Families are drawn to homeschool learning for many reasons. While some absolutely love lesson planning and are comfortable designing a curriculum, others are intimidated by the idea of actually creating assignments or even grading papers. Seasoned homeschoolers might advise these parents to read some classic homeschooling philosophies, like John Holt. Others would recommend an online homeschooling curriculum.
Internet Homeschool
There are several internet homeschooling programs available. Perhaps you've seen radio or television commercials for free online homeschooling programs. These programs are generally accredited and subcontracted with your public schooling tax dollars. In elementary school, the K12 program is available at no charge in most states. At the high school level, try Kaplan, Insight, Olympus or Connections.
Christian Homeschooling Curriculum Online
Heritage Homeschooling offers both an online and a correspondence school program for high school. They boast that their students typically score in the 80th percentile and they also offer payment plans that are significantly lower than private school enrollment. Their internet homescholing program is for kids in third through twelfth grade. Their rates are lower for additional children in the same family and they begin each new student with a placement test to ensure that they're being challenged.
Learning Software
Alpha Omega has offered a Christian, computer based homeschooling program called Switched On Schoolhouse for several years. Their program is not web based, so families with limited internet access can still use the computer based schooling without accessing the internet. Lessons are done on-screen, tests are all stored in the database and students can even access literature selections from the disks. Graphic images and interactive museum tours and intuitive programming make programs like SOS popular with parents and children.
Homeschool Programs
Not all homeschooling programs are created equally and internet homeschooling isn't right for every family. For a customized, highly personalized, child-led and passion driven education, look elsewhere. If, however, you enjoy the idea of having everything laid out for you, knowing that children are able to re-enter the school system at or above grade level, then an online homeschooling program might be a good fit. Be flexible and continue to research the options.
You can often try each program at a homeschooling convention, either through a virtual convention or an annual or regional homeschooling convention. Be open to the idea that what works for you this year might not work next year. Talk to families involved in each program before you decide. Some programs even offer message boards and email groups so families can communicate. Check out their testimonials before you enroll.
