I used to have a very narrow view of what homeschooling looks like and what it really means for the kids and parents involved. While researching my options when I decided to homeschool, I learned that there are many options available. From traditional parent-led teaching to online learning, homeschool can take on many forms.
Online; free public school (virtual school) is available in some states with real-time instruction or self-paced
Private online program, sometimes offered free or at a discounted rate
Hybrid programs in which the student physically attends class two or three days a week while completing assignments at home with their parent or guardian for the remaining days of the week
At-home, parent taught homeschool program
Co-ops, families working together to share the teaching responsibilities and coordinating field trips and other activities
Virtual School
Many states, like Florida, offer free public virtual school. Check with your state or county education department to learn more. Enrollment will be similar to that of a brick-and-mortar public school. Classes are sometimes offered in real-time with an instructor or as self-paced courses. You can either enroll for the full school year or one semester at a time. But make sure to check with your local department of education.
Hybrid Programs
In some states, there are education centers that offer hybrid homeschool programs. This means the student physically attends class 2 or 3 days a week where they are taught by a teacher with other students and school at home for the remainder of the week. This option simplifies things for parents and provides the student instruction from a professional teacher. In some states, these are referred to as "umbrella" schools. Students enrolled in umbrella schools are considered private school students by the department of education in their state. As with the virtual school, please check with your department of education for more information.
At Home, Parent-Led
The most traditional option, of course, is the parent-led instruction at home. But don't be fooled. This can take on a variety of forms as well. You can purchase separate or bundled curricula, create a schedule, and teach your students following an already prepared lesson plan. You can also online resources like Khan Academy which offers video lessons and exercises to test subject knowledge. Those parents comfortable doing so can also piece together books and create lessons for each subject. We offer many resources to help families with planning and recordkeeping as well as tutoring services. For those local to us in The Woodlands/Houston/Spring Texas area can enroll their students in our math and language arts classes beginning in August of 2024. Check our homeschool resource page for more information.
Private Online School
For those opting for faith-based or non-public school, there are private online schools. These schools charge tuition, resource fees and, usually, an enrollment fee. Some offer scholarships or discounted tuition, be sure to ask as this may not be advertised on their website. As with the public virtual schools, there are options for families wanting self-paced or live virtual instruction. Please be sure the schools meet your state's educational requirements for each grade level before enrolling your child. You can look up legal compliance information for your state on our legal page.
Homeschool Groups
Homeschool groups can take the form of pods, co-ops, or synergy groups. Basically, families come together to share some of the homeschool responsibilities. Some families will bring their kids together and the parents take turns teaching different subjects. Others only share coordinating field trips and other activities. It is important to be sure that the group offers what you are looking for before enrolling. Many of these groups charge membership fees.
Closing Thoughts
To be honest, depending on your state's requirements, your homeschool program can be whatever you and your students need it to be. Homeschooling frees parents to customize your child's school year to meet their individual academic, social, and extracurricular needs. You don't have to compromise, though you will want to ensure there is a balance for your child's mental and emotional wellbeing.
The most important part of establishing your program is that it meets the needs of your children and accomplishes the goals you have with regard to your child's education and development.
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