Considering Homeschooling?

Homeschooling is home-based learning that provides an education customized to suit your child and family. It does not have to look just like school, taught at home; nor do you have to follow a typical school schedule. Homeschooling affords a family the chance to ensure that children are taught in the manner in which they learn best, offering a lot of freedom in guiding your child’s education. More than just an educational choice, homeschooling typically represents a lifestyle choice for families.

In crafting a lifestyle, homeschoolers have the opportunity to:

• spend more time together as a family.
• live a more relaxed lifestyle by setting their own schedules in accordance with values, personalities and goals.
• travel more, especially at less expensive and less crowded off-peak times.
• celebrate religious and special family days.
• spend time outdoors and in the community.
• explore their passions.
• spend more time learning life skills, such as cooking, gardening, managing money, car repair and using technology.

In terms of academic pursuits, homeschooled children have the opportunity to:

• learn subjects not usually taught in schools.
• learn at their own pace, more advanced in some subjects and less advanced in others.
• take field trips when desired, to enrich learning.
• have time for more in-depth study.
• be introduced to new concepts when they have reached an appropriate developmental stage.
• have uninterrupted blocks of time long enough to be able to engage in sophisticated, complex activities and thought processes.
• develop the ability to pace themselves.
• learn in a manner suited for their own particular learning style.
• work for internal satisfaction rather than external rewards, learning to judge the quality of their work.
• seek out assistance from many alternative sources, rather than relying on a classroom teacher to provide all the answers.

With respect to socialization, homeschoolers may:

• expand their social interactions beyond a classroom of children who are the same age and from the same school precinct.
• volunteer in the community as part of a regular schedule.
• develop stronger bonds with siblings, parents, extended family and close friends by spending time together playing, working, and helping each other.
• experience less peer pressure to grow up quickly in terms of clothing styles, music, language and interests in adult activities.
• be comfortable in being “different” with minimized risk of being bullied.
• learn family values by seeing and participating in parents’ daily lives.

Homeschooled children may get a headstart preparing for their futures, including higher education and employment, by:

• exploring their passions and vocational interests at an early age.
• undertaking internships/apprenticeships at a much younger age than is possible within the school system.
• being employed during the school day–in Virginia, at the age of 16.

The economics of homeschooling can be challenging for some, but they aren’t insurmountable. Many homeschooling families are already living on one (or in some other way reduced) income in order for one parent to spend more time at home. Some families find they have a richer, more fulfilling lifestyle with a smaller house, less ‘stuff,’ and more time together. Remember, it is possible to work and manage your children’s education.

Beginning homeschoolers run the risk of buying unnecessary, inappropriate or overly expensive curriculum. Be prepared to take time finding the right materials, and be ready to switch until you find the curriculum that suits your child’s learning style. Get your feet wet with homeschooling before making any big purchases. Resist the false assurance of an expensive, professionally-created curriculum package at the beginning. We’ve all been there, and most of us have shelves full of unused materials to prove it.

There is no one ‘right’ way to homeschool; many families do a great job with just a library card and internet access. Check your local library, used book stores, look for used materials online or at VaHomeschoolers’ annual Used Resource Sale, and connect with local homeschoolers and ask to look at the materials on their shelves before purchasing.

Another thing to consider is that if one parent takes the lead in managing the homeschooling, the other parent must recognize that this role is a major investment of time and effort.  An adjustment of expectations may be necessary. For example, if one parent stops working (for money) in order to facilitate homeschooling, the other parent must remember that the household has not just gained a full-time maid.

If finances are of concern to you, please refer to the Costs of Homeschooling, an article from VaHomeschoolers Voice magazine.

Yes, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. Each state has its own laws regarding homeschooling, and the legal requirements vary widely across the country.

Click here for an overview of the homeschooling-related laws in Virginia.

There is no one way to homeschool! Visit our page on Styles and Approaches for an overview of some popular methods, but many homeschoolers mix-and-match approaches in ways that work best for their own families.

No, you can begin to homeschool at any time.

Others in your situation have homeschooled with help.

Read all about the different ways to comply with (or to be considered exempt from) the compulsory attendance code in Virginia. Most homeschoolers, however, homeschool under the home instruction statute.