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| Leaving School |  The Transition
You know that removing your kids from school – permanently – can be both frightening and exhilarating. Assuming responsibility for your educational choices can be overwhelming but having the freedom to select your child's educational path is exciting. You should have confidence in your ability to homeschool your child to go through that (sometimes) challenging first year of transition.
Because parents lack a teaching degree, they are often unsure about their ability to homeschool. A lot of them believe that only trained experts are knowledgeable enough to teach their kids. Nevertheless, studies have shown that kids who learn at home score higher than their schooled peers on standardized tests. After analyzing these scores, researchers discovered that homeschooled kids' test scores are consistently high, regardless of the parent's level of formal education. In other words, it didn't matter whether the parent held a GED. or a Ph.D. – by the time homeschooled kids were in the eighth grade, they tested four years ahead of their schooled peers.
Before You Decide
Each parent who's thinking about homeschooling should read The Homeschooling Book of Answers by Linda Dobson. Reading at least one good book about homeschooling will help you bridge the gap between what you think homeschooling is, and what it really is. Another good choice for families new to homeschooling is The Complete Idiot's Guide to Homeschooling by Marsha Ransom.
Know Your Homeschool Law
Before you remove your child from school, your first step is to read and understand the homeschool laws in your state. Though homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, reporting requirements vary. You may also contact a local homeschool support or resource group and talk with other parents who homeschool. Experienced homeschoolers can be an excellent resource to guide you on this new path. If you seeking for more detailed look at homeschooling and legal requirements, read The Homeschooling Handbook by Mary Griffith.
Notifying Your School
Notify your school district, in writing, that your child will no longer be attending school. You must send your letter certified mail, return receipt requested.
You may find out that local school administrators are not familiar with homeschooling regulations and sometimes quote laws that don't exist. A school receives sum of money per student per year in tax dollars. Sometimes, school officials may mistakenly believe they are entitled to this money (which is not added to their budget if a child is homeschooled), thus the hostility toward homeschooling families. In fact, that kids who learn at home actually save taxpayers millions of dollars because their families personally assume those educational costs.
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