The Growing Popularity of Homeschooling: Is It Right for Your Family?
Search for a list of famous people who were homeschooled, and you might be surprised by what comes up. It reads like a Who’s Who of the brilliant, the talented, and the successful. Of course, a search of famous people who attended school outside the home will yield equally impressive results. The point is, homeschooling has proven itself to be as effective, if not more effective, than traditional schooling.
Homeschooling is a method of educating children in which one or more children are taught by their parents at home. Occasionally, two families may combine their efforts and divide teaching duties. Tutors may also be employed to supplement parental instruction. By carefully considering a variety of relevant factors, you can decide if homeschooling your child is the right option for your family.
There are many resources available to parents who want to learn more about homeschooling. The quickest resource will be the many websites that focus on homeschooling issues and practices. You’ll also find a variety of helpful magazines and books on the subject. These resources are general and apply to all homeschooling families.
However, your most valuable resource will be other parents. Families who are already homeschooling can provide firsthand accounts of what to watch out for and how to do it effectively. If these parents live nearby, even better! They can advise you on local laws, testing requirements, and helpful resources in your community.
You may also want to find a local homeschooling association; they can help you better understand legal concerns and other issues surrounding homeschooling.
Key Considerations for Homeschooling Your Child
Wherever you go to gather information, here are some important considerations you will need to explore to help you make your decision:
- Laws: There are laws and procedures in place to distinguish homeschooled children from truants. Check the laws in your state or province, as they vary regionally. Many areas require documentation of your child’s status as a homeschool student and may have testing requirements. Make sure you stay on top of all necessary legal requirements to avoid future issues.
- Family Finances: At least one parent will need to be home to teach, which may mean cutting the family’s income in half. Some parents have found that staggering work schedules or starting a home-based business helps them maintain income while meeting homeschooling priorities.
- Homeschooling Costs: Once you decide where in the home you will conduct lessons, assess your furnishing needs. You likely won’t need additional furniture, and if you lack technology, using the public library’s computers can be a cost-effective solution. The biggest expense is typically current textbooks and teaching resources. While schools buy these in bulk, lowering per-child costs, you may need to share resources with other families to offset costs.
- Increased “School Time”: In addition to the time spent in one-on-one lessons with your child, you’ll also spend time planning lessons, grading assignments, and organizing enrichment activities (like field trips and science experiments).
- Decreased “Me Time”: With all the time spent planning, teaching, and assessing, you won’t have those six hours to yourself each day that other parents have when their children attend traditional schools.
- Your Child’s Socialization: Traditional schools provide students with opportunities to socialize with 20 or 30 other kids each day. In a homeschool setting, your child’s interactions may be limited to siblings or neighbors. You’ll need to put extra effort into providing social opportunities for your child, though this gives you more control over their social circle.
- Family “Buy-In”: Homeschooling requires agreement and support from both parents. While not all children will be 100% enthusiastic about homeschooling, they need to be at least somewhat cooperative for it to succeed.
- 13-Year Plan: Does your family plan on homeschooling from kindergarten through high school? Or is it best suited for your children’s elementary years? Whether it’s for a few years or through graduation, having a plan helps define your goals. It’s not set in stone, though—you can always return to traditional schooling if needed.
- Curriculum and Instruction: Even if you don’t have a degree in education, you’re likely well-equipped to teach your child. The personal interest you have in their success can be more valuable than any certification. Familiarizing yourself with national and state standards, as well as local curriculum documents, can help you tackle instructional challenges. There are many books available to help teach specific subjects, just as classroom teachers refer to them.
- Challenging Subjects: Many parents are concerned about teaching subjects they struggled with during their own school years. Thankfully, many resources are available online and in bookstores to help. You can also consider hiring a tutor or exchanging teaching duties with another homeschool parent (“I’ll teach English literature if you teach calculus”).
- College Admissions: Just as homeschooling laws vary by community, so do college entrance requirements. Be sure to check with schools your child is interested in to ensure you’re on track, especially as your child enters high school.
Deciding how to meet your child’s educational needs is always a tough decision. With so many options, it’s easy to worry about choosing the perfect route. But by thoughtfully considering the many issues surrounding homeschooling, you can make an informed decision that is right for your family—and for your child.
