Is It Right For Me?

Homeschooling isn’t for everyone.  

I grew up swimming competitively yet am paying someone to coach my children how to swim; just because we know how to do something as parents doesn’t mean we need to be solely responsible for teaching it to our kids, even if we can do it well.  I don’t love my children any less because I am hiring a coach to teach them butterfly; neither do I love them more because I am homeschooling them instead of enrolling them in our neighborhood school.   

That being said, almost anyone is capable of homeschooling.

Parents curious about teaching their children at home often ask, “What does a good home education look like? When should I delegate some of that instruction to outside co-ops, tutors, the district, or online courses?  And, how do I know if it’s working?” 

These are all thoughtful questions I have entertained from parents countless times over the years.  All homeschooling parents at some time in their careers worry that they aren’t doing enough—the responsibility of education, social formation, and extracurricular development rests heavily on their shoulders, and for good reason.  Preparing a child for life as a fully functioning adult is a significant role.  But, chances are, if parents are asking any of the above questions and finding resources such as Homeschool Expert, they are on the right track.

What to Consider

Before running out to purchase curriculum, a few points to consider.  

Qualifications

First, check your state’s requirements about how to legally homeschool.  Teaching your children at home oftentimes requires a high school diploma or GED, and every state has its own requirements.  Many parents are qualified to legally homeschool their children.

Career Flexibility

If both parents have to work all day, that doesn’t necessarily preclude you from homeschooling.  Should you choose to homeschool privately (see more about what that means on 4 Ways to Homeschool) there is nothing in the rule books saying you have to school during banking hours, Monday through Friday.  Some parents space out shifts and divide content between each to cover it during the week. Even single parent households have found a way to make homeschooling work by providing more of the core content on the weekends and using weekday evenings to go over assignments.

 Budget

Buying curriculum is much like hosting a wedding—you can spend as much or as little as your budget allows, and still get the job done.  I have seen parents provide an excellent education by purchasing beautiful high-end curriculum, hire private tutors, and send their children on international learning tours.  I have also seen parents provide an excellent education with a modest budget, handing their students a math book, a library card, a reading list, and internet access. With that in mind, at a bare minimum I have heard of parents spending $300 per year on a student.  An average homeschool family spends about $800 per year on each student.  The price, of course, can go up from there.  And, for families who are budget constrained, there is the option of “public school at home” where the district reimburses for curriculum expenses. 

Student Needs

Sometimes the driving impetus for homeschooling is that the student needs a change—for social, academic, physical, or life circumstances.  Parents sometimes feel pushed into homeschooling whether or not it is their personal ambition because that is what seems best for their children in that season.  If that is you, take comfort knowing you are not alone.  Many parents’ stories share that same thread—of homeschooling because that’s what their children needed.  There are resources available to help parents equip themselves quickly for the task; the video series on Homeschool Expert is a great start.

Family Goals

What is your primary ambition in homeschooling?  Or, said differently, what do you want to look back on when your kids have left home as some of the most important work you accomplished together?  Sometimes families enter homeschooling thinking it will solve one need, surprised to discover it solves (or reveals, then solves) even more.

My mom pulled me out of a toxic situation at school after 3rd grade and homeschooled me against the advice of both grandfathers (which is putting it mildly) and with tentative initial support from my dad (Dad became a big fan as time went on). She then went on to homeschool my brothers too.  It was not her life’s ambition to homeschool us; it was what we needed given the schooling situation where we lived.  And, despite my grandfathers’ warnings, she didn’t ruin any of us.  Homeschooling was the brightest spot in my childhood. I am grateful to my parents for fostering my love for learning and creativity by educating me at home.