ability to tailor the educational experience to a child’s individualized needs.
Here, we answer commonly asked questions to help you determine whether homeschooling would be a viable option for your child.
1. What are the benefits of homeschooling?
The most obvious benefit of homeschooling is the flexibility it provides in terms of the curriculum, schedule, and location. Homeschooled children are not bound to a structured timeline, which means they can work at their own speed and focus more intensely on topics that particularly interest them.
Additionally, homeschooling allows for more creativity in classroom instruction as parents are able to create and implement their own activities and exercises. Homeschooling also provides families with a great deal of freedom in terms of the curriculum. Parents can focus on areas of particular interest such as music, art, theatre or foreign languages, or concentrate on certain features of the traditional curriculum such as English or Math.
Further, the choice of instructional materials used by homeschooling parents can range from textbooks to video instruction to learning modules outside of the educational system. Finally, homeschooling can benefit children with learning difficulties or special needs as they’re no longer a small part of a large class of students.
Instead, they receive more personalized instruction tailored to their specific needs and learning styles, often resulting in better academic performance.
2. Is there any evidence that homeschooling can help children succeed?
Homeschooled children are often considered to be one grade level ahead. 80% to 85% of homeschooled children were found to be proficient in reading and 79% were proficient in math according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The flexibility of a homeschooled education allows for a more tailored approach to learning with a focus on the part of the curriculum that the student is interested in.
This allows the student to pursue knowledge more in-depth and grants them a better understanding of the material at hand. Having this mastery of material is beneficial for any college or job application.
Homeschooling also enables the student to focus entirely on academic subjects instead of engaging in the social pressures that co-education can bring. When studies are not centered on grades or academic competition with their peers, homeschooled children tend to gain deeper understanding through repetition, exploration, and experimenting.
3. Will my child miss out on important socialization opportunities?
Socialization is a big concern for many parents considering homeschooling and a common worry is that children will miss out on important social opportunities. In fact, research indicates that homeschooled students tend to be more socially mature than those enrolled in traditional schools, likely due to the large amount of time they spent with their parents and siblings. Homeschooled students can and often do engage in a variety of extracurricular activities and social settings, both through their homeschool network and outside of it.
Most states have homeschool support groups and programs that provide activities for homeschoolers to meet, socialize and work together. Additionally, homeschoolers can attend classes or pursue activities at local museums, libraries and other community-based organizations.
This ensures that children are interacting with their peers of different ages and backgrounds in settings outside the home.
4. Can my child still participate in sports or other extracurricular activities?
In most states, homeschooled students are allowed to participate in public school sports and extracurricular activities. Laws vary from state to state and the process of qualifying for such activities usually involves submitting a homeschool portfolio. This portfolio is used to show that the parent is providing an appropriate education plan and that the student’s educational progress reflects that plan.
In some states, homeschooled students may also be eligible to participate in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports. To do this, a homeschooled student will need to complete their academic requirements, register with their state’s high school athletic association, and take the same standardized tests as other students.
5. How do I decide if homeschooling is the best choice for my child?
It is important to take time to evaluate whether homeschooling is the best choice for your child. At its core, homeschooling is about providing an individualized education for your child, something that is not available in traditional educational systems.
The decision should not just be informed by your child’s academic performance, but also by their overall learning style and goals. Homeschooling might be a good option for children with disabilities, gifted students, students with special interests, or students who perform better in smaller settings. Ultimately, it is important to consider whether your child would benefit from the individualized attention and flexible curriculum that comes with homeschooling.
6. What are the downsides of homeschooling?
As with all educational decisions, there are pros and cons to homeschooling. The most obvious drawback is the amount of time and resources it requires on the part of the parent. Many parents struggle to find the time to commit to homeschooling, or find it difficult to balance working with providing an appropriate and comprehensive education for their children.
Additionally, homeschooled students also miss out on important social activities, such as attending large school events or participating in athletic teams. And finally, the lack of connection with the local school system can make it difficult to determine whether a homeschooled student is meeting state requirements for their grade level and ultimately, whether the student is college-ready.
