Q Who homeschools and why?
A All sorts of people homeschool their children—Christian, Jewish, Catholic, Mormon, white people, people of color, some single parents and some who work outside the home. As the homeschooling movement grows, so does the list of people who homeschool. And, their reasons for homeschooling are as unique as their individual family—some homeschool for religious reasons, others find that their school doesn't fit their child's needs, and yet others choose to homeschool to avoid the day-to-day peer pressures and the violence which is prevalent in some schools today.
Q Is Homeschooling legal in every state? How can I find out about laws in my state?
A Yes, homeschooling is legal in every state as well as many other countries. The laws vary. In some states all that is required is to inform the school district of your intent to homeschool, other states require testing or evaluation and others require parents to fulfill other requirements. Parents can look up the exact wording in a law library or contact a homeschooling support group in your area. Most homeschoolers make it their business to know the current laws in their state.
Q Should we buy legal defense?
A Over the years, courts in many states have affirmed the right of parents to teach their children at home. However from time to time, for various reasons, this right has been challenged. For this reason, some families have chosen to buy peace-of-mind by participating in a legal insurance pool—perhaps the largest is Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). Other families prefer to handle the contact themselves by communicating professionally with the local school authorities.
Q What about socialization?
A This is perhaps the most asked question. It's ironic that homeschoolers would be asked to answer this question since much of the socialization that goes on in school is competitive, sometimes very mean-spirited, and in some schools downright dangerous. Most homeschoolers are actively involved in their community—church, parks and recreation programs, and Scouts. Studies have shown that homeschooled children have a more positive self-concept than their schooled peers.
Q Is a curriculum required?
A Yes, but not necessarily a packaged curriculum. Some families find that it's easier for them to purchase a complete curriculum directly from a supplier though this option can be quite costly depending upon the source. Other families prefer to use materials readily available in the community and fit them to match their children's individual learning styles, grade levels, and educational goals. Homeschooling families have been successful with both options. If you prefer, we will acquire your curriculum supplies for an additional fee. Currently we are compiling curriculum packages, books, toys, etc., that we can recommend.
Q Are parents qualified to teach their children?
A Parents know their children best and are well suited to facilitate their children's learning. It's important to remember that teaching is not required for a child to learn. What is important is exposure to books and other educational resources along with interaction with the world and community at large. Learning comes naturally to children—they learn because they want to learn. Teaching does not require that parents know everything. Some parents have turned to outside sources when endeavoring to teach certain subjects, others have shared teaching (one parent teaches math and another teaches art) and others have found that the solution is as simple as learning the subject together.
Q How do I prepare my child for required testing?
A While some states do require annual testing, more and more states now allow for parents to submit a portfolio or acquire an outside evaluation. If testing is required, parents can purchase books which include tips for test taking and sample tests to help prepare their children. There is a book that covers every test, High School Proficiency, SAT, ACT, California Achievement, Iowa Basic Skills, etc. These can be purchased through our online bookstore, at local book stores or from curriculum suppliers.
Q Is homeschooling compatible with college?
A Yes, homeschooled students have been welcomed by hundreds of colleges across the nation. Some colleges have actively recruited home-educated graduates.
Q How do I earn a diploma?
A A student earns a diploma from Branford Grove High School by choosing between a course of study option or one of the alternative options available. See Information on High School for details.
Q If I choose to homeschool, will I be able to return to school?
A Yes, however, this option gets more complex as the student increases in grade level. While we have found transferring across systems to be quite flexible in elementary school, middle and high school can be a bit more challenging. It can be especially challenging in High School as like colleges, High Schools may or may not accept credit from other High Schools. While Branford Grove's credit and transcripts have been accepted at High Schools and Colleges in California and other States, we cannot provide any guarantees.