I still can’t believe I am even thinking about homeschooling!
Good for you that you took a big step, now take a deep breath it is going to be OK. If you are worried, nervous and anxious about starting this process, that is normal. That is actually a sign of a great parent who cares enough to want to do the best for their kids.
Homeschooling is going to feel very different than going to school every day, it will take time to adjust and like anything, there will be pros and cons. There is a great amount of flexibility with homeschooling and minimal standard requirements for learning which will allow your children to pursue their interests with much more time and depth compared to school.
I am exploring the homeschooling option:
There are many different ways to explore homeschooling:
- Visit local homeschool supply stores such as “The Homeschool Room” which are great places that sell curriculums, books and other related materials. These are place to ask questions and learn about homeschooling.
- Attend homeschool conferences and trade shows, these conferences and trade shows have speakers, vendors, information and much more about homeschooling.
- Check out some homeschooling books from the library. Most places have those cool DIY check outs so no one has to see you with that book about How to Homeschool.
- Talk to other homeschool parents and kids, get a feel of the community to see whether it feels comfortable. There are also many groups, co-ops and meetups where you can explore varieties of styles and ideas.
- Make sure to find and do what works best for your family.
- Talk to your kids and find their level of interest and excitement over the idea
- Explore the internet review options there
- Go to the NCDNPE website and read all about homeschooling laws and information
- Get involved in the Charlotte Homeschooling website to explore
When should I start?
There are many that believe homeschooling begins at birth. You can begin homeschooling any time but they can officially start at age 7. You do need to file a notice of intent if they are 7 years old or older before taking them out of school.
If they are miserable, maybe taking them out would be helpful to minimize the “dislike of learning” that often happens when school is not a good fit for a child. There are many homeschoolers who don’t use the curriculum and there is no rush to figure out your method. You can allow yourself and your children for a de-schooling period. We feel what works best for you is what feels comfortable and works for your children and you.
7 Important Steps to Starting Homeschooling
- If your child is 7 years old or older you need to take care of the legal stuff first. See below for that
- Visit the Charlotte Homeschooling Facebook page where we have discussions, groups and more.
- Attend some classes at the Homeschool Room! They often have classes on getting started in homeschooling http://www.thehomeschoolroom.net/
- Check out the events at Charlotte Homeschooling Facebook page to see if there are other information meetings or conferences coming up! Park days are another activity where you can get a chance to ask those questions of other homeschooling parents. If you see one posted on CH, be sure to RSVP so that others know that someone is attending. Ask questions in the comments if you need to know where exactly everyone is meeting up.
- Decide on the style of your homeschooling – structured, non-structured, schooling or un-schooling. There are so many different styles depending on your beliefs, your children’s passion, your ideas and your strengths. This takes time, don’t rush it! Take some time to investigate all the ways people do it and then come to the conclusion of what works for you and your kids. Go from your heart which usually works the best.
- Get involved with your kids and with groups that can help you and be there for you.
- Relax, learn and enjoy.
Copied from https://ncadmin.nc.gov/about-doa/divisions/division-non-public-education website under FAQ page:
Q: How do I withdraw a student from public school?
Upon receiving from DNPE a Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School acknowledgment, show it to the appropriate official in the local school in which the student is currently enrolled.
Q: How do I withdraw a student under age 7 from public school?
First, read the answer to the previous question. Then, read very carefully the second sentence within the first paragraph of G.S. 115C-378. Especially note the ending words of that sentence ” . . . unless the child has withdrawn from school.” In North Carolina, a student is not required to attend school until he/she has turned age seven.
If your child will not turn age seven during the current school year (which runs from July 1 through the following June 30), you will not file a Notice of Intent with DNPE for this school term. At any time, you may simply go by the child’s current conventional school; complete/sign the necessary paperwork there to withdraw your child; take him/her home; and, begin homeschooling the child without dealing with this or any other government office for the remainder of this school year.
NC Homeschool Information