How To Transition from Public School to Homeschool
Public school is not the right fit for every child.It is possible for children to experience a tailored education that fits their needs, schedule, and learning abilities.Transition from public school to private school requires preparation and commitment, and this may be the perfect educational approach for your child.
Step 1: You can check the legal requirements in your state.
You should start your transition on the right legal foot, because every state has its own rules.Twenty-four states require some periodic assessment of your child's knowledge, and you can find an overview of current home school laws here.Standardized testing or a portfolio review are the formats for this assessment.Either through local public schools or independently, standardized testing can be arranged.A portfolio review will include a collection of your child's work, including writing samples, reading lists, math tests, and science labs.If your state uses portfolio reviews, you will want to save examples of your child's work as soon as possible.
Step 2: Make a budget for your education.
You will be responsible for the school supplies, books, and online content you purchase.You can include these costs in your family's financial planning by creating a list.
Step 3: Inform the school officials and teachers.
Some states do not require you to inform the school about your plan to leave.Ask for advice from administrators or teachers if you have an open conversation about why you want to switch.You will want to maintain a good relationship with the school community if your child plans to continue participating in extracurricular activities.
Step 4: Put your child's records in a safe place.
If your child has been in public school for a long time, the district will have a file with their medical and academic records.You should be aware of your child's educational experience up to this point, and you should access these records to make sure they're not lost when you withdraw.
Step 5: Discuss the plan with your child.
Be clear about your plan to withdraw your child from public school, talk about their needs, and listen to what they have to say.If you can ask your child questions about what they like and don't like about school, they'll be more likely to pick their own lessons.This will allow you to talk about your expectations.Give your child time to reflect on your conversation.You should introduce the topic well in advance of the withdrawal date.
Step 6: You can explore Homeschooling options.
There are many different ways to teach.You can develop your approach according to your child's needs by reflecting on your reasons for changing.How your child learns and how you teach will affect your curriculum choice.You can either choose to follow a more traditional, textbook-based curriculum or to create a less structured curriculum.Some parents choose to participate in online schools.Much of the content preparation is done for you.
Step 7: User reviews can be read.
Taking the time to research other parents' experiences with various homeschooling materials and online schools is the best way to ensure that you're purchasing high-quality content that works.The driving teaching philosophy of the curriculum is usually specified in reviews.
Step 8: Take some time to get used to it.
Up to this point, your child has spent most of their time at a school that isn't your home.Give them a few weeks off from school so they can process their feelings.It is recommended that you give your child at least two weeks and up to a month off from school before you start your own curriculum.You may want to use hands-on lessons to keep your child interested in learning.You can take a nature walk through the woods or explain the chemistry behind baking cookies.
Step 9: Establish a schedule.
Pick the hours that work for you and your family.You will want to make sure that your child knows that their home is now their school, even though flexibility and spontaneity are hallmarks of successful homes.Determine which hours of the day your child has the hardest and easiest time learning.When they might need less brain power, schedule easier subjects during their high-attention hours.Don't block more than 45 minutes to an hour of any one subject.As your child moves away from the public-school model and begins learning in a different environment, you don't need to adhere to typical 8:00-3:00 public school hours.
Step 10: Allow time for recreation.
Blocks of time for children to either play outside, rest, or study independently are built into public schools.Make sure that these relaxing blocks of time are part of your daily schedule so that your child's school day contains both work and play.
Step 11: Keep a record of your child's work.
If your state does not require you to prepare for a portfolio review, it is a good idea to keep an orderly record of your child's progress.If your child wants to apply to college or return to public school later, this will help.
Step 12: Ask for feedback.
It will be a learning experience for you and your child.Make sure that your child knows that you are open to their ideas.Your child will feel invested in the transition.You may be asked to replicate certain elements of your child's public school experience.Allow your child to guide the pace of the switch while you make this transition for a reason.
Step 13: Stay active in the community.
Your child may be worried about leaving their friends behind when they leave public school.Continue or expand your child's involvement in extracurricular activities in order to ensure that you and your family are still socially connected.Civic clubs such as the Girl or Boy Scouts are not directly connected to the public school system.The school may not be the best place to organize sports teams.Budget for the extra costs of these activities and be aware of your options.
Step 14: Playdates can be set.
Even if your child isn't a fan of extracurricular activities, they'll miss their friends as they transition away from public school.You can schedule visits between your child and their friends.Make sure your child knows that they can depend on you to keep them busy.
Step 15: A support network is needed.
Over the course of this transition there will be ups and downs.Get ready to rely on your family and friends when you need them, and tell them about your plans.There are many online and in-person support groups that you should consider joining.If you don't see a support group in your area, consider starting one.Other parents in your community will be grateful for your efforts.