Are there any Alternatives to Home Schooling without losing the involvement in curriculum planning?

Question

I want to be involved in my child's education and would like to be able to have a say (and herself to have a say) in what she is taught and what she learns. I know I can do this through home schooling and love the idea, but in order to survive, I must work during the days and won't be available as a stay at home mom. Does anyone know of any "not quite" home schooling programs? Or ways to have the home school feeling of having a hand in what is taught in a small group class setting? If not, should I just hire a tutor (in a professional setting?) and pay a lot of money? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Without someone to supervise and mind your child during the day while you work homeschooling isn't going to meet your need, especially if you work full time.

Homeschooling cooperatives might provide one answer if you can find any nearby, but would probably only suit part time work.

Can you shift your hours to part time, or to working in the evening? Is it possible to do some of your work from home?

Consider this kind of option as well as looking for alternative schools.

How much effort have you put into looking for an alternative school in your area? Our family moved so that we could enrol our children in such a school, but within two years were homeschooling. Moving is very stressful and it could affect your work anyway - I wouldn't recommend it all!

The only other way to gain more control over your child's education is to be as involved as you can in her education at her present school. Homeschool her as much as you can in the evening and on the weekends and during the holidays. You shouldn't try to duplicate a full school curriculum - simply pick out the subjects and activities that you really want your children to learn in the way you want her to learn them. There's a good chance you won't be duplicating anything, or not often. Even if you just do fun things together your child's education with be enhanced.

The most successful students are those whose parents take an active interest in their education.

Look into the Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling as it's something you can easily use at home, even if you are working and your child is at school. There are plenty of websites which describe the method and offer lots of ideas, and forums and support groups that would probably accept your unique situation and help you with questions. There is even a free curriculum available at http://www.amblesideonline.org.

Good luck!

all the best

Beverley Paine

http://homeschoolaustralia.com

http://alwayslearningbooks.com.au

Answer 2

It sounds like what you are looking for is a virtual public school.  It's a mix between public B&M school and homeschooling - sort of a halfway point.  (Side note - virtual schooling has opponents on either end of the spectrum - PS teachers hate it and those who think "pure" HS'ing is the way to go hate it.)

If your state has allowed virtual public charter schools, then I'd start your search there.  They typically supply a computer and printer, the curriculum and sometimes reimburse Internet access fees.  They are paid for w/ tax dollars so they are "free" (normal PS fees apply).  Most VCS's are managed by either K12 (K12 curriculum) or Connections Academy (Calvert curriculum).  Here are the links from both that show what states have their schools:

http://www.k12.com/getk12/index.html

http://www.connectionsacademy.com/oursch...

I've used the K12 curriculum as an independent (Cosumer Direct) user for over five years and LOVE it.

Answer 3

Not really. Not even school teachers have complete control over what is taught and how in their classrooms. If you don't can't find a way to homeschool, try looking at Steiner/Waldorf or Montessori schools. Their philosphies may be more palatable to you than the average public school.

You can homeschool in the evenings (if you have the energy), on weekends and during holidays. School doesn't have to happen between 9 and 3. That can only work if you have a supportive mum or someone around to take care of her while you're at work. Paying someone would be impossible unless you earn enough to pay someone a decent wage and still have enough left over for you.