Homeschooling to save money

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

28 Apr 2009 01:00 PM

It seems that interest in homeschooling is growing as families with children in private schools began to make budget wise decisions. For parents who chose private over public schools for academic, religious, and safety reasons, lack of money is not enough reasons to re-enroll children into public school. It seems that homeschooling may be the only option.

Of course there is the problem that many of these parents see themselves as teachers, or ever planned on teaching their kids themselves. Fortunately there are many hybrid homescchool programs that will partner with parents that can help them homeschool their kids with little stress involved.

But should money be the motivation to homeschool? I guess we all have our reasons. Still the idea of homeschooling being chosen as the cheapest of options bothers me. It probably bothers me most because it would most likely be a temporary option until the family's financial picture changes allowing them to use private schools once again.

On the other hand, money is coloring my options for homeschooling next year, so I should not be judgmental. We are using less classes and tutors next year in exchange for more one on one teacher parent-to-child. Of course my kids will use teachers and tutors where absolutely necessary, but if I have the knowledge, it will help our pocketbook to do the teaching myself.

I do, however want to issue a small warning against allowing money to play too big of a factor in your decision to homeschool, or your approach to homeschooling. First and foremost a parent must be engaged in and dedicated to homeschooling for it to be successful. Without full parent buy-in, homeschooling has a large chance of failure.

*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.

* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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