Is Homeschooling Right For Your Family?

Is Homeschooling Right For Your Family?

Homeschooling offers extraordinary benefits to families and has become an attractive option during this challenging time. About 3.7 million children are currently homeschooled in the United States — up from 2.5 million in 2019.

Many parents still oppose homeschooling, but research has shown that homeschooled students excel personally and academically. Students who once struggled in public school will often shine at home, and with that success, they are more likely to complete a college degree and become high-achieving adults.

But how do you decide if homeschooling is right for you and your family?

Only YOU can choose what’s best for your child. We recommend that you reflect on your vision for your child’s education and whether your family’s lifestyle is well-suited for homeschooling.

In this article, we’ll discuss five things you should consider before you decide to remove your child from the traditional school system.

1. You will be fully responsible for your child’s education.

From selecting the curriculum to arranging extracurricular activities, you will be in charge of planning and executing all aspects of your child’s education. Many parents choose to homeschool their kids because of this level of customization and academic influence — but it’s important to consider your own motives for homeschooling.

2. It will drastically affect your schedule and day-to-day life.

While sitting at a desk with your child all day isn’t a requirement of homeschooling, it is a significant time investment. Working parents may have trouble providing the supervision and support that a homeschooled child needs. Bringing in private tutors and instructors is a great way not only to manage your time, but to ensure an experienced educator oversees your child’s schooling! If you’re looking to supplement your child’s education, consider partnering with Groza for access to high-quality tutors and instructors.

3. You don’t have to be an expert or have a background in teaching.

It’s a common misconception that the best homeschool parents are experienced teachers. There are plenty of excellent resources to help guide and teach curriculum — and as a parent, you’re already the most important educator in their life! Many great programs require only your supervision.

4. Lack of socialization won’t be an issue.

Another common misconception about homeschooling is that your child will be isolated and not properly socialized. This couldn’t be further from the truth! In fact, homeschooled children participate in more high-quality socialization and tend to avoid bullying situations. Study results have found that homeschoolers display fewer antisocial traits than their peers in public schools.

The trick is choosing and designing a program that stresses both academic and social achievement. This only takes a little creative planning. Start by enrolling in the National Home School Association, and sign your child up for group classes, youth clubs, team sports, and other extracurricular activities. This will give your child plenty of opportunities to make friends with similar interests while exploring her athletic and creative abilities.

5. You don’t have to schedule and micromanage everything.

One of the hallmarks of homeschooling is its flexibility. While it’s a good idea to design a program that’s well-structured and offers a stable routine, you don’t need to worry about scheduling out every detail. Instead, spend time each weekend making daily lists of important activities and lessons — mark items of high priority, and, if another task doesn’t get finished, simply move it over to the following school day.

Additionally, daily planning can be a great learning experience for older kids in organization and goal-setting. Provide them with a planner and guide them through the process of keeping track of important tasks and planning out their work week.

Speak with the Team at Groza — We’re Here to Help!

We know transitioning to a homeschooling program can feel overwhelming and scary, but don’t settle on your child’s future by letting that influence your decision. Reach out to our highly qualified tutors and homeschooling professionals to discuss your children’s goals and your vision for their future.

We invite you to call our team today at (310) 454-3731 or click here to schedule a free consultation.