Three Questions To Ask When Making The Decision To Homeschool

by Kristen White Blogger

The first question is whether the student and family understand the options for homeschooling, and which may be the best fit for their home. If the parent wants to be the primary teacher, then they will want to be sure they have the time for this exciting and rewarding time. While there may be a commitment to homeschool sometimes parents may not be ready to be the primary teacher. Some families recognize that an external instructor will be more effective, so they work with an accredited online program with a host of experienced teachers who work on a part and full-time basis with students. On the other side, talk with the kids to see if they are okay with the expected change in environment and how best to set them up for success.

Lifestyle is just one of the reasons that families switch to online homeschool programs because they are in the military and traveling a lot, have health conditions that prevent regular attendance or want their belief system incorporated into the curriculum. Stability is one of the biggest benefits with homeschooling because kids know the ‘classroom’, they know where they are going to be, who is going to help them and what they need to do for the day. This can relieve stress and unexpected pressure for students who need a higher-level of stability instead of the uncertainty of a public school. If your lifestyle is preventing them from getting a quality education, then maybe it’s time to look at homeschooling platforms as the solution.

What form of homeschooling do you want to use is the third, and most important question because there are several options to choose from with their own unique variations and responsibilities. The best online homeschool programs are the easiest for everyone because the school handles the records, enrollment requirements, curriculum and even the teaching so that parents can remain in supportive roles and act as tutors when needed. The other possibilities require more parent involvement and may be a bit overwhelming for first-time families in homeschooling. It’s important to establish the underlying reasons for switching to a homeschool environment to determine if this is a short or long-term change and the benefits both parent and student are expecting to get out of the change.

Homeschooling has grown in popularity so it’s not uncommon to have at least one or two families within your social group, at Church in Sunday School class or through a club association to be homeschoolers. Take a few minutes and ask them relevant questions about what they like/dislike, which option they use and why and helpful tips they can provide to avoid any pitfalls. Each family is different in their needs, expectations, time commitment, financial budget and reasons so the solution has to be a decision that is made by those it will affect the most. Go online and try out the free demos for online homeschool platforms, talk to an admissions counselor and see how this method can deliver everything your student needs with an organized and simple path so you, as the parent, can watch and assist as they need it for successful results.