Homeschooling
Homeschoolers have the same access to online learning, friendships, and extracurricular activities as the typical public school student — but without many of the drawbacks, such as bullying or standardized testing which many find stressful.
Here are a handful of other reasons why homeschooling makes sense:
Personalized learning
The core idea behind homeschooling is that kids should learn at the speed and in the style most suitable for them. Homeschooling parents can tailor curriculums and provide individualized instruction that is in alignment with their child’s unique needs, such as giftedness or those with learning impairments like ADHD. If you suspect your homeschooler might be gifted or have an underlying learning impairment, it is important to understand what it is. Based on these findings parents can then teach in a way that will meet the child’s individual needs. Give Child Testing a call to schedule an assessment (813)468-6528. Homeschoolers with special needs may qualify for a scholarship (Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students of Unique Abilities or FES-UA) to help pay for therapies, evaluations, services and other interventions. Visit StepUpForStudents.org or click here for more information.
Students can learn more about what they really care about
Without the formal curricula dictated by the DOE, homeschoolers have the opportunity to explore a range of topics outside of the traditional core classes of English, math and science. For example, you can teach psychology in fourth grade, or finance in eighth grade. Older students can even begin dual enrollment in their local community colleges.
Socialization that leads to lasting friendships
The most common misconception about homeschoolers is that they lack socialization opportunities. Before the internet, there was some truth to this. But in today’s world with universal access to the internet, social media, learning coops and extra curriculars, there is ample opportunity to engage with peers. Moreover, with the recent emergence of specialized support groups and homeschooling networks, socialization has become much more enriched and meaningful.
No cliques or bullying
Homeschoolers don’t deal with all the downsides of being around mean kids in a toxic school environment. They get to choose who to interact with, harmoniously and with parent involvement! Studies show parent involvement has a lasting positive impact on self-esteem.
Better prepared for the “real world”
Contrary to the name, homeschooling only takes place in an actual home a fraction of the time. A great deal of instruction happens outside in the community, such as the grocery store, the library, a museum, a playgrounds, a doctor’s visit. In other words, real life experiences translates into valuable and meaningful learning moments.
Make higher achievers
Research suggests homeschooled children tend to do better on standardized tests, enroll in college more often than their counterparts and do better once they’re enrolled. A 2009 study showed that the percentage of homeschoolers who graduated from a 4-year college was about 67%, while private school students was 54% and public school was 51%.
Learn better values
Research shows that homeschooled children demonstrate more adherence to their faith-based values and are less likely to become antisocial or get in trouble with the law.
HOW TO BEGIN THE HOMESCHOOLING JOURNEY
The first step to establishing a home education program in Florida is to file a Notice of Intent with the Superintendent of Schools for the public school district you live in. The statutes say:
The parent shall notify the district school superintendent of the county in which the parent resides of her or his intent to establish and maintain a home education program. The notice shall be in writing, signed by the parent, and shall include the names, addresses, and birthdates of all children who shall be enrolled as students in the home education program. The notice shall be filed in the district school superintendent’s office within 30 days of the establishment of the home education program. Section 1002.41(1)(a). Read more about the Notice of Intent for Homeschoolers
Annual Evaluations
Homeschooling families are required to submit to an annual educational evaluation that will demonstrate the child’s educational progress commensurate to their ability. The parent shall select the method of evaluation [Statute 1002.41(1)(c)] and shall file a copy of the evaluation annually with the district school superintendent’s office in the county in which the student resides. Child Testing offers psychoeducational assessments as one of the approved evaluation options – and highly recommended option, particularly with learning impaired homeschoolers. Call us for details (813)468-6528. Read more about Homeschool Annual Evaluation
Read about FLVS Homeschool
Join the vibrant FLVS community of homeschoolers with FLVS Flex. This program offers Kindergarten-12th grade homeschool students a variety of flexible options, offering choices in course schedule and pace. Create or complement your home education curriculum with a range of courses, planning your own schedule with support from their certified teachers and counselors.
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