The term 'homeschooling' specifically refers to the process in which one or more children of not more than 1 family is instructed by parents or legal guardians, or a member of the household. The laws that govern homeschooling vary from State to State. The legal conditions for establishing a homeschool also vary with the State.



For most children, the actual process of learning begins much before school. Many children already know their alphabets, the names of animals, colors and other more complicated stuff before they reach school. This is usually due to the hard work of a member of the family who has taken the time to educate the child. Homeschooling is just a natural progression from there. Instead of sending their children to a public school, parents buy commercial curriculum and teach their children in ways that best suit that child. This is homeschooling, in its most simple form.

Before you decide to go in for homeschooling, there are certain important items for consideration. Firstly, meet with the parents of other homeschoolers. Find out the benefits of homeschooling. Then ask yourself why you desire to apply this plan. This is a very important aspect, as the success of the program depends on the clarity and sincerity of your purpose.

Next, it is time to consider the expenses of homeschooling. It may cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars to a few thousand every year. More importantly, you are also reducing any job opportunity for one of the parents. It is only obvious that one parent should have to stay at home full time to manage the homeschool. A home-based business however is a possible alternative.

Are you qualified to take on homeschooling for your children? Training is a continuation of your own learning process. With the coming of the internet, information is aplenty. There are various books and resources for those interested in homeschooling. Evaluate the various methods of homeschooling and choose one that is most suited to you. It helps if you know what type of learning style your child has. Also, find out what your child feels about homeschooling before you start.

Every state has its own guidelines regarding homeschooling. For instance, in North Carolina, you must first file a 'Notice of Intent' to start a home school. In this you have to declare if the school is a 'Private church' school or a 'qualified non-public school'. The persons providing the education are required to have at least a high school diploma. You have to maintain an annual record of the child's attendance and disease immunization. Every year or third year, the child is made to do a standardized test. Each student doing the eleventh grade has to take a nationally standardized test. These are the guidelines in North Carolina, but it is enough to give you a good overview of what homeschooling entails.

Homeschooling may seem like a lot of fun and freedom from the outside. However, life is seldom as basic as they seem. Homeschooling is plenty of added responsibility and hard work. But, if successful, it can forge a strong bond of love and respect between parent and child, while giving your child with the best form of education he needs.