FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Answers You Need
CAN I HOMESCHOOL MY OWN CHILDREN?
If your desire is to teach your child, you can. Show me a parent of a child diagnosed with a rare disability and I'll show you a new expert in that field. The same concept applies to educating your children. Parents have a sense of obligation, motivation, and dedication unparalleled to others. Additionally, due to the ratios, parents can typically personalize their child's education to their learning style, interest, and family. Whether you teach all of their classes, find a co-op or educational program to assist, or rely on an online curriculum, you can find a solution.
HOW DO I START?
Start with a deep breath. Everything will be okay! Now, understand why you are homeschooling. Come up with your top three reasons and evaluate them annually. If things change, your decision may change and that's okay. If you're on a waitlist for your dream school and an opening occurs, take it. However, if your child had problems in a traditional classroom, sending her to school after you've hit a rough patch won't have the intended impact. Keep in mind that the reasons families begin homeschooling aren't the reasons most continue homeschooling. Finally, define education for yourself. For me, it includes volunteering, understanding how to run a household, and building close sibling relationships, so these are incorporated into our education.
SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR TO REMOVE MY CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL?
That depends on your situation. If there is not a sense of urgency, i.e. immediate harm physically, mentally, or emotionally to your child, and you need time to prepare, yes, allow them to finish out the school year. However, if you think your child might have a negative experience, pull them as soon as possible.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE TO HOMESCHOOL?
It varies per family. However, elementary school can take from about three hours a day of direct learning based on the child. Keep in mind that time doesn't need to be consecutive. Middle and high school can take three to six hours a day based on the program and child.
MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Answers You Need
HOW DO I SELECT A PROGRAM?
Begin with discovering your educational philosophy, move on to learning Styles, then find a program, curriculum, or network to provide the support you need. Some families only work independently, while others homeschool in the community. There is no right or wrong way, just what works best for you during that season in your life. Ensure that whatever you do keeps your child's best interest in mind.
HOW DO I FIND OTHER HOMESCHOOLERS?
There are Facebook groups, local homeschool groups, and websites to find information and support.
HOW CAN WE PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS?
In addition to park leagues and Homeschool Leagues, some private schools like Crescent City Christian School allow homeschool students to participate in their programs.
WHAT ARE DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAMS?
Several colleges and universities offer Early Start Programs, which affords students the opportunity to earn high school credit and college credit simultaneously while remaining in the familiar environment of their high schools.
Delgado
Southeastern
SUNO
UNO
University of Holy Cross
Learn more on our High School Page.