Can this take the place of homeschooling?

Question

My parents and I want to start homeschooling, but with a professional teacher. Is this possible? And how does it affect college?

thanks so much

Answer 1

The laws for homeschooling differ in every state.

In most states the government -

- can require that every child receive an education,

- cannot stop anyone from homeschooling,

- can require that the state or superintendent know all the students

         not attending public school (even private school students) and where they are,

- can require that curriculum and lesson plans be submitted,

- can require testing or other proof of "adequate yearly progress",

- cannot dictate who the teacher(s) are or what qualifications the teacher(s) have,

- and in some places (like Massachusetts) you have the right to still

         play on the sports teams and other extracurricular activities, etc.

You need to check the Connecticut laws.

 

There are many homeschool associations, some national, some statewide, some local.  There are very often groups of parents in each town that homeschool and work together sometimes sharing the load of teaching, hiring, and even putting on proms and graduations for the group.  You should contact these people.

Many groups (ike religious organizations) have homeschool groups with curriculum and textbooks all set up.

There are online classes too.  And don't forget the community colleges!

 

Definitely DO make sure you check out the background of any group, their philosophy, their educational philosophy, and the curriculum to Make Sure if fits in with your beliefs and ideals about both life and education.

 

Do a Google search for Connecticut laws (connecticut homeschool general laws) and/or go to the state website and look for the laws online - all the state laws will be online.  Find the chapters and sections for education.

Do a Google search for Connecticut groups. 

Ask in the superintendents office - they will know the homeschoolers in town.

      (but because of privacy they may not be able to say too much)

 

Here are some links to help you get started.

       This 1st is a place with the laws of most of the states.

http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/supportgroups/a/hsingusa.htm

       Examples of online courses and curriculum, the 1st is excellent.

http://www.time4learning.com/index.htm

http://www.homeschoolacademy.com/

       There are many many others.

 

These are Massachusetts groups but you can learn some good stuff there;

         and they might help you find Connecticut groups.

http://mhla.org/index.htm

http://www.ahem.info/

http://www.examiner.com/article/homeschooling-101-massachusetts-homeschooling-law

http://www.mass.gov/courts/case-legal-res/law-lib/laws-by-subj/about/education.html

Answer 2

Hi Meg--

 

You should contact the CT Department of Education, and/or the District Office in the school district where you live. They will give you guidelines and requirements for homeschooling, including what qualifications your tutors/teachers must have.

 

You can definitely find subject tutors/teachers through Wyzant, but I would advise your parents and you to get your paperwork and stuff going first.

 

Your family should also try to find a local homeschool parents/students association--LOTS of families do what you guys are planning, so there is a lot of help and support out there.

 

Good luck!

 

Matt H. in Westchester County, NY