Is homeschooling right for us?

Questions worth answering out loud

There is no test to pass. These are the questions families most often wish they had talked through first. Answer them together, and write the answers down; they make a good starting plan.

• Why are we thinking about it? Write the reasons in a sentence or two each. They will guide every later choice, from curriculum to schedule.
• Who will do the teaching, and when? Look at a real week: work, younger children, appointments. Homeschooling can fit around a job, but it needs a regular block of time.
• What does our child need? Think about how they learn, what they enjoy, what is hard for them, and any support they get at school now.
• What will we spend? It can cost very little with the library and free materials, or a lot with full boxed programs and classes. Decide on a budget before you shop.
• Where will our child see other children? Clubs, sports, co-ops, classes, the library, neighbors and family all count. Plan a few on purpose.
• What does our state ask of us? Every state is different. Read your state's rules before you decide (step 2).
• How will we know it is working? Pick two or three signs you will look for after the first few months.

Try it in your head first

Sketch one ordinary day: when you would start, what you would teach, when lunch and outdoor time would happen, and where the house chores fit. If the day looks impossible on paper, change the plan before you change schools.

Many families start at a natural break, such as the end of a term or the summer, so there is time to plan and to learn the state's rules without a deadline pressing.

Deciding not to, or not yet

Homeschooling is one good option among several. If the answers above point to staying in school for now, that is a fine outcome too. You can come back to the question later with a better picture of what you would need.