Homeschooling

I would like to do an article today about homeschooling. In previous writings I have stated that I have chosen to homeschool my three children. My son, the eldest child, is in middle school. My middle child is in preschool and the youngest is yet to reach school age. I wish to share my invaluable first hand knowledge with those that may be contemplating a switch. The first steps can be daunting and below are the things I  wish I knew when I was starting out. I do not judge people who choose to teach their child differently. This is simply my informative view on the subject.

Upon a quick internet search and a few reddit threads and one quickly realizes options for homeschooling are almost limitless. Basically there are three categories each option falls into. Public virtual learning, private online schools and traditional homeschooling. Each group has its own classifications and rules which only adds to the confusion.

Public virtual learning is brick and mortar schooling but strictly online. Children have live classes with teachers that they are required to attend along with daily assignments. Standard state testing is also mandatory for specific grades which are held in person. Parent participation is usually minimal although a success coach is recommended to provide extra support when needed. This can be a parent or another adult. Public virtual learning is free and a laptop as well as other materials are provided by the school. Schedule flexibility and requirements vary based on which programs are selected.


Private or charter schools are independent organizations that provide curriculum to students. Some offer live classes with teachers while others have recorded sessions to watch. Both typically have modules or class work to follow as well. The curriculum includes the core subjects along with various electives. These types of schools usually require tuition. The prices vary depending on grade, location, and sector. Each school determines their own requirements and testing expectations.


Traditional homeschooling offers both free and paid options. The parent is responsible for determining what  the daily schedule consists of, along with what is being taught.  Several platforms offer different materials for each subject and grade. Some of these offer entire curriculums for parents to utilize, others focus on specific courses. One platform may have a grading tool and quiz maker when the next one does not. One may have printables while the others require workbooks. Whether it be recordings, printables, slide shows, games, crafts, books, worksheets, or PDF, the list is endless on available resources. It is up to the parent to teach, grade, and monitor the students’ work and success.

Another important aspect is accreditation. While all public schools are accredited, some private and homeschooling options are not. When it comes to highschool and graduation, this aspect can make some people nervous. While accredited schools provide diplomas, non-accredited schools do not. However, there are still ways to obtain a diploma within those types of schools and are essentially the same award.

I have tried brick and mortar school and quickly found it was not a great fit. I then went to public online learning and finally to traditional homeschooling. Each one has its own downfalls but any choice allows the child to learn from the comfort of their home, or wherever they choose. .

Each and everyday I wake up and my focus is on my children. I spent the whole morning with them making meaningful memories. When I watch the news of the world today it is appalling what kids are exposed to at any given age. I will not name out specifics, there are hundreds of examples to choose from  in regards to children being taught wrong or taken advantage of. We have one shot as  parents to teach our children what they need to survive in this world. Why not make every day count.

It is a mere 6,579 days from birth to 18 years. That is approximately 2,550 school days. That number seems so small when looking from this perspective doesn’t it?


I’m not going to say homeschooling is for everyone, because it’s not. I’m not saying it will be easy or stress free. All I’m saying is anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

I think I have finally found what works for my family and I didn’t find it on the first try. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Homeschooling does not require a degree or some vast database of knowledge.
It does however, require parents to take an active role in their child’s learning. I am blessed to have the ability to homeschool my children. I am grateful for every milestone reached and goal achieved. As always my children are my greatest accomplishment.

If homeschooling sounds like the right path to explore, always start with your local laws and statutes. Every state has their own requirements and guidelines that homeschoolers must follow. Most states require a letter of intent to homeschool to be sent to your local board of education office. This will exclude you from any truancy issues. Other states require you to keep a portfolio as well to document the work that has been done. Typically these requirements fall under the traditional homeschooling route.

Another worry is socialization. Even that can be resolved with a little bit of effort. I was able to find a local homeschool community that meets up regularly. I have found sports through local churches and independent organizations. I have seen older children volunteer in the community and local groups put on dances and parties. Socialization is still an option, you just have to look for them. You don’t have 7 flyers coming home in a folder offering girl scout cookies, basketball and cheerleading sign ups and dance classes. However, they still exist in the community and are separate from the public school sector. Start by joining local Facebook groups and looking for co-ops in your area.

I went to brick and mortar school pre-k through senior year. When I graduated I had no idea how to sustain myself or what it took to make it in the real world. I couldn’t write a check, form a resume, pay a bill, or make an appointment. I was clueless on what I wanted to do with my life let alone what I NEEDED to do. My goal is to give my children a better start than I had, which will hopefully carry on for generations.

Thank you for your time and I hope someone out there finds this article helpful.