How to determine if homeschooling is right for your family

What is homeschooling?

Homeschooling is an educational approach where children receive their education at home rather than at school. Usually parents, guardians, or carers take the role of teachers, and are responsible for teaching the national curriculum using whichever teaching and learning methods they want. There may be legal requirements when it comes to delivering this education, which will vary between countries or regions. Homeschooling is a very flexible approach to learning because students get a much more personalised experience and have uninterrupted attention from their “teachers”. On the other hand, there may be aspects that children can miss out on and should be considered before making the move to home schooling, such as socialisation.

Making the right decision when it comes to homeschooling

Your child’s education is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. Homeschooling can offer a more personalised and flexible education, that caters to your child’s unique needs and learning style. It can also provide opportunities for quality family time and shared experiences, as well as a sense of community within homeschooling networks.

With careful planning and the necessary resources, homeschooling can provide children with a rich and fulfilling educational experience, helping them to achieve academic success and personal growth.

Factors to consider when deciding on homeschooling 

Each family’s situation is unique, so it’s important to consider your own circumstances and evaluate the below factors into your decision. 

Your child’s individual needs and learning style 

Homeschooling allows for a more personalised approach to education. You’re able to consider whether your child thrives in a self-directed learning environment, or whether they require more structure and guidance as part of their homeschooling. As their educator as well as their parent, when homeschooling, it will be up to you to adapt the learning environment so that it’s suitable for them. 

Your own resources and time availability  

Homeschooling your child will require a significant investment of time, energy, and resources, which can be a big strain on you as a parent, especially if you and/or your partner are working. Staying organised and making use of learning resources online will help to take the pressure off and could be vital to homeschooling success. 

Socialisation opportunities 

It’s important to consider how you will provide socialisation opportunities for your child, to ensure they don’t miss out on developing important social skills like teamwork, empathy and emotional intelligence. To read more about how to provide this, take a look at our homeschooling socialisation advice. 

Exam preparations 

Homeschooled children may require additional support and resources to revise for exams, so it’s important to consider how you will provide the necessary academic support and resources to ensure your child is well-prepared. Online schools are often a great option for high-pressure situations such as leading your child through their crucial exam years, so finding an online school with experienced subject specialist teachers could be worth considering when your child comes to begin studying for their GCSEs and A Levels. 

How to evaluate whether homeschooling is a good fit

By taking the time to carefully consider your family’s needs and circumstances, you will be making an informed decision for your child to ensure they have a bright future.

It can be helpful to make a pros and cons list to carefully evaluate your options. Don’t rush into a decision – take the time to research homeschooling and to talk to other home education parents about their experiences. Above all, keep your child’s needs and educational goals in mind as you make your decision.

To gain insight, it can be useful to reach out to other homeschooling families and online education providers, like King’s InterHigh, for guidance and support.

Check out our blog to discover more about the pros and cons of homeschooling and learn more about the opinions of other parents.

Other resources available to make a decision 

When considering homeschooling, there are many resources locally and online, which can aid in the decision-making process. For example, online forums can be a valuable source of information and support, allowing you to connect with other homeschooling families and learn from their experiences. Local homeschooling groups and educational associations can also provide valuable resources and guidance to help you get started.

Homeschooling can be a great educational option for many families, but it’s important to approach the decision with careful consideration and planning. Don’t hesitate to seek out resources and support from other homeschooling families and education providers, and above all, keep your child’s needs at the forefront of your decision-making process.

Read more stories from our homeschooling families at King’s InterHigh, who study with the academic support of online learning.