I have a few questions about homeschooling?

-I am very curious on how homeschooling works.



1. Is homeschooling expensive?

2. Are there different methods of homeschooling and if there are what are they?

3. which is more beneficial: homeschooling or public school.

4. How do home schooled kids participate in extracurricular activities



I currently attend a public high school. I just wanted to learn some information about homeschooling. From my perspective, homeschooling seems to be a better way to get an education since you are learning at your own pace and absorb the information more rather than at a public school where you have either feel like you are left behind or you feel like you aren't challenged enough.1) It can be but it doesn't have to be. If you buy things like new textbooks or pre-packaged curricula, or if you hire tutors, that will make it more expensive than if you buy second-hand textbooks, borrow them from the school, use things like real books from the public library instead of textbooks, or trade services with other people instead of hiring tutors (e.g. babysitting in exchange for French classes). Unless you live in an area that requires you to use a specific program or type or program for homeschooling, you have a lot of control over how much you spend.



2) There are many different methods - too many to list here. You should spend some time researching on your own to learn more about them. Also, keep in mind that pretty much every family has its own method, and that what works for one family may not work for you. You will probably need to try a few things before finding the best method for you.



3) Depends on the student and the family. There is no one answer for this.



4) Join activities not associated with a specific school, such as YMCA activities or things like Habitat for Humanity (if you're into volunteering), or start your own activities if there aren't any available that interest you. Some school districts DO allow homeschoolers to join school-based activities, but you need to learn the laws in your area to know if that would be possible.



5) You should check with the College Board website for information on the SAT. Most likely you can register there now, and would have to go to your local testing location to actually take the test (I took mine before the internet was common so don't quote me on that). You should check with your local school board or other area homeschoolers for information on Regents exams.



6) You should make a transcript keeping track of your own grades, classes, and extracurricular activities. You can submit that to colleges. You might also consider keeping a portfolio of some of your best work, since some schools might ask for that as well. Ultimately, before you apply, check with the schools that interest you to see what they require of homeschooled applicants.I was in public school in 2nd quarter this year. Then i decided to switch to homeschooling, at AZVA, it is a partner with k12.com All of the states education boards have a home school program associated with k12.com It is 100% free they will ship you all the materials and a bunch of books.



I desperately want to go back to public school; the first month of home school i was enthusiastic and doing all my work and working ahead. But then you loose motivation and you start to cheat and do the minimum amount of classes.



Yes we do take all of those tests, i just got done with aims (Arizona's instrument to measure standards) Every state has one of those tests.



I am about to sign up for swimming and tennis at my local recreation center. I am also looking in the the home school group at my church. The school has field trips, we can go skiing, hiking, and join clubs, but on the field trips you can take a friend but you need to bring a adult with you. We actually could go on a field trip to disneyland, San Fransisco and Universal studios.
1. Is homeschooling expensive?



It costs what you want. Spend thousands on expensive curricula & supplies, specialty classes & tutors; or spend nothing and use your library and the internet for resources.



2. Are there different methods of homeschooling and if there are what are they?



Many:

- Virtual school (online school; e-school) more like being in a school you just do work at home then submit it through computer



- Classical & traditional methods rely more on schoolish methods, done at home, usually parents act more as instructors. There are various curricula you can buy for this, or make your own.



- Unit studies-- when you choose a topic and then spend several weeks researching, doing independent projects and papers and such.



- Unschooling-- child-led learning; it is more unstructured, though a child can decide to do more structured work, say in math because he wanted to bump up an SAT score, but it would be his choice. The idea is that learning can come in all different forms and to encourage kids to keep being curious and wanting to learn, and provide them with a stimulating and engaging environment so they can pursue a number of different topics in many different ways.



- Eclectic-- when you mix many different styles & method; such as doing traditional language arts & math curricula, but doing unit studies in social studies & science; taking co-op classes or community center classes for the arts & music; doing a lot of independent studies, long term projects, etc.



3. which is more beneficial: homeschooling or public school.



Both can succeed. Kids who are interested in learning and in their future are going to be better off than kids who are indifferent and just want to party.



4. How do home schooled kids participate in extracurricular activities



Leave the house-- there are tons of things to get into. Library programs, 4H, scouting, co-ops, support groups, youth groups, community center classes & activties, classes at museums and zoos and botanic gardens and such, sports teams, swim teams, karate lessons, drama or theater classes or being in plays, etc. Volunteering... there really is no shortage of activities you can get into.



5. How do home schooled children take tests (regents,SAT,ACT)



You register with the testing board directly.



6. How do you send all school work/ extracurricular activities to colleges



You don't. You just make your own transcripts, which is basically a list of your educational pursuits and accomplishments. YOu don't need grades or credits; but the more diverse and interesting your pursuits, the better. Then you have your SAT/ACT scores shipped, and do the rest of the application like any other student.
1. Is homeschooling expensive?

Homeschooling can be free or expensive, depending on what methods and materials you use. Expensive does not necessarily mean better, either. With internet access and a library card you could homeschool for free (well, the exception of the internet access and getting to/from the library).



2. Are there different methods of homeschooling and if there are what are they?

Yes, there are. Some people call virtual school (public school at home) homeschooling, even though it really is not. Then there is the unlimited methods of actual homeschooling.



3. which is more beneficial: homeschooling or public school.

Homeschooling is not for everyone, but neither is public or private school. Public school might be more beneficial for a child in some circumstances while homeschooling would be more beneficial for another child in the same circumstances. Homeschooling is, however, more individualized and with homeschooling you are better able to accomodate the individuals strengths and weaknesses, etc.



4. How do home schooled kids participate in extracurricular activities

Homeschool groups (ours has Prom, graduation, science fairs, field trips, spelling bees, etc.), community programs (parks and recreation, YMCA, library, etc.) or private (dance studio, art lessons, etc.).



5. How do home schooled children take tests (regents,SAT,ACT)

They register for the tests and take them at a local testing site, usually a public school (not limited to students at those schools) the same way any other student takes the tests.



6. How do you send all school work/ extracurricular activities to colleges

You fill out applications the same way every other student does and include what they require.