As the current school year winds down, many families are looking ahead to the fall. The end of an academic year can be a good time to move out of a traditional school setting and begin homeschooling. The great news is that you can homeschool!
We’ve already shared information about the potential benefits and challenges of homeschooling for your family. Here are a few considerations for making a smooth transition from a traditional institution of learning to the one-room schoolhouse known as home.
Withdrawing from Public or Private Schools
If your children are currently enrolled in a public school in Texas, you will need to send a letter informing the school that you are withdrawing your child with the intention of homeschooling beginning on a specific date.
The Texas Homeschool Coalition explains, “You are not legally required to register with your local school district or receive their permission to homeschool, but according to Texas Education Agency (TEA) policy you must officially withdraw your child(ren) from public school if they are already enrolled by sending a letter of intent.” Beyond this letter officially withdrawing your child, there are no legal requirements to submit curricula, demonstrate work, or track hours for your school district. If you are in another state, check for requirements to withdraw and check to see if there are testing or portfolio requirements where you live. For children attending private school, withdrawal depends on the policies of the particular institution. Registration fees and tuition payments may or may not be refundable, depending on how much advance notice you are able to provide.
Finding Co-ops and Fellow Homeschoolers
A key to success for many parents is finding other homeschool families. Experienced homeschoolers often have a wealth of knowledge to share, including homeschool specific classes, extracurriculars, and social meetups.
In getting to know the homeschool groups and co-ops in your area, you will also need to decide what your homeschool days will look like. Some families like to have a designated school room with classroom desks and a set schedule for work each day. If this is a good fit for your family, you may want to find a homeschool group that has a monthly field trip instead of one that meets weekly for several hours.
Other homeschool families prefer to take school on the go, taking advantage of homeschool lessons and activities in between lessons at home. Still others join a hybrid model or more formal co-op that requires regular, weekly attendance. We have more information on co-ops and resources.
Selecting Curricula
Once you have determined the set up and schedule that will likely work for you and your children, you also need to consider curricula. As we have previously noted, Texas has basic requirements for curricula, but within those parameters there is a wide range of options and self-directed study that is possible. Other states may have more rigorous standards.
It may seem backwards to pick the school style and schedule first and then the curricula for particular subjects. However, we often forget that the curriculum is meant to serve our children, not the other way around. There is no one foolproof way to teach reading, math, history, or science. The needs of your family and the particular learning style of your children will determine what works.
Deschooling: The Perfect Way to Spend the Summer
We’ve discussed elsewhere the benefits of “deschooling.” This term refers to a time of unstructured activity, often primarily in and around the home, aimed at building strong relationships and helping children reset after time in a formal school setting.
Deschooling might involve family time outside gardening or taking extra bike rides or nature walks. Some kids may enjoy extended time building with Legos or learning a new craft or hobby. Family read alouds or quiet time for everyone to read can also be a great bonding activity. Think of it as a time set aside to focus on the activities you “never have time for” but want to do.
As many homeschoolers have observed, you cannot recreate a school environment at home. Brick-and-mortar school and schooling at home are two different experiences. While school typically meets five days a week for six to eight hours, the academic content for different grade levels (especially in the early years) can be met in one to two hours a day. The rest of your time homeschooling can be spent in rich learning activities and building close family relationships, but everyone needs to adjust to a different way of life and new and different expectations.
In the move from traditional schooling to home, parents also take on the responsibilities of day-to-day instruction. This can bring some insecurity and friction. Intentionally setting aside time before formal lessons begin can allow time to improve the parent-child relationship before diving into schoolwork.
While it might be tempting to test out curricula and “get ahead” over the summer, if you are new to homeschooling allowing the summer to be a time of deschooling can set you up for success in the fall. And it is a very fun way to spend the summer!
Closing Thoughts
A generation ago, homeschooling was virtually or explicitly illegal in many states. As educational freedom has gained legal recognition, more parents are choosing this unconventional path to learning. If you have felt called to explore homeschooling, now is a time with abundant resources, co-ops, and social support to make it a success.
If you are finally taking the plunge and withdrawing from a brick-and-mortar school this year, you can take action now to set up a successful school year.