How to Switch to Homeschool
With the new school year around the corner, many parents are deciding whether to make the switch from traditional schooling and start homeschooling.
There are many different reasons parents decide to homeschool, including a desire for personalized education, the ability to create a flexible schedule, and the opportunity to teach personal values. Benefits of homeschooling can be the ability to strengthen relationships, promote critical thinking skills, and provide a safe and comfortable learning environment catered to specific interests and talents.
It’s easy to see why families of all ethnicities, incomes, and backgrounds have looked to homeschooling as the best educational option to prepare their child for the real world.
So, you’ve decided to make the switch! Here’s what you need to know to make an easy transition from traditional school to homeschooling.
Preparing for the Change to Homeschooling
If you’ve already decided that homeschooling is right for your child, you may be unsure where to start! Here are some ways to make the switch as smooth as possible for you and your child, as well as some additional tips on getting started with homeschooling.
Research Homeschooling Laws
Every state has its own rules and regulations for homeschoolers. For example, homeschooling laws in California require record keeping of attendance, immunizations, completed courses, and more. Texas doesn’t require any record keeping for homeschoolers (although it’s still a good idea to keep a basic portfolio). To remain compliant, check out our list of homeschooling laws by state, and be sure to stay up to date with any changes in legislation during your homeschool journey.
Formally Withdraw and Submit Proper Notice
This is especially important if you have previously enrolled your child in a conventional school or if you are switching between semesters. Some states require a notice of intent to homeschool, which may need to be sent before removing your child from public school.
Even if you have never enrolled your child in a school, you may still need to notify your district. Laws vary from state to state, so make sure to check with your local school district.
Find a Curriculum
A major benefit of homeschooling is the tailored approach to education. Homeschooled kids are able to pursue special interests, learn at their own pace, and work on the content that’s right for them, without the constraints of a grade level.
Many families of children with disabilities or other learning differences often discover that their public school lacks the necessary resources for their child. However, homeschooling can provide a quality curriculum tailored to meet their unique needs. This can enable them not only to learn but also to thrive. As a result, many children with learning differences find great success and fulfillment in the homeschooling environment.
The good news is that there are more online homeschool programs available now than ever! At Miacademy, our accredited online homeschool curricula are perfect for multi-learner households, with Miacademy serving grades K-8 and MiaPrep serving grades 8-12. Your student can enjoy special features such as:
- Lessons designed by a team of accredited, experienced teachers
- Completely customizable learning paths
- Flexible scheduling and adjustable school calendar
- Unique worksheets, activities, videos, games, and more
- Moderated community features
Overcoming Challenges: Support and Success in Homeschooling
Learning how to homeschool is a big change for everyone! During the transitional period, it’s important to be patient and kind with one another as the whole family adjusts. Keeping the line of communication open, spending quality time together outside of school, and finding support for both parents and kids can help everyone feel comfortable and confident on their new journey.
Involving Your Child
Talking to your child about homeschooling is a good way for them to feel involved in their education. Some children may have concerns about seeing their friends or feeling left out. Creating a pros and cons list with your child or making time for play dates outside of school can be a good way to dissuade their fears and to help them be more receptive to the change.
Making Time for Enrichment
It’s important to add other areas of enrichment for your child when deciding how to homeschool. This way, children have more opportunities to create and maintain friendships outside of the home classroom. Activities to incorporate into your schedule can be:
- Field trips
- Parks, playgrounds, or nature trails
- Music lessons
- Volunteering
- Community center events
- Team sports
Some public schools even allow for homeschooled children to participate in public school sports or after-school activities. Be sure to check with your local district for more information.
Connecting With Other Homeschoolers
Finding another homeschooling family or joining a local homeschool co-op is another way for your child to make friends and for you to find support among other homeschool parents. You could share materials, take group field trips, and get advice from more experienced homeschoolers.
What was your experience like in school? Did you have any subjects you struggled with or maybe still do? Maybe you are really good with numbers, but you struggle with chemistry or Spanish.
A benefit to connecting with other homeschoolers is the ability to outsource subjects to other parents, so everyone can showcase their unique strengths and interests. You could even take turns hosting group classes, so all the kids can benefit from your degree in physics, your neighbor’s native Spanish, or even your best friend’s musical talents.
Setting Goals While Staying Flexible
In the beginning, there can be a lot of challenges with homeschooling. While keeping a routine is important for consistency and time management, it may take a few weeks to find a good pace or system that works for your family.
Setting academic goals with your child can be a great way to connect and build initiative. Setting goals is also a good way for you to track progress and to determine what needs to be reworked for the next chapter or unit. Some possible goals for your student could be:
- Scoring 80% or better on their next test
- Reading 100+ pages in a week
- Finishing a large project that they get to show to their friends
When students are excited about their progress and what they’re learning, it encourages them to continue exploring! Making the switch to homeschooling is a learning process for everyone, so being flexible with your goals is a great way to keep everyone motivated.
Trying a New Approach
There are many different ways to homeschool, so if your first method isn’t a good fit, don’t stress! It may take time to find the method that’s best for your family, or you might find a combination of methods is most effective. The most important thing when choosing a homeschooling style is finding a balance between your child’s needs and your own.
Why Homeschool?
There are many reasons parents decide to homeschool their children, often with benefits for the whole family. Kids can explore their interests and be challenged in new and unique ways, and parents can enjoy the flexibility and peace of mind that come with diverging from the public school grind.
At Miacademy, we believe that all students deserve access to quality education. All of our courses follow the Universal Design for Learning for accessibility and inclusion, and all course content is developed by accredited professional educators with years of expertise. Our moderators and customer service representatives are fully dedicated to providing our homeschool families with the best experience possible.
To find out how Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum can make a difference for your student, be sure to visit our Parents’ Page, or chat with one of our live customer service representatives for more information.
FAQ
Is homeschooling easier than school?
In some ways, it can be. The overall curriculum can be as challenging (or more so!), but students are generally less stressed due to a more relaxed schedule and a better learning environment. Parents may find it requires a larger time commitment. If rushing your kids out the door every morning is the most stressful part of your day, homeschooling can provide a more peaceful and fulfilling experience for both parents and students alike.
How much does it cost to homeschool?
According to Tutors.com, homeschooling can cost anywhere from $500-$2,500 per child per year in the U.S. However, there are some grants and tax benefits available to help buffer that cost, depending on where you live.
Is homeschool effective?
Yes, homeschooling is effective. Students who were homeschooled score above average in achievement tests, regardless of their parents’ education or household income. Homeschooled students tend to score higher than average on college entrance exams as well.
Is homeschooling regulated?
Yes, homeschooling is regulated. Education requirements for homeschoolers are determined by the state. Regulations can include things such as attendance, intent notices, record keeping, test score requirements, mandatory subjects, and more.
Information accurate as of: 08/07/2023. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.