How to educate your children can be a very overwhelming decision. Just like a one-size-fits-all shirt rarely actually fits all, there is no form of education that truly fits every child. If you’ve made the decision to break away from the mold and homeschool, I’m guessing you already know and believe this. But, because I know this can feel like a lonesome journey, I know it feels nice to be reminded.
Once you find your community and support, when you realize your kids and the neighbors are all in school at the same time (they’re just getting their work done in different places), once you get moving and grooving, you realize you are not on an island and this very well could be the perfect fit for your family. Don’t let those first doubts sabotage your resolve!
Hopefully these tips will help you find the community and homeschool resources to get to the place of being a well-oiled machine. But keep in mind – as you begin your searching, what fits one family doesn’t fit another. The beauty of homeschool is that you can keep looking or try something different!
Know What’s Required
While there are so many fun new ways to homeschool than back in the 80s and 90s, there are still state requirements to think of and work to be done. Doing some research into the state requirements and the options near you will help you know what to prioritize and to keep track of the necessities. The Colorado Department of Education has a web page for homeschool education that is a great place to start.
Homeschool Curriculum
Some families want an in-depth curriculum that covers ALL the bases, some want the bare bones so they have time to fill in the gaps with unique experiences. Some want faith-based, others don’t. The moral of this story is if you like it, do it. If you don’t, don’t. As hard as it might be, don’t worry about what other people think or choose.
To help you wade through the hundreds of options (seriously!), Cathy Duffy has thoroughly researched all of the curriculums on the market to give you the low down nitty gritty. This website is probably the single biggest help I had in preparing my family to homeschool. You can sort by grade, subject or even brand (if you have a general idea of which curriculum you have in mind).
Get Organized
Whichever curriculum you choose, you’re bound to get frustrated if stuff is a mess everywhere. Designate a space in your home, whether that’s a full classroom set up or just a space in your closet, where the homeschool books and supplies live so that everyone knows where it goes when it’s time to clean up. This goes a very long way for your mental health.
Enrichment and Hybrid Programs
When kids are younger, it can be easier to find curriculum you’re happy with because there isn’t much to consider. As they get older, it’s a more daunting thought to find a solid math curriculum that challenges or supports them at their level, an English course, middle school level history and science, etc. Often times, this is when parents are tempted to throw in the towel because they feel they have maxed out their abilities.
This is when a little research pays big dividends. Many private schools have single-day enrichment programs. Your kids can get some peer interaction and you get a break. Some charter schools even have university model hybrid programs where homeschool students attend twice a week and paid staff teach the lessons from the school’s curriculum and assign the work to be completed on the students’ three days at home. Yes, that means you are no longer researching and buying curriculum! You still play a vital, supportive role with their learning, but some of the pressure of teaching the more complex subjects can be relieved.
Platte River Academy Classical Academy for Homeschoolers in Highlands Ranch is a great place to read more about that option. They have a single-day enrichment program for K-2 students as well as twice a week programs for third through eighth grades.
Summit Homeschool Academy in Castle Rock is another example that provides teaching and support for K-12th grades. They have campuses in Elizabeth, Franktown and Castle Rock. These type of hybrid options provide families an opportunity to homeschool who may have thought it impossible or were tempted to quit.
Sports and Extracurricular Activities for Homeschoolers
Even if homeschooled, kids can still participate in sports and other activities. The homeschool page of the Colorado Department of Education also discusses how to get your child involved. They are allowed to compete for the school they would attend if they were in the public system, or they can compete with the charter school their homeschool academy is associated with, if that is your situation.
Many gyms and recreational businesses also provide homeschool classes such as gymnastics, ninja or music during the daytime when they would otherwise not have business. One thing you will repeatedly here from established homeschool families is that they are just as busy as any other family and have to stay just as mindful of not becoming overcommitted. There definitely is NOT a lack of options for homeschool kiddos to be around other people and be active!
Get Involved with a Community
Whether it is a single-day enrichment program, a co-op, a hybrid charter school academy or just a group you found on Facebook, finding a community of fellow homeschool families will make you feel infinitely more peaceful about your decision. If you are not interested in going to a school of any kind for enrichment, search Facebook or Instagram for homeschool groups in your community. Even just virtual support with the option to occasionally connect or do field trips together makes a big difference.
You can do this!
