How can I start the process of homeschooling my child?

Image by strngwrldfrwl from Japan

For various reasons, many people decide to start homeschooling their children. They may make the decision before their child is age ready to start school or they may decide to start anytime during their child's education.

After you have decided that you as a parent are ready to homeschool, in most cases you will need to file a letter of intent to your county's superintendent. This can come as just a printout letter stating that your child is going to begin being homeschooled by his parent.

Most states give you approximately three options. One is to homeschool as a parent, under no institutional guidance. Another is to have a certified teacher private tutor your child for the required days of school. The third may be to register with a satellite school that oversees the instruction of your student using its curriculum.

Each of these may require different prerequisites in order to comply with the laws such as parent educational qualifications,teacher certification,satellite school credentials etc. However, most parents choose to file independently and in some states may be required to have qualifications such as a high school diploma or college credits.

Keep in mind that the majority of the process is after you notify your county of homeschooling. It involves keeping adequate records and progress reports, completing standardized testing and/or evaluations.