What is homeschooling? Well, everyone learns differently. For thousands of students across the country each year, homeschooling provides the answer to meaningful education—providing the academic flexibility and one-on-one support they need to achieve their academic goals. While a homeschooled education provides many clear benefits, determining whether it’s the right approach requires some careful planning.
But, before delving into how to start homeschooling, it’s essential to understand the fundamental aspects of how this educational approach works. Homeschooling involves creating a personalized curriculum tailored to the student’s learning style, interests, and academic goals. Unlike traditional schools, homeschooling allows for a more individualized approach to education, where students can progress at their own pace and focus more on subjects of interest.
Are you wondering whether homeschooling is the right choice for your student?
We understand you may have questions and we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll cover the 6 most commonly asked questions about homeschooling. And, if you still have questions, feel free to contact us for additional information about getting started with Novel Education.
6 Most Asked Questions About Homeschooling
1. What is homeschooling?
Homeschool is education that happens outside of a traditional school environment. Historically, ‘homeschool’ generally implied learning happened from home—in our increasingly digital world, homeschool programs can occur virtually anywhere on any schedule.
Homeschooling programs follow their own process and are tailored to the individual needs of the student and their grade level. While homeschool options may not provide the same social elements as other in-person alternatives, the trade-off is much more concentrated attention from the educator. For example, if a student is struggling in a specific subject like math, the curriculum can adapt accordingly. In addition, homeschooling regulations and requirements vary by location, so families typically need to comply with their local education laws.
2. How do you begin homeschooling if your parents work?
A common misconception about homeschooling with us is that parents and other caretakers are directly responsible for the student’s education. While some state laws do require parents to provide instruction, this isn’t true in every case, which is usually the result of parents just not understanding what is homeschooling.
In many states, parents can hire someone other than themselves to oversee their child’s homeschooling, but it’s important to be aware of specific rules and regulations. For example, some states require tutors to have teaching credentials or to work under a certified teacher’s supervision. Additionally, your local school system might have guidelines regarding the number of hours a tutor can work with your child. This misunderstanding often stems from parents not fully understanding the flexibility and options available in homeschooling.
One of the most common homeschool questions we hear from parents is how involved they need to be in the process. Simply put, we exist so parents don’t have to teach!
We understand you’re busy—that’s why Novel Education provides a full hands-on service for homeschooling tailored curriculum specifically designed for your child. Your child works one-on-one with one of our closely vetted educators, learning at their own pace—you set the schedule.
For more information on homeschool requirements in your area, visit HSLDA.org or contact us.
3. How much time does homeschooling take?
The number of days required for homeschooling can vary depending on your location. In many places, homeschoolers are required to meet the same minimum number of instructional days as public schools, which is typically around 180 days per year. However, some states or countries may have different requirements, so it’s important to check the specific regulations in your area.
Whether your student wants to work ahead of schedule or follow a more traditional curriculum, our homeschool programs can be adapted and make tracking assignment due dates easy to manage.
Not sure what kind of schedule works best for your student? The average/recommended seat time is 3 hours per day for 5 days a week. Ultimately, understanding what is homeschooling and how much time it takes will look different for every student.
4. How do you start homeschooling?
Getting started in homeschooling is easy with Novel Education! Before we can design a custom curriculum for your child, we get to know them—understand what their goals and learning preferences are, and where they need the most support. To ensure we provide the best education possible, we want to understand your reasoning for choosing to homeschool.
After we get acquainted, that’s when the magic happens! Novel Education creates a custom curriculum based on your student’s goals and preferred learning experience. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to what is homeschooling with Novel Education Group.
5. Can homeschooled students achieve success?
Yes! While there are key differences between what is homeschooling and a “traditional” education experience, there are no concessions when it comes to academic success. Novel Education offers students the option of a fully customized homeschooling program. Many former students have successfully gained admission to large universities and Ivy League schools.
Homeschooled students benefit from Novel Education’s custom curriculum and individualized instruction, giving them the skills they need to flourish academically. No matter your child’s learning style or goals, we can keep them on the path to success.
6. Do I need to figure out transcripts?
One of the most common reasons parents elect to forego homeschooling is that they’re not familiar with how to manage student transcripts. Fortunately, that’s not an issue with Novel Education—when you enroll in our homeschool programs, we take the administrative responsibilities off your plate entirely—giving you and your student added peace of mind.
Operating on your students’ behalf, our knowledgeable team keeps secure records of their transcripts and oversees communication between schools. When the time comes for your student to transition to a traditional school, we make the process easy by providing them with a detailed report of what is homeschooling with Novel Education, as well as a review of everything they’ve already completed.
Conclusion
Homeschooling offers a dynamic alternative to traditional education, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of students across the country. The flexibility inherent in homeschooling allows for personalized learning experiences that lead the way to academic success and personal growth. By understanding what is homeschooling and how to get started effectively, families can embark on a rewarding educational journey.
At Novel Education, we recognize the importance of supporting parents and students through every step of the homeschooling process. From designing personalized curriculums to providing administrative support, our goal is to make homeschooling accessible and successful for families. With customized programs and a track record of academic achievement, homeschooling with Novel Education opens doors to various opportunities, including admission to prestigious universities.
