Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are some of the benefits of homeschooling?

Answer:  Homeschooling offers a lot of flexibility to both parents and children. Homeschooling allows a parent to structure learning to match their child's learning style and allows children to master the material. Parents can arrange the school year calendar to fit the needs of their family. Also, vacations and family trips can be planned at any time of year, often when costs are lower and crowds are smaller .  The biggest benefit is that children get to spend more time with their parents and siblings.

Q. Is homeschooling legal?

Answer:  Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. However, laws and regulations may vary from state to state, and interpretations can vary from school district to school district. It is a good idea to be familiar with your state homeschooling laws and policies. For help check out the Legal Questions section, where you will find links to organizations that protect the rights of homeschooling families.

Q.  I do not have a teaching degree. Can I really teach my child if I do not have formal training?

Answer:  Of course you can! Most homeschooling parents do not have a formal teaching degree. Research has shown that it is hard work, dedication and commitment that produce great educational results in a homeschool environment.

Q.  How much time does it take to homeschool throughout the day?

Answer:  Since homeschooled children don't have to take time to change classes or ride a school bus to and from school, typically families find that homeschooling requires less time than other settings. Homeschooled students proceeding at their own pace will often finish up their school work much faster as a result of using their time efficiently.  Some states do require certain amounts of dedicated time to subjects.  Please check your state homeschooling laws.

Q.  Do homeschoolers do better than their public-school peers on standardized tests?

Answer:  According to research, homeschoolers consistently outperform their public-schooled peers on standardized tests.  For more information, please see our Homeschool Statistics links.

Q: What if I have several children in different grade levels?

Answer:  Many subjects are able to span grade levels or allow for multilevel teaching. Many homeschooling parents structure their day so that the older children work independently in the morning, allowing the parents to spend individual time helping the younger children.  Then, in the afternoon while the younger children are playing or napping, one on one intstruction can be given to the older children.  Again, homeschooling schedules allow for flexibilty depending on your unique situation. 

Q: Where do I find curriculum and materials?

Answer:  There are a host of curriculum options now available to homeschooling families. Take a look at our Curriculum Providers section to get a sampling of what is available.  You need to start by doing your research to find the curriculum that will be right for your children.  You can also attend homeschooling conferences and curriculum fairs to see options first hand. Check out our Events and Conferences links to find a homeschool event near you.  With all the choices, picking a curriculum is still overwhelming.  A good place to start is to seek the advice of a current homeschooler whose family's lifestyle, core beliefs and personality closely match your own.  Find out what they use and why.  Once you have made your final decision, you can always change curriculum if it is not working for your family- another beauty of homeschooling.

Q: What about socialization?

Answer:  This question is always a hot topic when someone mentions homeschooling. Homeschooled children enjoy socializing with adults and children alike from other homeschooling families.  Between field trips, play dates, co-ops, weekly church activities and extracurricular commitments, homeschooled children spend a lot of time with others outside of the home.  Homeschooling parents like the fact that they are able to guide the type of social interaction in which their children are involved.  Most individuals who have ever spent quality time with homeschooled children will tell you that they were very impressed with how well the children could carry on conversations and "socialize" with others, even with adults.