How to Decide If You Should Homeschool Next Year
You should reevaluate your schooling choices each year to determine if they work for your family. Here is how to decide if you should homeschool next year.
To Homeschool or Not to Homeschool
Families have several choices when it comes to school. That’s a good thing!
From public school to private school to homeschool, you can choose the option that works best for your family.
The “best fit” may change from year to year as your situation alters or your child’s needs shift.
Read on to decide whether you should continue in your schooling choice or switch it up.
Answer these questions thoughtfully, and you will likely arrive at the right answer for next year’s schooling choice.
Questions That Will Help You Decide
If you need to decide whether to homeschool next year, you should ask yourself these questions.
Talk to your partner as well to get their input. You should also speak with your child to get their feedback.
Why Do You Want to Homeschool?
No one jumps into homeschooling on a whim.
Likely, you have reasons you want to homeschool. Think about what those are and write them down.
Are they compelling?
Knowing your “why” can put your other concerns into perspective.
What Are the Academic Needs of My Student?
Children grow and change over time.
It may be that your child needed focused reading instruction at one time but now reads fluently.
Perhaps your child needs to be moving throughout the day and has trouble sitting still for long periods.
Does your child need extra help, interventions, accommodations, or therapies?
Is your child only motivated to study what interests him or her?
Traditional schools and homeschools offer different academic advantages. Consider the needs of your student for the upcoming year.
What Are the Social-Emotional Needs of My Student?
You are schooling the whole person, not just the mind of your child.
You need to take into account your child’s social-emotional needs.
Does your child crave interaction with peers?
Does your child prefer the quiet, low-key atmosphere of home?
These factors can help you make your decision about whether to homeschool next year.
Are My Child’s Academic Needs Being Met?
No schooling option is perfect. Remember that you are looking for the best fit for next year, not the perfect one.
Think about your child’s academic progress this year. Is he thriving academically in their current school setting?
If not, do you think switching school options will solve those issues, or are there are other resources (like co-ops, online classes, therapists, or tutoring sessions) that would help?
Are My Child’s Social-Emotional Needs Being Met?
Both homeschoolers and students in school can feel anxious, alone, or sad.
You need to consider why your child is feeling this way and address the root of the problem.
If you are hesitant to homeschool because you are worried about socialization, put that fear aside.
Remember that homeschooling does not mean staying at home all the time.
Many homeschoolers have a host of friends from co-ops, church groups, sports teams, and homeschooling groups. You just have to seek out those spheres.
Does My Child Want to Homeschool?
This is a strong factor to consider, but it is not the sole factor.
Have an honest conversation with your child about the pros and cons of the homeschooling experience as they see them.
This is your chance to listen, not convince them to take your view.
While your child does not have to be 100% enthusiastic about the idea of homeschooling, they should have some buy-in.
Otherwise, the year will be one long battle, and that will be exhausting for both of you.
Can We Afford to Homeschool?
Homeschooling can be expensive.
Not only do books and activities cost money, you have to factor in the lost wages if you would otherwise be working.
Before you throw in the towel on homeschooling because of budget concerns, check into any state scholarships for homeschoolers.
You can also purchase curricula on the cheap (or for free).
And it is possible to work while homeschooling.
Do I Like Homeschooling?
Your child is not the only one in homeschool.
This is your journey too.
While it may be unrealistic to think you are happy every single day, do you enjoy homeschooling, on the whole?
(If you are currently feeling discouraged, read this article for a dose of homeschool encouragement.)
If you have never homeschooled before, are you drawn to the idea?
Do I Have the Time to Put into Homeschooling Next Year?
You don’t have to be a full time stay at home parent in order to homeschool. You can homeschool while working.
But it’s true that homeschool does take up time. Do you have it in this season of your life?
If you are on the fence about this answer, check out these time management strategies to find more time in your existing schedule.
Do I Have the Support I Need to Homeschool Effectively?
No one can homeschool all by themselves. You need support.
If you have a partner, do they support this decision?
Do you know other homeschoolers? Are you a part of any homeschooling groups, in person and/or online?
Support does not magically appear before you. You have to seek it out and create community. But it is worth the investment.
Here are some ways to find homeschool support.
Have I Investigated the Other Schooling Options?
If you are debating whether or not to homeschool next year, you need to investigate your options.
You’ve already started! These questions will help you consider traditional school versus homeschool.
You should visit your local public school (and private schools if you are considering those).
But keep your eyes open. There may be other options, like hybrid schools (that meet a few days a week) or online schools.
When Is It Too Late in the Year to Decide to Homeschool?
In some states, you can make the decision to homeschool at any point in the year.
You simply need to withdraw your child from school and send in a letter of intent to your county homeschool office.
But it is important to check into the regulations for your state.
You can find all this information and more from the Homeschooling Legal Defense Association.
If you are looking for an optimal time to decide about the next year, January through April is ideal.
This gives you a chance to research curricula and join any co-ops or classes for the upcoming year.
Questions to Help You Decide About Homeschooling Next Year
Before you decide to homeschool or put your kids in school next year, run through these questions.
They will help you make an informed decision about the schooling choice that is the best fit for your family.
The most important thing to remember: don’t stress. Whether you opt to homeschool or do traditional school, you can always change your mind the next year!