7. Is homeschooling legal in all states?
Yes, homeschooling is a legal option in all 50 states. The extent to which each state allows homeschooling and the requirements needed to homeschool vary between states.
Currently, all states have some form of regulation requiring an education plan, minimum hours of instruction and occasionally, standardized testing.
8. Are there any age limits or minimum requirements for homeschooling?
Homeschooling laws vary from state to state, with minimum age requirements varying from age 5 to 1 In some states, parents have the option of homeschooling a child before they reach the state-mandated age as long as they have requested and obtained a waiver from the local school district.
Additionally, most states have minimum hours of instruction and/or subjects that need to be covered.
9. What kind of curriculum should I use for homeschooling?
Parents of homeschooled students have a variety of curricula to choose from. From online instruction to textbooks to free online resources, there are a number of options to choose from.
It is important to remember to tailor the curriculum to the student’s individual needs and interests. In addition to traditional grade-level instruction, homeschooling also allows parents to venture into more unorthodox courses and include courses such as woodworking or hands-on science activities. Learning doesn’t have to be limited to a textbook and homework.
Additionally, many states have cooperative homeschooling programs or clubs for parents and students to join in order to share resources and experiences.
10. What is the average cost of homeschooling?
The cost of homeschooling varies widely and is based on the resources that the family chooses to use. Generally, the cost of textbooks and instruction materials can range from as little as $500 to over $3,000 per year depending on the curriculum and the resources chosen. Additionally, many families choose to supplement their homeschool education with various extracurricular activities or tutoring sessions, which can add additional costs.
11. Are there any special considerations that I should keep in mind when homeschooling?
Yes, there are several special considerations that parents should keep in mind while homeschooling. First and foremost, it is important to assess whether you have the necessary time and resources to commit to homeschooling.
It is also important to consider the financial implications, such as the cost of textbooks, materials and extracurricular activities. It is also important to closely evaluate the academic performance and progress of the homeschooled student regularly using standardized tests or other assessments. This will ensure that the student is progressing properly.
12. How do I ensure that my child remains focused?
It is important for the parent of a homeschooled student to set clear boundaries and expectations for the student. This includes designating study time and setting up a structured space for studying and learning. It is also important to be flexible in terms of the curriculum and the materials used.
This can help to keep the student engaged and interested in learning. And finally, having regular discussions with the student and providing extra motivation can help keep them on track and focused on their studies.
13. Are homeschooled students accepted into college?
Yes, homeschooled students are accepted into college and universities. College admission boards are aware that the homeschooling option provides a high-quality education, and are willing to accept students who choose this path. Most colleges will require the homeschooled student to show academic achievement through portfolios, grades, or standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.
Additionally, reference letters from teachers or other adults in the community are also important for college admission staff considering an applicant.
14. What are the differences between homeschooling and online schooling?
Online schooling and homeschooling can be defined as two different entities, although there are some similarities. Homeschooling is a situation where parents teach their children curriculum in the home and receive assistance from outside sources such as tutors or classes. Online schooling is an educational option where children are educated through the use of an online learning system and the curriculum is delivered to the student online.
In general, online school provides students with a more structured learning environment, with teachers and support staff available to help the student with their learning. Additionally, online school allows the student to learn at their own pace, as long as they are able to stay on top of their coursework and assignments.
Homeschooling, on the other hand, is more of a flexible option with parents taking on the role of teachers and shaping the curriculum around their child’s individual interests and needs.
15. What resources are available for parents of homeschooled children?
A variety of resources are available for homeschooling parents. Most states have homeschool cooperatives run by parents that provide support, activities and guidance to homeschooling parents. There are also a number of homeschool-focused websites and blogs that provide support, guidance and practical tips.
Additionally, online homeschooling communities are becoming increasingly popular and offer a range of activities, discussions, and mentorships.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best educational option for your child, you want the best of both worlds: quality instruction and the ability to customize their learning experience. Homeschooling can provide both of these things which might make it the perfect solution for your family.
It is important to consider the major factors involved in homeschooling, including financial costs, time commitment, and socialization implications before making the decision. Answering the questions discussed in this article can help you determine whether homeschooling is the best choice for your child.