Should you homeschool? 7 points to ponder

1. Discuss the Time Commitment Homeschooling can be a great way to customize your child's curriculum. However, homeschooling also demands a considerable amount of time from at least one parent. As you think about whether or not this educational option is right for your kid, consider how the commitment will affect your family and your parenting responsibilities. 2. Research the Resource Requirements The cost of homeschooling materials can quickly add up, so explore these expenses before you commit to homeschooling. Use the Internet to research ways to trim costs, and consider borrowing resources from other parents and the local library. 3. Think About Academic Flexibility Homeschooling gives you free reign over your child's academics. If he needs intense one-on-one help with a certain subject area (or if he excels in all areas and needs academic challenges to stay motivated), homeschooling offers a way for him to learn without the time or curriculum constraints of a traditional classroom. 4. Consider the Social Consequences How will your child's social life be affected by homeschooling? Should you be concerned about potential isolation? Homeschooled students tend to be socially and psychologically healthy and have friends in a broader age range than kids who go to school in a traditional setting. Sports teams, theater groups and community organizations are great ways for your child to meet and socialize with peers. 5. Explore Your Personal Preference If you decide to homeschool, experiment with different homeschooling methods to decide what's best for you and your child. Your preference may evolve as you gain experience and as your child gets older. 6. Keep Tabs on His Performance You can use standardized test scores to see how your homeschooled child performs academically compared to his peers in traditional schools. 7. Keep College In Mind During their teen years, some homeschooled students start attending a conventional high school in order to receive a high school diploma. If your child remains homeschooled during her high school years, her academic background may be a competitive advantage during the college admissions process. Check with colleges to see whether there are specific requirements for homeschooled students. Be prepared to provide a detailed description of your child's homeschool courses so that colleges can gain a better understanding of her unique education.