Online Homeschool Resource Library: When High School is Not the Right Choice

Homeschooling involves educating children in the home instead of at a traditional school. Tuition is usually conducted by parents, although some families opt to hire tutors instead. Homeschooling is actually not a modern concept at all. Over the last few centuries in Western culture, it was common for richer classes to hire governesses who lived with the family and taught children a variety of subjects as well as etiquette and how to conduct themselves socially. Today, many parents prefer homeschooling in order to avoid unsuitable influences that children may be exposed to in public schools as well as issues they may have with educational or religious content. Studies by the National Home Education Research Institute also show that homeschooled children fare noticeably better on tests than their publicly schooled peers. Apart from these factors, homeschooling is a more convenient option for families who live in remote areas or who often relocate, since it allows the child to continuously learn without the ordeal of having their schooling progress interrupted, or for children with special needs. Parents planning to homeschool must keep in mind that a signed declaration is normally required by law and should take care in preparing and filing official documentation before the start of the new school year.

1. Starting Homeschooling – Answers to parents’ questions about beginning homeschooling.

2. Homeschooling Benefits – Article on the advantages of homeschooling versus public schooling.

3. Age-Specific Homeschooling Resources – Plenty of homeschooling resources including lesson plans, curriculums and worksheets from Home Education Magazine.

4. Homeschooling Community – Homeschool.com offers articles, curriculums and a forum for parents to discuss homeschooling online.

5. African-American Homeschooling Support – Support groups for African-American homeschooling parents that include events, outings and general support.

6. Military Families – Homeschooling resources for military families within the U.S. and abroad, as well as legal information regarding homeschooling.

7. Support by State – Support groups, government educational departments, homeschooling law and more, sorted by U.S. states.

8. Home School Legal Defense Association – Non-profit group defending parental rights to homeschool.

9. Statistics – Trends in homeschooling across the U.S.

10. Homeschool Convention – Annual convention presented by the Washington Homeschool Organization featuring numerous activities, workshops, vendors and exhibits.

11. Special Needs – Article on how homeschooling a child with a disability can help them.

12. Special Needs Resources – List of resources sorted by disability to cater more accurately to children with special needs.

13. Gifted Children – Article on homeschooling gifted children.

14. Practical Homeschooling Magazine – U.S. Publication featuring homeschooling articles, reports and product reviews, as well as contests for children.

15. Secular Homeschooling – Bi-monthly magazine focusing on homeschooling for non-religious reasons.

16. The Old Schoolhouse – Quarterly magazine which also features free weekly e-newsletters and an online store selling homeschooling books and related products.

17. Testing – Assessment and test services offered by the Family Learning Organization.

18. Hewitt Homeschooling Resources – Homeschooling organization offering tips for parents, educational materials, counseling services and testing for Grades 3 to 8.

19. Homeschooling Organizations – National and local listing of organizations, including those among the U.S. Territories.

20. Digital Resources – Free 101-page printable online supplement from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine comprised of articles, worksheets and more.

21. National Home Education Research Institute – Organization which conducts research regarding homeschooling and also publishes the journal, the Home School Researcher.

22. Using Technology in Homeschooling – Article on the pros and cons of using technology in homeschooling.

23. Ideas for Field Trips – List of tips and ideas for homeschool field trips.

24. Homeschooling Teens – Articles addressing educating teens at home, including preparing and applying for college.

25. Homeschool World - Practical Homeschooling Magazine provides this website to homeschool parents and shares a selection of homeschooling news, curriculum information, articles, and much more.