Homeschooling is an educational model in which parents take on the responsibility of teaching their children instead of sending them to a traditional public or private school. In this model, parents choose the subjects to be taught, the curriculum and teaching methods, plan the schedule and teach or facilitate instruction. It is an independent education, led by parents and funded by parents. The way homeschooling works is for a parent to guide their child in their education from home.
This can be done with a traditional homeschool curriculum that you buy (also called a “boxed curriculum”) that often comes with everything you need, including lessons and quizzes, tests, and writing assignments. You can also find online homeschooling programs that your children complete online. Some homeschooling parents educate their children through high school and place them in public or private schools. It's important to note that most homeschooling parents spend a lot of money buying a home-schooling curriculum and countless hours planning classes, schedules, and more. If there is any doubt about whether homeschooling is the right choice for your family, you may need to rethink the program you want for your child or if homeschooling in your state really is the better option than private or public schools. The educational philosophy chosen by a homeschooling family will significantly influence the structure of their days.
However, you can organize your homeschooling schedule and day in a way that works best for your family. Curriculum costs will vary, and some can be expensive, even running into the hundreds of dollars of a homeschool curriculum. The homeschooling environment allows children to progress at their own pace until they master the necessary materials. It can be difficult to homeschool your child, especially in the beginning when you're just figuring things out. In some states, students who study at home must submit the results of a standardized test (sometimes from an established list of tests) or have a qualified teacher perform a narrative evaluation. Virtual or virtual public schools (usually charter schools) imitate the main aspects of the homeschooling paradigm, for example, teaching takes place outside of a traditional classroom, usually at home.
Families can choose to homeschool throughout their children's education, or they can do so only for a few years before transferring their children back to the regular school system. Generally, a homeschooling family can go on more field trips and visit more places than traditional schools. It's natural to have a lot of questions about homeschooling, especially when you're new to the process (or you're simply researching your options), because there's a certain mystery and confusion surrounding homeschooling and how it all works. While students can follow their own pace and work independently most of the time, it's ultimately up to parents to make sure their children meet state standards and are ready to graduate.
