As we’ve previously discussed, finding other homeschoolers can be a great way to learn about your options and discover what might work for your family. While there are virtually limitless amounts of information and personal stories online, there is no substitute for in-person gatherings. When you find homeschooling families in your area, whether through your parish, at local parks, or through established homeschool meet-ups and co-ops, you can learn about options specific to where you live. In this article, we are sharing several areas of your homeschool that can benefit from resources in your local community. Keep reading to find out more!
Sports Leagues for Homeschoolers You might think that homeschooling disqualifies children from organized sports, but this is not the case. In more than 35 states, now including Texas, homeschoolers can participate in sports programs through their local public schools. Laws allowing homeschool participation in public school sports are often called Tim Tebow Laws after the famous, champion football player. Growing up, Tebow’s parents homeschooled their son and his four siblings in Florida. A pioneering Florida law allowed Tebow to play for his local public school’s football team, which marked the beginning of his impressive career. In the decades since, other states have followed Florida in opening up public school sports programs to families who are homeschooling. In addition to public school sports programs, there are many affordable leagues for recreational sports that give children the opportunity to participate in team sports while homeschooling. Look for local rec leagues, churches with accessible teams, and private organizations that offer youth sports.
Enrichment Classes Do you remember high school biology or calculus? If you are not in a career as a scientist or engineer, you may be fuzzy on these subjects. That does not mean you cannot continue to homeschool! If you live near a major city, you have access to classes for homeschoolers through community colleges, museums, nature sanctuaries, and educational non-profits. For high schoolers, it is well worth exploring dual enrollment programs. This option, often available through community college, allows students to get college credit while fulfilling high school graduation requirements. For example, subjects like English composition, Calculus I and II, U.S. History, and many other subjects can count toward high school fulfillment while also earning college credits that are likely to transfer to a bachelor’s degree if the student continues on to college. Art and science museums often have classes for homeschoolers of all ages. These might run weekly or monthly and offer subject-specific classes. These can be a great way to add hands-on learning and experiments that might be difficult to pull off at home. Dissecting on the kitchen table? Many parents would be happy to outsource!
In addition to the established programs like these, families can work together to fill specific needs. If several parents are interested in additional science classes, art, or music, you can find teachers willing to work with you. There might be a parent in the group with expertise to share. Many teachers also offer tutoring outside their standard work hours and could be employed to teach a group of students. If you know of a good school in your area, you can approach a teacher to see if they would be open to tutoring or know another teacher who might be. Beyond these excellent, in-person options for learning at all ages, there are also many online learning opportunities. These are usually best-suited for older students who can manage the screen-time and distractions of distance learning. Through these programs, students can learn from experts and even college professors, expanding their competency in areas of interest.
Extracurriculars Besides standard sports and school subjects, there are many classes for homeschoolers. Local dance studios, martial arts, gymnastics, and music programs offer lessons during regular school hours. Instead of fighting evening traffic, you can attend classes in the middle of the day by moving around the hours of schoolwork. Another benefit to homeschool class options is the ability to enroll children in different age groups in the same day-time class. If you have multiple children homeschooling, it is worth asking if there are discounts for sibling enrollment. As paying for multiple children in any activity can get pricey, you can also see what low- or no cost options are available. Many local parks and recreational facilities offer classes at no cost to the participants, and increasingly they offer a homeschool option. Activities like tennis, basketball, sewing, and many more might be available. These types of offerings may be harder to find if you are in a rural area, but looking through your county or asking about resources at your local library may turn up surprising results.
In conclusion As many homeschooling parents quip, the only challenge with homeschooling is finding enough time to stay home and get the work done! The stereotype of homeschoolers as socially isolated families who never leave the house is far from the experience of most. Whether you are interested in joining sports team, getting support in teaching advanced subjects, or enrolling in extracurriculars, options abound for homeschoolers. As the lifestyle becomes more popular, more options become available. What’s the most surprising class for homeschoolers you’ve found in your area?