School Meets at the Kitchen Table

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  Fifteen years ago, one of those ‘last straw’ events took place that threw me head first, resolute and determined to take my children out of public school and teach them at home. I am the mother of six and at the inception of my homeschooling venture, my children ranged from age fifteen through infancy.

  The older three children had done quite well according to public school standards. The younger three were still studying walking, crawling or the basic concepts of napping. I had no close mentor to instruct me in the process of setting up and functioning as my children’s primary source of education but being their primary source is exactly the responsibility I sought.

  Initially, I felt I needed to mimic a typical classroom setting and my living room was expelled of all traditional furniture and replaced by long tables and chairs, bookshelves and a desk. The youngest three were settled into a corner filled with toys, books and pillows.

  I ordered a curriculum from the only supplier I knew of at the time and followed the state guidelines when it came to what they required I teach. In most cases, this includes History, Science, Math, Reading, Writing, Grammar and Spelling in the elementary grades. High School mandates include Literature. The guidelines for credit requirements in each area of study can be found by researching the particular state’s requisites or through reporting agencies approved by the state for recordkeeping purposes.

  Each state has its own specific laws with regards to what makes a home school legal and many of those requirements can be found on such sites as the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) which helps parents facilitate their desire to be their child’s educator.

  Most states require parents to hold a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED certificate in order to teach their child. A minimum number of hours is required per day as well as a minimum number of days per year to qualify. Depending upon the state, an alliance can be made through either the public school system or through a state approved accountability association to validate the home school. Consistent, thorough record keeping is important and required, though the extent of those records may vary from entity to entity and whether or not it is the parent or organization which retains them may differ as well.