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FAQ’s – Frequently asked questions

1.)    What is homeschooling?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to homeschool is, “to teach one’s children at home.” Or, “to teach school subject’s to one’s children at home.”  Homeschooling is not a new phenomenon.  Parents teaching their children at home dates way back into history.  And it is basically just as described above, teaching your children at home.  It is an alternative to the “traditional school” where children are taught in their homes by, or under the supervision of, their parents.  It is parents making a decision to take charge of their child’s education.  There are many ways or methods to teach your children, but as a homeschooling parent, the decision is yours. 

2.)    Is homeschooling legal?

Yes, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and also throughout Canada.  Each state has its own rules and regulations at to abide by.  This can be a very intimidating thing for new homeschooling families.  Luckily the rules and regulations for all states are very clear and easy to follow.  They can range from being very strict rules to very relaxed rules.  You will want to check with your states’ Department of Education.  In most cases, notification must be made, in one manner or another, to your local school district.  In some cases documents must be filled out to “register your school.”   

3.)    Who homeschools their children?

Many families make the decision to homeschool their children.  Homeschooling crosses through every religion, race and gender.  Single parents homeschool, married parents, stay at home moms to parents with full time jobs.  You do not need a teaching credential; you simply need to be a conscientious parent who is willing to dedicate the time and effort necessary to ensure your child receive the best education you can give. 

4.)    How much does it cost to homeschool?

The cost of homeschooling you child can range greatly depending on the “style” of teaching you choose. We personally spend $500.00 per year for our Son but that would include everything from paper and pencils to books and fieldtrips. If you need a good book on homeschooling on a shoe string budget check this one out. Homeschooling on a Shoestring: A Jam-packed Guide

5.) What are the “styles of teaching?

One of the advantages to homeschooling is the fact that you are able to tailor your child’s education to the way that they learn best.  There are many, many styles or methods of teaching.  The great thing about homeschooling is that if you find that a particular style or method is not working for you and your child, you can change it, simple as that. You even have the freedom to pick and choose parts of a few different methods, if necessary, to achieve the best learning environment for your child.  Here is a brief list of some of the most common styles or methods of teaching:

o       Unschooling – This method, you either love it our hate it.  The basic description of this method is to provide little structure for the learning environment.  Text books a not commonly used in this method, (although remember, you are the boss.  Each parent does things slightly differently.) Typically you allow your child to direct their own learning.  The theory is that your child will inquire or want to learn about certain things that are interesting to him/her.  Therefore the knowledge gained will be more meaningful to the child and in turn, they will retain the information better.

o       Structured – This method is very similar to the “traditional school” experience.  It would be like conducting a typical school day in your home.  Complete with standard testing, regular report cards, scheduled breaks, etc. This method traditionally uses text books and work books.  The theory here is that the school experience is the best option, you have simply chosen to duplicate it at home.

o       The Charlotte Mason Theory – This method comes from the teaching of a 19^th century British educator named Charlotte Mason. Mason stresses the focus of your educational day remaining with the “core” subjects.         (the 3 R’s that we all know) Reading, Riting, and Rithmetic.  But seriously, Mason felt that with a core knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic, a child is then ready to take on the challenges of other subjects.  Not before. She also stresses the importance of the skill of narration and note taking.  Her theory is that if a child can accomplish these tasks adequately, they can organize their thoughts, and again they are ready to take on other subjects.

There are many, many, many other methods and theories of teaching.  For a more in depth list and descriptions, click on the links at the end of each teaching style/method for more detailed information on each subject.