Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular, but navigating each state’s homeschool requirements can be overwhelming for newcomers. Fear not! In this article, I will provide you with the essential knowledge needed to navigate these homeschool requirements with ease. From understanding legal requirements to choosing the right curriculum, I will walk you through each important step. I will also share recommended websites for testing, as well as discuss the benefits of attending a homeschool convention. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the tools needed to have a successful homeschool journey!
Disclaimer: Our purpose in sharing our content with you is to try to narrow down the immense amount of information available to you, and to share ideas that have worked for us. Our content is in no way legal advice, and we cannot be held responsible for any adverse effects caused as a result of taking our advice that we share with you on this website.
How to Find the Legal Requirements for Your State
One important aspect of homeschooling is understanding the legal requirements. I would HIGHLY recommend the Homeschools Legal Defense Association’s website, HSLDA – Making homeschooling possible and refer back to this site regularly. Honestly, I would strongly consider that you become a member of this terrific organization. Homeschool laws change from time to time, so make sure you check back with the HSLDA to be sure you’re staying on top of the requirements.
Take time to browse through this entire site, as it is a treasure trove of information. Not only does it list each of the requirements, but it also explains them in terms that are very easy to understand. Understanding the legal requirements can seem daunting, but it’s crucial to ensure compliance and avoid any legal issues down the road.
If you are feeling overwhelmed at this point, take a deep breath. This, for me, was the most stressful part, and I will let you know in the upcoming sections the best ways that I have found to be sure I was fulfilling the requirements.
*ADDITIONAL STATES WILL BE ADDED IN THE FUTURE
Testing is not terrifying!
I understand that many students groan when they hear the word “test”, but it truly is a valuable resource for parents. Although this is not the only metric that you should use when evaluating a student, it is a good way to know what areas you should place more focus on. It can also point out the strengths of each child.
Testing is one of the homeschool requirements for many states. I found that the CAT-5 test through FLO – Home (familylearning.org) was the best option for us. This organization mails you the test and you have 2 weeks to administer it to your child, then you mail it back. They grade it and provide your results in a timely manner! Not only do you receive test scores, but they also let you know where your child ranks within the United States. Once again, while these results are very valuable, they are not a complete picture of how your child is doing.
Once you have a good grasp on your state’s homeschooling requirements, the next step is getting both you and your children involved.
The Importance of Community
One of the biggest benefits of joining a homeschool co-op is the chance to connect with other like-minded families. By attending a co-op, families can connect with others who are on the same path and form meaningful relationships with other homeschooling parents and children. Joining a homeschool group or co-op can provide a sense of community and belonging, not just for the students, but for the parents as well. These groups can offer support, resources, and opportunities for socialization and extracurricular activities.
One of the biggest advantages of joining a group is the ability to share resources and knowledge with other homeschooling families. Group members can exchange curriculum ideas, teaching tips, and advice on navigating the legal requirements of homeschooling. This can lighten the workload for individual families and provide a more well-rounded education for the children.
Another benefit of joining a group is the socialization opportunities it provides. Homeschool groups often organize field trips, parties, and other activities to help students connect with their peers. This can be especially valuable for families who live in more isolated areas or for students who need to develop their social skills.
Lastly, homeschool groups and co-ops can also offer extracurricular activities that individual families may not have the resources to provide. This can include music lessons, sports teams, or drama clubs. By pooling resources, families can offer their children a wider range of activities and experiences.
Attend a Homeschool Convention
In addition to connecting with other families, homeschool conventions also offer a wealth of information for new homeschoolers. Many conventions feature keynote speakers who have years of experience in the homeschooling community and can offer valuable insights on a variety of topics, from curriculum choices to homeschooling methods. There are also a variety of workshops and sessions offered, covering everything from teaching specific subjects to addressing socialization concerns.
In addition, homeschool conventions provide an opportunity to learn about new curriculum options and resources. This can be especially helpful for families who are just starting out and are overwhelmed by the variety of options available. Being able to see and touch different materials and talk to the vendors can make the decision-making process much easier.
If you’re considering attending a homeschool convention, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Be sure to plan ahead and choose which sessions and workshops you want to attend in advance. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure that you don’t miss anything important. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask questions and connect with other families. Homeschool conventions are a great place to network and build relationships that can last for years to come.
Choosing a Curriculum
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with your state’s homeschooling laws, it’s time to choose a curriculum for your students. This can be a daunting task, as there are countless options available. But do not worry—there is no one-size-fits-all curriculum, and you can find the right one for your family’s unique needs.
Another important thing to consider when choosing a curriculum is your teaching style. Are you more hands-off and prefer a self-directed approach? Or do you prefer a more structured curriculum with textbooks and lesson plans? It’s important to choose a curriculum that aligns with your teaching style to ensure a successful homeschooling experience.
Another factor to consider is your child’s learning style. Do they learn best through visual aids, hands-on activities, or reading and writing? You’ll want to choose a curriculum that meets their individual needs and preferences. Check out How to Start Your Own Homeschool for more information about learning styles.
If you are feeling incredibly overwhelmed at this point, I will provide you with a list of the curriculum that I used. Every year, I would re-evaluate and try to talk myself into trying a new curriculum. However, I could not pull myself away from what we were using.
Math U See
These sets are listed in order from Kindergarten through 12th Grade.