Before You Decide Every parent who’s thinking about homeschooling should read The Homeschooling Book of Answers by Linda Dobson. My biggest mistake when I started homeschooling was being completely unprepared for what was to come. Reading at least one good book about homeschooling will help you bridge the gap between what you think homeschooling is, and what it really is. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Homeschooling by Marsha Ransom is another good choice for families new to homeschooling. Know Your Homeschool Law Your first step before you remove your child from school is to read and understand the homeschool laws in your state. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but reporting requirements vary. It’s also a good idea to contact a local homeschool support or resource group and talk with other parents who homeschool. Experienced homeschoolers can be an excellent resource to guide you on this new path. For a more detailed look at homeschooling and legal requirements, read The Homeschooling Handbook by Mary Griffith. Notifying Your School You must notify your school district, in writing, that your child will no longer be attending XYZ school. Send your letter certified mail, return receipt requested. In New Jersey, that would be the end of my contact with our former school. But if I lived in California, we might have to register as a private school. And a move to New York or Pennsylvania would result in my kids, submitting periodic progress reports and portfolios. You may discover that local school administrators are not familiar with homeschooling regulations and sometimes quote laws that don’t exist. I’ve also spoken with parents who experienced a hostile response from their school board. In my district, our school receives $13,000 per student per year in tax dollars. School officials may mistakenly believe they are entitled to this money (which is not added to their budget if a child is homeschooled), thus the hostility toward homeschooling families. The reality, of course, is that kids who learn at home actually save taxpayers millions of dollars because their families personally assume those educational costs. Almost Ready… Need more help before you get started? Visit Family Education’s How to Homeschool center. You’ll find a step-by-step outline of how to homeschool, great resources, and exciting ideas for keeping your costs low.
