Over one million children - about 1 percent of the nation's school-age population - are being educated at home rather than in public or private schools. While some families homeschool for religious reasons, others like the flexibility and the option of tailoring the educational program to each child's needs. Here are some key points to ponder if you are considering homeschooling your child:
- Homeschooling policies - Each community has its own homeschooling policy. You can ask for it at the superintendent's office. You may also find it helpful to talk to other homeschooling parents in your district to discover how local policy is implemented.
- Parent qualifications - You do not have to be a certified teacher or even a college graduate to homeschool your children. You can use other life experiences, credentials, training or learning to show that you are qualified to act as your child's primary educator.
- Homeschooled children and standardized tests - Homeschooled children tend to do better on standardized tests than public school-educated students, according to a study by the Home School Legal Defense Association. The study surveyed 3,034 home-educated students, age 5 and up, who took standardized achievement tests in reading, listening, language/arts, math, science and social studies. On average, the homeschooled students scored at or above the 80th percentile. The national average on these tests for conventionally schooled students is the 50th percentile.
- College - Both public and private colleges and universities routinely accept home-educated students. In fact, colleges often look favorably on students who exhibit the independent study skills that homeschooling fosters.
- Educational materials and resources - Families who begin homeschooling sometimes buy a pre-packaged curriculum, but most mix and match materials from various sources. Children also learn by taking trips to libraries, museums and historical sites.
- The challenges of homeschooling - Homeschooling is a lifestyle decision with financial and career implications. Initially, relatives may not agree with your decision to homeschool, and it may take time and effort to help them understand that this is a valid educational choice. And it is often a challenge for parents to find the right balance between structure and flexibility in choosing and implementing an educational plan. Also, homeschooling makes unique demands on your parenting and housekeeping skills (parents who homeschool usually have their kids help with household tasks).
- Socialization - Despite the common misconception that homeschoolers have trouble socializing, they usually have positive self-images and make friends with kids their own age. They also develop friendships with children of different ages through their special interests - such as sports, clubs, music and theater - just like other children.
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