FAQ’s

How do I know that Homeschooling is right for me and my kids?

Research, research, research. Come to the AGAPE meetings, talk with other homeschool families, get books from the library and learn about it. There are a number of learning styles, from a structured, curriculum-based approach, where classes start at the same time every day, incorporating such things as the Pledge of Allegiance and other “school-type" activities, to unschooling, where the parent provides a rich environment full of interesting books and activities, and the child learns about what interests him or her. Of course, most homeschooling families fall in the middle somewhere.

 How do I get started?

The legal requirements, found on the NCHE (North Carolinians for Home Education) web site:
Definitions:

Home school - A non-public school in which one or more children of not more than two families or households receive academic instruction from parents or legal guardians, or a member of either household.

Duly authorized representative of the state - the Director, Division of Non-Public Education or his staff.

Requirements:

§    Notify the Department of Administration, Division of Non-Public Education of your intent to operate a school and include your school name, and name of chief administrator.

§    Certify that the persons providing the academic instruction hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

§    Maintain attendance records on each student.

§    Maintain immunization records on each student.

§    Operate on a regular schedule, excluding reasonable holidays and vacations, during at least nine calendar months of the year.

§    Administer a nationally standardized test, or other equivalent measurement, that measures achievement in the areas of English grammar, reading, spelling, and math, to every student each year, and maintain the results on file for one year, subject to inspection by a duly authorized representative of the State.

§    Notify the Department of Administration, Division of Non-Public Education, when closing your school.

For more information, visit their full web site at

www.nche.com

 

What will I teach my kids?

Curriculum fairs are a great way to get started. Once again, NCHE is a great resource, holding the largest homeschool fair in North Carolina. Check their web site for details of this year’s conference, usually held in the Spring. Feel free to mix and match curricula, or venture out and create your own that fits your kids needs and strengths.

 

What about socialization?

Rather than feeling isolated and withdrawn from society, quite a few families feel that they are overwhelmed with extra-curricular activities with their homeschool kids, and feel the need to cut back. We live in a great area for networking with other homeschooled families. There are many opportunities, check back on this web site for more information on ongoing and upcoming events.