... a ministry to Homeschooling Families

A: Yes, most parents have what it takes to homeschool their children. Parents love their children more and know them better than anyone else. They also want the best for their children. It is this love, knowledge and desire that makes the parent well suited to be the teacher for their children. That said, it does take effort to learn how to homeschool. The first thing we study is our children. The better we understand them, the better we will be able to teach them. We also need to study educational philosophies, learning styles, curricula (what kind and what's available) and how to teach different subjects. So, parents who love their children and are willing to put forth the effort make the best teachers for their children.

A: This is one of the most commonly asked questions about homeschooling. The truth is that homeschoolers are generally better socialized than children who go to institutional schools. Parents are the best socializers, teaching their children how to get along with others. Many people have the misconception that homeschoolers are isolated and kept away from other children. This is not true for most homeschoolers. Homeschoolers have many opportunities weekly to be with people outside their family. One difference is that homeschoolers have an opportunity to socialize with people of all ages, not just their age mates. Therefore they learn to get along with different ages. The age barrier is not as strong with homeschooled children as it usually is with children who go to school. Studies bear this truth out. There have been several studies to evaluate the socialization of homeschooled children and they have all shown that the homeschooled students have social skills on a par with or better than students taught in a classroom. Homeschool students tend to be more inclusive of people who are different from themselves, and homeschool graduates believe that homeschooling better prepared them to engage the real world.

A: That depends on what you really mean by that question. If you mean when can you actually start working with your child, that process begins at birth. As you parent your child, doing all of the things that a good parent should do, you are homeschooling. There are appropriate learning activities at all ages, and there are books available to teach a parent about these stages of development and what can be done at each stage. The time to start book work, such as reading, writing and arithmetic depends on the readiness of your child. In Oregon,  the compulsory attendance age is seven. Inn Washington, it is eight. So, if you have started in the early years, the year that your child turns seven or eight you need to notify the state that you are opening a homeschool. For older children, it is recommended that you notify the state in the middle of the summer before the school year starts.

A: Homeschoolers generally get their curriculum and other resources from two main sources, book fairs and catalogs. There are a few bookstores that carry homeschool materials; check with a local support group about this availability. Don't forget the public library. Wise homeschoolers will get to know how to use and what's available at their library. We are their best patrons.  Annual curriculum exhibits are also run throughout the region.  The internet has become an invaluable tool for buying used curriculum and other wonderful Homeschooling tools.  Be sure to ask a seasoned homeschooler where he or she buys her books!

A: There is no simple answer to this question. There are many good products for homeschoolers to consider. Homeschool parents must study and research to determine the best curriculum for their family. There are books that describe the resources available. It is a good idea to talk to other homeschoolers about what has been successful and unsuccessful for them. Parents need to select leaning materials that fit their child's learning style and their family.

A: All you need to tell the school is that  you are withdrawing your child from the school. It is best to document your decision with a letter and give the date at which you will start homeschooling.  You will also need to file an Intent to Homeschool form with your district.

A: This will vary by state. Check with your state RCW’s.  Are you teaching your child how to measure flour for cookies?  That’s Homeschooling, too!

A: The state does not set the curriculum for homeschoolers. It is up to the homeschooling parents to determine what courses their students take each year.  Washington and Oregon differ in this area.  Please see the state laws to determine your own state requirements.

A: This varies greatly. The biggest cost is in the time and energy it takes from the parents, especially the one doing the primary teaching. Many times there is also the loss of a second income. A general estimate of curricula cost would be between $100 to $500 per student per year. It can be done for less, and, of course, a lot more can be spent.

A: Homeschoolers can, and many do, go to college. Homeschoolers go through much the same process as non-homeschoolers to get their student into college. There are many colleges who desire homeschoolers and welcome them. On the other hand, there are a few colleges who are still suspicious of the homeschooling process and make it more difficult for homeschooled applicants. However, this does not mean that we can not get accepted by these schools; we just have to work a little harder. In time, these schools will see what good students homeschool graduates make and will change their attitudes about us.

A: Every homeschooler has their unique way of homeschooling. One of the beauties of homeschooling is the ability to plan your schooling to fit your family. Most homeschoolers do academics in the mornings and outside activities in the afternoons. As the students get older and need more academics, schooling may spread to the evening hours.