What does homeschooling actually look like?

Homeschooling doesn't just happen in the home, and it usually doesn't look anything like school. Parents have much more freedom to work outside, go on field trips, travel and teach beyond a classroom. They have more flexibility and fewer funding or transportation issues that a larger class might have.

What does it feel like to be homeschooled?

Homeschooled children do not have to wait for a teacher to tell them it is time to start learning. They can start learning the moment they wake up. Some of our children feel empowered by this freedom and wake up early in order to complete a significant chunk of their schoolwork before breakfast.

Is there a downside to homeschooling?

You have to plan school-time and activities and handle the administrative work of being a teacher. Less time each day for yourself. Potential for more stress and fatigue by taking on parenting and teacher responsibilities.

Do colleges look down on homeschooling?

Fortunately, college admissions is handled very similarly for homeschoolers as it is for traditionally schooled students. In fact, many admissions offices actively seek out homeschoolers.

What are common homeschooling pitfalls?

One of the Top Homeschooling Mistakes that first time homeschoolers experience is disorganization. Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to find what you need when you need it. This is especially true when you're trying to keep your children current with their schoolwork.

what it’s actually like being homeschooled

What are the negative effects of homeschooling later in life?

Some children who are homeschooled experience educational neglect, with longterm consequences: upon reaching adulthood, these individuals may struggle to attend college or enter the workforce in a meaningful way.

Why do colleges like homeschoolers?

1. Higher ACTs and GPAs. A study of the academic outcomes of homeschooled students found that homeschoolers “possess higher ACT scores and grade point averages (GPAs)” than traditional students. As you may know, ACT stands for American College Testing and it's a test that assesses your college readiness.

What state is hardest to homeschool?

Fast facts on homeschooling

Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont have the most restrictive home school laws. Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Texas have the least amount of regulations regarding homeschooling.

Does Harvard accept homeschoolers?

Each applicant to Harvard College is considered with great care and homeschooled applicants are treated the same as all other applicants. There is no special process, but all relevant information about your educational and personal background is welcome.

What does it mean to unschool kids?

What Is Unschooling? Unschooling is a style of home education that allows the student's interests and curiosities to drive the path of learning. Rather than using a defined curriculum, unschoolers trust children to gain knowledge organically.

What do psychologists say about homeschooling?

Some studies have found no difference in social skills between children in homeschool environments versus conventional schools, some studies have found that homeschooled children score higher on measures of social ability, and some have found that homeschooled children score lower on overall social skills.

Is homeschooling better for Mental Health?

Homeschooling can make a huge impact on a student's mental health, especially during the teen or high school years. Why is that? More time and flexibility to be creative and explore their individuality: The high school years are when you learn the most about yourself and who you want to be!

What do experts say about homeschooling?

Research facts on homeschooling show that the home-educated are doing well, typically above average, on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development. Research measures include peer interaction, self-concept, leadership skills, family cohesion, participation in community service, and self-esteem.

Are homeschoolers happier?

New Harvard Study: Homeschoolers Turn Out Happy, Well-Adjusted, and Engaged. Homeschooled children fared better than children who attended public schools in many categories.

Do homeschool kids do well in life?

Many studies show that homeschooled students do better than the general public school student in post secondary schools. Stats have proven that homeschoolers score higher on standardized tests and their graduation rates are also higher. There have been so many studies about homeschoolers' success.

Are homeschooled students happy?

4. Over 90% of the Graduated Homeschooled Students Are Happy about Being Homeschooled. There are not many studies on adults that were being homeschooled but the ones that you can access give us a very positive image of the homeschooling experience as a whole.

Do homeschoolers get a GPA?

Of course your GPA will be on your homeschool transcript. But you'll also need it for the counselor account questions within the Common App (Common Application). Your grading scale and evaluation methods will also be used on your school profile and course descriptions.

What GPA is required for Harvard?

The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.

Which curriculum is best for homeschooling?

What states is homeschooling illegal?

Although homeschooling is legal in all U.S. states, the requirements can vary widely, and may include rules on: Formally withdrawing from a public school. Registering a new homeschool. Keeping and submitting records.

Which state has the strictest homeschool laws?

New York. New York has some of the strictest homeschooling requirements in the nation. Families must design and submit an instruction plan to the school superintendent ahead of each school year and provide quarterly progress reports and a year-end assessment.

What states is unschooling legal?

Unschooling, as a form of homeschooling, is legal in all 50 states and all US territories.

What is the most common reason for homeschooling?

The most common reason for homeschooling is “a concern about the environment of other schools.” Homeschool laws are separate from public- and private-school laws. The most obvious difference: Homeschooling parents don't need higher-education degrees—in teaching or anything else—to qualify for the job.

Why are homeschoolers more successful?

Homeschooled students perform better because they are given more control over their school experience. Remote learning is effective, flexible, relaxed, and every student has the opportunity to “choose their own adventure” so to speak. Every homeschool curriculum is moldable.

Why do kids want to be homeschooled?

The most common was a concern about school environment, such as safety, drugs, or negative peer pressure (25 percent). Fifteen percent of homeschooled students had parents who reported that the most important reason was a dissatisfaction with the academic instruction at other schools.