Nikki is a local mom in Saugerties. She homeschools her children and is often asked questions and advice from prospective homeschoolers.
Here are some of her Homeschool FAQ
| Does the school district provide the books/materials? |
| No. You have the freedom to choose whatever materials you wish to use. This is beneficial for so many reasons. You can tailor it to your child’s interests, your child’s learning style, your faith, and your budget. |
| Will I get a break on my school taxes? |
| No. Everyone pays school taxes, whether they have children in school or not. |
| How do I find a curriculum? |
| Research. I recommend Cathy Duffy’s Homeschool Reviews as a great jumping off point. The possibilities are literally endless, no two families do it the same way. |
| Can we homeschool if both parents work? |
| Yes. It will be trickier, but it's absolutely doable. The freedom of homeschooling allows you to choose the days and times, and places that work for your family. |
| I’m not a teacher. How will I know how to teach? |
| You are your child’s first teacher. You have taught them so much already, and you will continue to teach them for the rest of their lives! That aside, homeschooling materials are laid out for you, with simple instructions. If a program is complicated or confusing for either of you, I recommend finding something different. |
| How will I know what to teach? Will I teach the same thing as the public schools? |
| There are guidelines in the NYS regulations. They can be found at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/10010.html . These guidelines outline which subjects you must teach. However, the content within those subjects is entirely up to you! Here is where the freedom of homeschooling really shines. For example: the guidelines state you must teach “Science” each year. But it is up to you what kind of Science, so you may choose to study the Human Body, Oceans, Earth Science, or learn about animals native to North America. **You will likely not teach the same things as public school, though if your goal is to re-enter your child the following year, some parents will choose to teach the same topics as the public schools. |
| How do I know if my student is learning all they should for their grade level? |
| There are websites where you can compare grade level achievements/markers, but most homeschool materials are listed by grade level, or offer a placement test to place the child on the appropriate level. No need for extensive research or goal charts. |
| How does testing work? |
| End of year testing begins in 4th or 5th grade. The regulations state “every other year beginning in 4th through 8th,” so most parents choose 5th and 7th grade to test. Testing is every year in 9th-12th. These tests consist of Math and ELA only. They are found online (ex: CAT, PASS). Prior to these testing years, you are required to write a short statement or “narrative” at the end of the year stating completion of the work. |
| Is homeschooling expensive? |
| It can be as expensive, or inexpensive, as you wish. You can homeschool for free with a library card and the internet. Or you can spend hundreds or more on fancy programs. It is entirely up to you. |
| Can I homeschool my student with an IEP? |
| Yes. The district must uphold the IEP. **Normally, PT and OT services would be continued either at the school or in your home. Other services (such as resource room, reading or math help) are not as common, and don't have to be offered by law, but still can be obtained. |
| Is the paperwork difficult? |
| It can seem overwhelming at first but it really isn't difficult. You will submit paperwork before the school year starts, and 4 times throughout the year. I keep ongoing google documents, that way I can easily add to them from my phone or computer. I copy and paste information, and keep the same format so it's really only the first time through that takes a little longer. NY is among the highest regulated homeschool states. With that being said, we try to keep the reports as simple as possible, as to not give even more than is asked of us. |
| Can my student participate in school sports, clubs, or other extracurricular activities provided by the school district? |
| In NY, the law states that homeschooled students cannot participate in school sports. The other activities have been open to interpretation by the district. However, (**normally) there are plenty of town sports, and alternative sports such as horseback riding, mountain biking, dance, gymnastics, snowboarding/skiing, etc. And there are homeschool clubs and library clubs for other types of activities such as chess or acting. |
| How do you socialize your kid(s)? |
| **Normally, there are abundant activities, meetups, and field trips, all coordinated on local facebook groups. As far as our personal covid “social” life goes, my kids have enjoyed Outschool classes with other kids, and we try to play outside and meet up with friends outdoors while the weather is cooperating. We also utilize the messenger kids app by fb to keep them interacting with their friends. |
