Transitioning from Public or Private School to Homeschool

Making the transition from having your child attend public school to homeschooling is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Your decision ought to involve research and plenty of communication with your child and his or her school. Switching from public high school to online homeschooling can be challenging for both you and the student, but keep in mind that there are several tips to make the process easier and rewarding.

Consider using an online high school

There are plenty of online high schools for students who are switching to homeschooling. Online homeschooling is becoming much more popular in today's society, as there are oftentimes less challenges involving curriculum creation and more resources available online. This also somewhat eliminates the parent as a teacher figure and gives your child a chance to work independently.

Your child will greatly benefit from a specific place to do their schoolwork without distractions and disruptions. If you decide that online homeschooling is a good option, you can set up a computer area with plenty of space in a secluded, quiet part of the home. This will help your student to be able to focus and be more productive while doing his or her online classes.

Make sure your child has plenty of opportunities for socialization

One of the biggest concerns parents and children have with homeschooling is the lack of socialization from not being in a school every day. Your child will still need to see their friends and attend social events if they desire. Even though school is not necessarily about socializing, having friends and support is important in making the transition from public school to homeschool successful. Fortunately, these days there are plenty of ways to incorporation socialization in the community, such as homeschool groups, sports, clubs, religious institutions, and more.

Set some goals

It is important for both you and your child to have academic goals. Set up a timeline for graduation and come up with some rewards. Your child may need something to look forward to in order for them to accomplish their tasks effectively. Up until the point of homeschooling, your child has had a teacher to be held accountable to, but once they transition to online homeschooling, they will need a new person to be held accountable to. This person can be you, a third party, or an online teacher.

Making the transition from public school to homeschooling can definitely be worth it for you and your student if you all have an understanding and agreement to communicate. Discuss the options, do your research, and the transition should go smoothly. There are plenty of online resources you can use and homeschooling groups to give you tips and ideas on how to homeschool effectively.