Homeschooling: How to Get Started

Homeschooling is becoming a common alternativeprovide a list of support groups in your area.
to traditional classroom teaching. Today, moreThese support groups are usually run by
parents and guardians are opting to teaching theirvolunteers who also homeschool their children. You
children at home, with an estimated 750,000 tocan find a support group in your area to get the
1,000,000 students learning in a homeencouragement and information you need from
environment. Many parents believe thatexperienced homeschooling families.
homeschooling provides their children with aIn addition to state and local support groups,
custom or more complete education than public orprivate groups can be particularly helpful. Their
private schools. It is easy to get started - youservices range from providing books, materials
just have to do your homework.and other resources to consultation, testing and
Legality -- Can I Teach my Child from Home?distance education programs. These groups are
It is legal to homeschool your child in the U.S. anddesigned to serve homeschooling families and not
many other countries. Each state has differentonly sell the supplies and services you need, but
laws regarding homeschooling, which can rangeprovide helpful information and referrals.
from simple guidelines to more formal legalAdditional Resources
requirements. Look for a local, state or regionalThere are many resources available to the new
home education organization to provide basichomeschooler. Get the information you need to
information on the laws that pertain to your state.get started on the right foot. Read books on
Finding the Support You Needhomeschooling. Browse web pages and links and
Some home education departments will alsoread different articles that are available to you.