FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How will homeschooling affect my family?

Homeschooling can be life changing. Ideally, it creates personal growth for both parents and children.  A special family bond is created.  Siblings can become best friends.  Nothing you ever do will have a more profound effect on your child and your family's future as homeschooling.

2. Am I qualified to homeschool?

You are qualified to homeschool your children if you love to read to them, love to spend time with them, love to explore the world with them, love to see them learn new things and, most important, love them.   Parents can learn side by side with their children.

3. Is homeschooling legal?

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but homeschooling laws vary from state to state. Check out the "New to Homeschooling" link to find information about Florida's laws.

4. How many hours a day must I teach my child?

The short answer to this, as kids today are likely to say is, "24-7." Think in terms of being free from the way government schools go about educating children. If you like schedules, stick with theirs. But realize that an evening trip to the grocery store, a weekend visit to the nature center, and even bedtime story hour are times available for learning together.  Some families sit down and do all their academic (book) work for a set time each morning, freeing up the children's afternoons for personal pursuits. Others scatter book work throughout the day, or note that their children might sit down with a math book for 2 weeks straight, then not touch it again for a month. Sometimes families simply go through the course of a day and only take advantage of "teachable moments" as they arise.

5. What about socialization?

Schools tend to classify and segregate children by age and ability.  Socialization in this type of environment becomes submitting one's will to that of the group (or person in charge). This is not the basis for healthy relationships. Home educated children, because they spend so much of their time out in the real world, generally are able to communicate well with both adults and children of all ages. They choose to spend time with others because they enjoy their company or have a similar interest - just like adults.   There are many opportunities for homeschoolers to interact with other children and adults.  We encourage participation in a support group.   Other opportunities are 4-H, scouting,  Civil Air Patrol, dance, martial arts or any other activity.

6. What if I don't know how to teach a upper level subject?

When your teen enters middle/high school there are many options available to help both you and your child.   A co-op class, community college class, Florida Virtual School, a tutor, or textbooks are just a few of the options available.

7. What curriculum do I use and where do I get it?

There is not a one size fits all curriculum, even within an individual home.  Every child learns in a different way.  Many curriculum resources are available.  PEC offers used curriculum sales a couple of times during the year.  We also have a classified area on our secure website where curriculum can be bought and sold. 

8. Can I afford to homeschool? Isn't curriculum expensive?

Homeschooling materials have come a long way in the past few years. Used products are often available at used curriculum sales, online or from other homeschool families. There are many options and resources available if you just look around!

9. Can children really learn outside a classroom?

Studies show that one on one learning produces the best results.  You will see your child develop in ways you never thought possible.

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