Homeschooling 101
We frequently get visitors to HC USA who have found themselves, for various reasons, looking to start homeschooling their teen(s) immediately, without a whole summer or more of time to research and learn about this educational choice before diving right in. If you are in this position, don't panic. The following quick guide will get you started. Meanwhile, you can direct your child(ren) to our Emergency Get Started Courses, if needed. (Note: If your state laws allow, we recommend instead that you take a week or two to "deschool" and adjust to your new lifestyle. Your children can spend that time reading and exploring various interests while you take a crash course in Homeschooling 101.)
1. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. It has been for many years now and yet you will still occasionally meet someone who claims otherwise. Your very first step as a brand new homeschooler should be determining the laws that govern your state. They can vary wildly, so even if your cousin homeschools her children, if she doesn't live in the same state you do, you do not want to simply follow whatever she must do to meet her state's accountability laws.
You can begin your research at the HSLDA website. Click on your state and get an analysis of the laws you must follow. (You do not have to be an HSLDA member, but you will need to create a free account to access this information.) Next, do an online search to find your state-wide homeschool association by putting something like: "YOUR STATE NAME - homeschool association" into your favorite search engine. Your association will also help you with understanding what laws you must follow.
This is critical and you need to take care of this immediately. You do not want to find yourself in trouble with your school district or state simply because you failed to follow laws you were unaware of.
2. Your next step is to research homeschooling. There is so much information out there, it's hard to even decide where to start. This link can help point you in the right direction. And don't overlook your local library. Check to see what homeschooling books they offer.
Research, research, research. There is no one way to homeschool and you should take the time to learn about all the different methods and styles so that you can choose what makes the most sense for your children. You may find that the free curriculum offered here at HC USA works great for you, or you may decide to go with some other program or method.
If you can find an inexpensive copy of this book (or better yet, request it from your library), it has a lot of great information about homeschooling in the high school years.
3. Find a local support group. While there is a wealth of information online, you should also reach out and find other homeschoolers in your area. Support groups provide everything from opportunities for your children to participate in sports and social activities to mentoring for new homeschool moms. Your local support group can really help you with advice and, as the name indicates, support.
4. Make a plan for your school days/weeks/year. Will your children study each subject daily, or focus on a few at a time? Whatever you decide, just be prepared to be flexible and find what works for your family.
5. Make a habit now of keeping good records. You can visit the portfolio page for more information.
6. Don't panic. Yes, this does deserve repeating. Learn your laws. Find a support group. Do your research. Make a plan. Keep good records. You'll probably go through a lot of trial and error, but if you do these things listed here, you will find your "sea legs" and discover you can do this.
7. Above all else? Enjoy the journey. Learning should be a life-long endeavor. Start now, and don't ever look back.
1. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. It has been for many years now and yet you will still occasionally meet someone who claims otherwise. Your very first step as a brand new homeschooler should be determining the laws that govern your state. They can vary wildly, so even if your cousin homeschools her children, if she doesn't live in the same state you do, you do not want to simply follow whatever she must do to meet her state's accountability laws.
You can begin your research at the HSLDA website. Click on your state and get an analysis of the laws you must follow. (You do not have to be an HSLDA member, but you will need to create a free account to access this information.) Next, do an online search to find your state-wide homeschool association by putting something like: "YOUR STATE NAME - homeschool association" into your favorite search engine. Your association will also help you with understanding what laws you must follow.
This is critical and you need to take care of this immediately. You do not want to find yourself in trouble with your school district or state simply because you failed to follow laws you were unaware of.
2. Your next step is to research homeschooling. There is so much information out there, it's hard to even decide where to start. This link can help point you in the right direction. And don't overlook your local library. Check to see what homeschooling books they offer.
Research, research, research. There is no one way to homeschool and you should take the time to learn about all the different methods and styles so that you can choose what makes the most sense for your children. You may find that the free curriculum offered here at HC USA works great for you, or you may decide to go with some other program or method.
If you can find an inexpensive copy of this book (or better yet, request it from your library), it has a lot of great information about homeschooling in the high school years.
3. Find a local support group. While there is a wealth of information online, you should also reach out and find other homeschoolers in your area. Support groups provide everything from opportunities for your children to participate in sports and social activities to mentoring for new homeschool moms. Your local support group can really help you with advice and, as the name indicates, support.
4. Make a plan for your school days/weeks/year. Will your children study each subject daily, or focus on a few at a time? Whatever you decide, just be prepared to be flexible and find what works for your family.
5. Make a habit now of keeping good records. You can visit the portfolio page for more information.
6. Don't panic. Yes, this does deserve repeating. Learn your laws. Find a support group. Do your research. Make a plan. Keep good records. You'll probably go through a lot of trial and error, but if you do these things listed here, you will find your "sea legs" and discover you can do this.
7. Above all else? Enjoy the journey. Learning should be a life-long endeavor. Start now, and don't ever look back.
