Common Questions People Ask Homeschool Parents
Homeschooling is on the Rise, and It’s Not Changing Anytime Soon
Homeschooling is on the rise, with an estimated 3-4% of school-aged children being homeschooled in the United States, in 2008. This number has been growing steadily since the pandemic in 2020, as parents increasingly look for alternatives to traditional public schools.
It is estimated that 11% of children are now homeschooled (as of 2021) or remain a part of a home education program (just in case school closures or a global meltdown happens again). That is greater than 2 times growth in less than 5 years…and the trends are not going away any time soon.
There are a variety of reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children. Some may be dissatisfied with their local public schools, while others prefer the flexibility and customization that homeschooling offers. Homeschooling can also be a good option for families who travel frequently or have children with special needs.
Whatever the reasons, parents who choose to homeschool their children need to be prepared for some challenges. Homeschooling can be demanding, both in terms of time and energy. Parents need to be organized and motivated, and they need to have a good support system in place.
Even after the pandemic and increased home education support options, many are still skeptical of homeschooling in the USA.
What are some of the crazy questions people ask homeschool parents?
As of fall 2022, parents are still being criticized for homeschooling (although it is more often a sarcastic comment) by family and others within their community. Here are some of the questions our community has recently fielded;
- Do you have to be religious to homeschool?
- Isn’t homeschooling just a way to avoid socialization?
- How do you make sure your kids are getting a well-rounded education?
- What if you can’t afford to homeschool?
- What about college?
The question about socialization in homeschool
There are a few questions that homeschool parents are always asked. One of the most popular questions is about socialization.
Most people think that homeschooled kids are not socialized. This is not true! Homeschooled kids are often very well socialized. They interact with adults and kids of all ages on a daily basis. They learn to communicate and cooperate with others.
Homeschooling actually provides opportunities for socialization that public schools do not. In public schools, kids are typically grouped together by age and they don’t have much interaction with adults or kids outside of their own grade. Homeschooled kids, on the other hand, can be involved in community activities, sports teams, and more. They often have friends of all ages.
So, rest assured, homeschooled scholars are definitely getting socialized!
The question about curriculum in homeschool
One question that homeschool parents often get is about the curriculum. People want to know what homeschool parents use to teach their children at home. There are many different options when it comes to the curriculum for homeschooling. Some parents choose to use a packaged curriculum, while others create their own lesson plans. Some parents even choose to unschool, which means they don’t follow any specific curriculum but instead allow their child to learn through everyday life experiences. No matter what type of curriculum you use, the important thing is that you are providing your child with a quality education.
The question about college for homeschooled children
Homeschool parents are often asked if their children will be able to go to college. The answer is yes! Homeschool children are eligible to apply to and attend college just like any other student. In fact, many colleges and universities have programs specifically for homeschooled students.
There are a few things homeschool parents need to do to prepare their children for college. First, they should make sure their child takes a variety of courses, including English, math, science, and social studies. They should also encourage their child to get involved in extracurricular activities and community service projects. Finally, they should help their child research colleges and universities and choose the one that is the best fit for them.
With proper preparation, homeschooled children can go to college and succeed just like any other student!
The question about testing for homeschool scholars
There are a few questions that homeschool parents get asked over and over again. One of those questions is about testing for homeschool scholars. Some people seem to think that homeschoolers are not tested or that their parents don’t have to worry about it. However, this is not the case.
Homeschool parents are required to have their children take standardized tests in some states. Other states don’t require any testing at all. But,
even in states where there is no requirement, many homeschool parents choose to test their children anyway.
There are a variety of reasons why parents might choose to test their children. Some do it for accountability purposes – they want to make sure their children are really learning what they need to know.
The question about funding for homeschool
One of the most common questions people ask homeschool parents is how they fund their child’s education. While there are many ways to homeschool on a budget, it can still be expensive. Some families choose to use public school resources like libraries and extracurricular activities, while others opt for private homeschooling programs or online courses.
There are also many memberships, pre-college programs, scholarships, and grants available specifically for homeschoolers in many states. No matter how you choose to fund your child’s education, homeschooling can be a great way to save money on tuition and give your child a personalized education.
There are many resources available for homeschool parents
When it comes to homeschooling, there are many resources available for parents. Whether you’re looking for curriculum ideas, support groups, or online resources, there’s something out there for you. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to try to figure out where to start. But don’t worry, with a little research you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your family.
