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These important factors could be the difference between your child becoming a high school graduate or not
Key Points:
- Teaching at home requires specific demands that cannot be overlooked
- Comprehensive curriculums can be overwhelming but need to be followed to a tee
- One education expert explains the most important aspects of homeschooling to ensure a fulfilling education
Homeschooling has never been more popular. People have many different reasons for abandoning the traditional school system, but as concerns about safety, transportation, and overall experience rise, so does the presence of online programs to assist with homeschooling.
However, shouldering the challenge of homeschooling can be daunting and shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are many requirements to satisfy before a child can be awarded their full credentials.
As Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School, informs us, “Not everyone can commit the time needed to homeschool a child, despite their best efforts. But with some assistance and a good bit of research, it is possible to provide your child with a top-tier education so they are adequately prepared for the future.”
Use these tips as a jumping-off point to determine if homeschooling is right for you and your family.
Registration Requirements
In almost all states, parents need to register their child with the local school district upon starting homeschooling. Some states are exempt from this law, including Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, and a handful of others.
Vasilii states, “Registration involves submitting a letter of intent to homeschool and an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) outlining the educational goals and materials. Each state will have its own edition, so check locally rather than through federal resources.”
Qualifications for Parents
There are 10 states that require at least one parent to have a high school diploma or equivalent to homeschool their children (Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia).
In some states, such as North Dakota, if the parent doesn’t have this qualification, they can designate a certified teacher to supervise their child’s education.
Required Subjects
Vasilii points out that, “In most states, homeschooling parents must cover the following subjects: arithmetic, reading, writing, geography, the sciences, and U.S. history. Students in grades 1-6 must be taught an appreciation of the arts, and health education must be taught in grades 7-12.”
However, states like Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, New Jersey, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas all offer homeschooling parents greater flexibility in terms of subject requirements. They require either minimal or no specific subjects to be taught. Make sure to check local regulations.
Compulsory Attendance
States differ on regulations surrounding compulsory attendance. For example, the state of New York requires children between the ages of 6 and 16 to attend school. Homeschooled children must adhere to this attendance requirement by completing at least 180 days of instruction per year to ensure an uninterrupted educational experience.
Other states like Texas, Indiana, Iowa, and a few others do not have any regulations in regards to attendance.
Record-Keeping
Homeschooling parents must keep records of their child’s attendance, instruction, and evaluation results for at least two years unless they live in Indiana, Oklahoma, Alaska, Iowa and a handful of others.
The school district may request these records for review. “If you cannot provide these documents, your child may not be awarded a graduating certificate,” warns Vasilii.
Access to Extracurricular Activities
Homeschooled children in New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and 14 others have the right to participate in public school extracurricular activities, such as sports teams and clubs, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements set by the school district.
“Take advantage of these programs as they are a great way to give your child the social skills that homeschooling inevitably lacks,” suggests Vasilii.
Use Online Tools to Meet State Requirements and Bolster Learning
To help parents navigate these state requirements while tailoring education to their child’s unique needs, Vasilii suggests using online education platforms to simplify the process. These resources provide structured guidance, curriculum planning tools, and interactive lessons, allowing parents to remain compliant with state regulations while offering a customized learning experience.
Here are some key online tools that can assist in both meeting state mandates and personalizing your child’s education journey:
- Time4Learning – This online homeschool curriculum provides comprehensive, interactive courses in all core subjects for grades PreK-12. “It also includes lesson planning tools and resources to help parents meet all state requirements,” Vasilli adds.
- Khan Academy – This website offers free educational videos and interactive exercises on various subjects to help teachers vary their lesson plans and provide a wide array of knowledge.
- Education.com – This is another site that helps with lesson plans, worksheets, and activities for all subjects and grade levels. “It also offers a section specifically for New York state homeschoolers,” Vasilii points out.
Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School commented:
“It’s understandable why so many people are turning to homeschooling, but our school curriculum and systems have been carefully curated based on decades of experience. It’s important to utilize the hard work that thousands of teachers have put into helping your children and your children’s children. We all want the same thing for our kids, and even though many will learn at home, we should still stick together to help each other grow.
“Using today’s technology is our greatest asset in keeping kids safe while also giving them the best education possible. Use what we have to its full extent, and we’ll be providing our kids with the best opportunities in the history of mankind; it’s an exciting time!”
About Legacy Online School
Legacy Online School provides a high-quality, flexible, and accredited online education for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Their curriculum is designed to foster academic excellence and personal growth, allowing students to learn at their own pace. With a team of experienced educators, Legacy Online School combines interactive digital tools with personalized support, ensuring each student’s success. The school emphasizes a well-rounded education, including extracurricular activities and college prep guidance, to prepare students for future endeavors.
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Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
