FAQ about homeschooling

Here are the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling by public schoolers.

1. How do you get a chance to socialize if you're home all day?

Generally, in the homeschooling community, all the families get together and organize a co-op. A co-op acts as "school" for one or two days in the week. The people participating in the co-op can chose what classes they would like to take. This allows for some socialization, but not to the degree that public schoolers have. Basically, it amounts to not being home all day, and taking most of your classes outside the house.

2. Are the rules at these co-ops really strict?

Comparatively, to public high schools, they are extremely strict. However, none of the problems, such as school shootings, or the enormous social pressure have to be worried about in a homeschool setting.


3. How do you survive if you're home doing your school? Wouldn't your parents or siblings drive you crazy?

My mom has told me that the first year she tried homeschoool, it was just like you described it, but after two or three years, everyone got used to it. By the time I was homeschooled, everyone had already adapted to the homeschooling "way of life," so it became much easier on me in that regard.


4. What time do you have to get up in the morning?

It depends on the homeschooler. Some stay up late, and get up at 8:00 or 9:00, or some go to bed early, and get up at 6:00 or 7:00. It all depends on the guidelines set out by the parents and the homeschooler.

5. When do you usually finish your school for the day?

Again, it depends on the homeschooler. Some are more diligent, and get their work done for certain classes before the day of, and some save their school for the day of, and stay up late doing it that night. For me, I have two classes back to back on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so Mondays and Wednesdays are my big work days. It all depends on the particular homeschooler's class schedule.

6. Can you do whatever you want during the day, just as long as you go to class?

Homeschoolers have freedom throughout the day that is only constrained by their class schedules, and the amount of work that is due for those classes. Because homeschooled classes only meet once or twice a week, the homework tends to be more than public schoolers. As mentioned before, the amount of work done in each day is up to the person doing it.

7. So if you have all your work done for that day, you could do whatever you wanted for the rest of the day?

Yes, but it's not likely that a homeschooler should finish his/her school before the evening, therefore it is not as good as it sounds.

8. What do you do about sports? Is there some kind of league for homeschoolers?

Sports is the weak point of homeschooling. Because homeschooling is more education focus, many homeschoolers are not good at any sports, and therefore, any attempts at a "homeschooled sports league" is usually a very low standard. Some public high schools allows talented homeschoolers to participate in their sports programs, however this is unusual.


Note: Answers may vary depending on the homeschooler