Yes, You CAN Homeschool

Are you interested in homeschooling? Got questions…we’ve got answers! Yes, YOU can homeschool!

Several local homeschool experienced homeschoolers recently gathered for a panel discussion about homeschooling. Most of us have never met in real-life–we just met as social media contacts. I’m not sure how much experience it takes to be called “a veteran homeschooler.” Because we’re all learning along the way. We’re happy to be able to pay it forward to anyone who is just getting started or if you’re new to the area.

Hear the heart of what we’re saying: You *CAN* do this!

Here’s the contacts who participated in the recorded panel discussion:

Kim Lee, Classical Conversations of North Augusta
Carol Bond, Administrator at Homeschooling in Aiken FB group
Emily Tran, Homeschool Veteran in Georgia
Julie Armstrong, Homeschool Veteran in SC
Kim Andrysczyk, The SC Homeschooling Connection; SC TOP Accountability Association

Here’s a few more contacts who were not able to make it to the recorded discussion, but are available to help answer your questions too:

Yes, You CAN Homeschool

Questions that were covered during the discussion. Including links to resources that are mentioned:

How Do I Transition from Traditional/Public school to Homeschool?
Georgia: Submit online Declaration of Intent form with Georgia Department of Education
South Carolina: Register with an accountability association: how to withdraw from pubic school in SC

How many hours should I be teaching my children?
Georgia: 4 hours is stated requirement in the law.
South Carolina: No hours specified for “day” (see record-keeping requirement question).

How Do I find out what style of learning/teaching do I and/or my child prefer?
Remember that whatever method and curriculum you choose, it’s a guide like a recipe. You can vere off the recipe to create your own blend of style.

- - Homeschooling Methods, by Paul Suarez
  - Everything Homeschooling, by Sherri Linsenbach
  - Additional articles: Finding your homeschool style and Choosing Curriculum or NOT and take some time to deschool.

What do I need for record-keeping? What does my state require?
Parents maintain the records, they’re for your own purposes. Lesson plan examples
South Carolina: Record Keeping requirements in SC are a good guideline for anywhere. Turn in annual report form to association.
Georgia: Nothing to turn in to the state at the end of the year. Annual testing: 3rd grade/every 3rd year.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA): other state requirements

How do I find curriculum? What’s the best fit?

- - 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum, by Cathy Duffy
  - Cathy Duffy’s Reviews website
  - Rainbow Resource carries lots of great curriculum and has reviews too.
  - Local used book stores and book sales

How do we find co-ops associations and communities?
South Carolina has accountability associations listed on Department of Ed and also this directory Various support communities meet-up with educational and social activities.

- - Classical Conversations meets once a week. Find a community near you.
  - Thrive Academy in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA)
  - More Support Groups, Co-ops and Resource Centers in South Carolina

What is the difference between homeschooling and virtual school? Virtual/Charter schools are under the public school code of law and there are teachers and administrators in charge of your child’s education. Homeschooling is when the parent is in charge of the child’s education and record-keeping.

What about socialization?! Teach your kids to interact with all ages. They make friends at co-op communities, church, neighborhoods, and extra curricular activities. Field days, field trips, parties and park days are also opportunities to meet up with various and diverse people.

- - - Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers
    - Homeschool Superfreak

Are there opportunities for homeschoolers to do sports and other extracurricular activities?

- - - - Band, music classes, Art, 4-H, Theater, Foreign Language Clubs
      - Private/Alternative Sports teams and equal access thru the SC school district; Eagle Sports (Aiken County)
      - Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution, Civil Air Patrol, Sea Cadets, Heritage Girls
      - Volunteer opportunities: Red Cross, Honor Society
      - CSRA Home Educators: Graduation, Prom, Field trips

How does this work for High School? Parent made transcript is acceptable for college admissions, scholarships, military, and career opportunities.

- - - - High school record-keeping and Parent made transcripts
      - Transcript assistance and some associations/support communities also provide transcript assistance and workshops.

Can I do this and work part-time from home? Yes! Practical by Default is a blog about balancing homeschooling and work.

My child has special needs. Can I homeschool him/her? Yes. You can get testing and find resources to help your child succeed. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA 2004) distributes funding to the school districts for private school and homeschool students. Contact: your local school district “child find” or “special services” coordinator.

- - - - Partners in Achievement in Augusta/CSRA area
      - Homeschooling the Special Needs Child in Columbia, SC
      - More Learning Disabilities Resources locally and online

We’ve given lots of information–but, we don’t want you to get overwhelmed. Please feel free to contact any of the panelists to ask more questions. Whether you’re new to the area or new to homeschooling–we hope you’re inspired and empowered! Yes, you CAN homeschool!

Be Encouraged, Equipped and Empowered

Resources to help get you started: