10 Things You Didn't Know About Homeschooling

Homeschooling has become such a popular schooling option that it’s starting to become accepted as a mainstream form of education. As homeschooling becomes more and more common, some of the preconceived notions about homeschooling are beginning to be broken down. Check out these 10 things that you may not have known about homeschooling.

1. You can hire a governess to homeschool your kids. A governess is an educationally qualified woman that is hired to teach school aged children and is put in charge of their education. With families choosing to live part of the year in one country and part of the year in another, there has been an increase in hiring governesses to maintain a consistent education for the children.
2. Homeschooled kids are required to take standardized tests. While states vary on whether children need to be taken to a testing site for standardized tests, if a certified test administer is required, or if the parent can give the test to their children, strict guidelines are given as to how the tests must be given in most areas.
3. Over 2 million students are being homeschooled in 2012. The number of students ranging from kindergarten through 12^th grade has grown at a rate of 15% estimates Dr. Brian Ray, one of the leading homeschool researchers, over the last few years.
4. Homeschooled children tend to score higher on standardized tests. Research by NHERI (National Home Education Research Institute) has shown that home schooled students score higher on SAT and other college entrance exams as well.
5. Students who are homeschooled spend significantly less time in “school”. In traditional schools a lot of time is wasted on managing unruly children, moving from one place to another in an orderly fashion, and waiting for other students to catch up to the rest of the class. Homeschooled students can cover the same material faster and often throughout the day as learning moments present themselves.
6. Most homeschooled kids are just as socialized as those that go to a public school. Contrary to popular belief, homeschooled kids are not sitting at home studying all the time. They are out visiting museums, viewing art shows, taking dance classes, or playing sports. These kids are often in groups with other homeschooled kids. According to Dr. Moore, author of more than 60 books, one of which is the Hurried Child, children are socialized by their parents and not by other kids.
7. Many homeschooled kids graduate high school before they turn 18. For the same reason that the school day is shorter for homeschooled kids, the length of time spent in school can be condensed too. Fewer distractions and the ability to proceed at the student’s own rate allow homeschooled students to cover more material at a faster rate.
8. Homeschooled students often take college courses at the same time they are finishing high school. In public schools students are able to take AP (Advanced Placement) courses that will count toward their college requirements. Many homeschooled students are completing 2 years of community college in 12 months.
9. Virtual or online school is different than homeschool. While both occur at home, virtual school involves a teacher and curriculum. The curriculum is in line with state requirements and the teacher expects that the work be completed in a timely manner, whereas homeschooling is completely up to the parent as far as timing and curriculum. You can buy curriculum to help you plan the coursework, but the timing of everything is up to you and your kids.
10. Many homeschoolers are involved in some type of co-op. A co-op is where other homeschool families get together and share the workload. This way each parent can teach their strongest areas and the kids socialize with other kids in the coop. Being with other kids will bring in new ideas and opinions into the discussion.

Taken From Au Pair Jobs