How do I go about starting homeschooling my 15 year old daughter?

Question

Are there any good curriculums in Texas?

Answer 1

We homeschool in Texas and the LAST place you want to ask is your school district or principal. Most are completely unfamiliar with the state laws governing homeschooling and may ask you for things you don't need. Go to the THSC website for a form letter to send to the school district (return receipt requested, so you can verify they received it). That's ALL you need to do, legally, to get started - you don't need to show anyone any lesson plans, you don't have to have your curriculum approved. Also, most school districts in Texas do NOT support homeschooling, so you'll need to find a co-op for sports, band, advanced courses, etc.

And speaking of curriculum, it's entirely your choice here in Texas. We don't follow any specific packaged curriculum. I create my own, following the classical philosophy. If you want to go with a packaged curriculum, there are plenty to choose from: A Beka, Bob Jones, and Alpha Omega are the big ones. You might check the Rainbow Resource catalog - they have 1000's of things (everything from books to pencil holders and paper) for homeschooling. They also (generally) have the best prices.

I would recommend you give her a few weeks to "detox" from the public schools before you start anything formal. Once you do start, begin with one or two subjects and ease her into whatever schedule you'd like to end up with. Homeschooling doesn't have to be public school at home. Make sure she's comfortable with the workload (no, she doesn't have to do 6-8 hours every day). You might even let her help you pick the curriculum - this way, seh'll feel some ownership.

I would also (strongly) recommend you find a local support group or co-op to join. They are of great value, especially during the first year (the most difficult) when you're trying to navigate through all your options.

Best wishes for happy homeschooling!

Answer 2

You will need to check your state law (each state has different laws). The easiest way is to visit www.hslda.org. You can join and pay if you feel you need legal aid but it is not necessary to look up the laws.
The hardest part is finding the curriculum you want to teach. This is a personal decision. There are so many out there. I prefer Switched On Schoolhouse by Alpha Omega Publishing. They also have an academy if you would like her to still receive a high school diploma.
Do a web search for homeschool curriculum and request catalogs if necessary. Find other homeschool parents and ask to look at what they teach. Plan a budget of what you want to spend. Some of the programs can be quite expensive. Compare cost and the effectiveness of the program. Then you have to decide what would be best for your family.
Enjoy and have a great year! :)

Answer 3

If she is already in the school system, you will need to pull her out. Then register with the school board in your area. Check into the Home School Legal Defense Association(HSLDA) on line. They will have some info. Also there are other groups you can look into in your area that are on line as well. You will need to know the laws in your state and need to keep accurate records.

I don't know about Texas, but you can buy your curriculum on line or in some book stores. There is a lot of great material out there. Find a home school group in your area and get connected. They can help you with so many things that you may not find on your own. They usually do field trips, group unit studies and many other fun activities.

I have home schooled my daughter since she was 3 yrs. old and have enjoyed every minute of it. Home schooled children are better rounded individuals and very bright. Most colleges agree. What you are doing is a wonderful thing and I wish you all the best.

Unless she is wanting to be home schooled, you may have a few bumps to overcome, but it is rewarding and challenging for both of you. At fifteen, she may have a difficult time adjusting. The advantages far out way the disadvantages. Good luck with your new journey, you will both be better for the time spent on her education! Good luck!!!!

Answer 4

Start with your state laws. I suggest you start with your state Superintendent of Education. From them, get the info on state codes fro high school age hoemschoolers. Some states require districts to support homeschoolers; some don't.
There are diploma programs out there for homeschooled kids. Some of these are administered by universities; some are "charter schools." There are distnace "private" schools that offer a diploma porgram.
The other very good thing to look into is an early AA program. Some community colleges offer a program for high school students to complete an AA as a high schol student.
Check into these before you buy anything. There is also the HomeSchool Legal Defense Association. They may have information on homeschooliing resources in your state.
Good Luck

Answer 5

You should teach her a ll the things that schools don't teach her. Math is always important to teach because she will always use it. English and grammer because you would be surprised at how many kids can not spell. Things that are not taught especially at her age are life skills...how to do a resume,how to build credit,buy a home,get a passport,build a budget,buy a car,how to cook,taxes,how to vote and the importance of why she should,world affairs and where it a ll stems from and why it is the way it is,raising children,how to do stock and record keeping in a job and computer skills and programs...all these things will ensure she can survive successfully in the world today and be confident. Also self love and esteem are important in young woman today. How to destress properly and take time out for herself...these are the basic life skills everyone should learn hope this was helpful

Answer 6

Check with your state's homeschooling laws. Try going to www.hslda.org for those. Then follow the procedures to withdraw her from school. Plan a curriculum and follow it. There are many prepackaged ones out there or you can do it yourself.

Best of luck.

Answer 7

you do need to go to the board of education first but I'm 15 and I'm in home schooling over the Internet its alto better than you teaching her yourself.I go to http://www.themorningstaracademy.org/ it is a christian based home schooling program and they are really great you get all your books and materials sent to you and you get to keep them you can pick your classes and you will also get a diploma through this school. the teachers are on line for you to ask questions when u need them and you can work at your own pace as long as its done by the end of the year this is a really good website i hope i could help you should check it out.and also when you sign her up if you do she will have a log in name and a password she has to remember and you get 1 to but your own and you can check on her work she if she is completeing it and you get a full progress report and report card right when you sign up the minute she starts her work the minute it credits it. i hated the thought of home schooling but ever since i started at the morning star acedemy i realize how fun and easy it can be as long as you enjoy it.

again like i said i hope this could help you

Answer 8

i know i used to home school in fla. It is better if you can get registered with a christian based organization. Because if you dont and you have a nosy neighbor you could get in trouble with the dcf department. And also the organization will be able to help with the curriculum and where you can get matrieals to start. Hope this helps good luck.

Answer 9

I would start by going to your local board of education. They would be the ones that could tell you the most accurate things that you need to do

Answer 10

Here are some places to start
http://www.google.com/search?lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=homeschooling