Whether your child is homeschooled or state schooled, he or she must be taught the same general curriculum. Although in the case of home schooling one can go into more detail in certain subjects if one wishes.

The major difference between homeschooling and private or public schools is that in a home school environment the teaching is going to be carried out one to one by the parents or a paid tutor, where as in a private or public school teaching is carried out in a social environment and in large groups.

Obviously, it is the desire of parents to provide the best education available. Coupled with this desire is to control the educational environment as much as possible. Those controls include the provision of a safe environment and an education that reflects the values and beliefs of the parents.

Nuts And Bolts

Currently 4 different mediums exist to employ with homeschooling. They are: the Internet, software, video and audio and the good old textbook.

All of these mediums can work well, but as all children are different you will need to see which one works best with your child.

Some children find it very easy to learn from visual things where as when reading they find it much harder. Others can find learning on their personal PC to be more engaging.

When you engage in homeschooling your children you will be subject to certain guidelines imposed by your state.

Studying times and progress

When a person takes it upon themselves to homeschool a child they are in complete control of the speed of which the child learns, however normally there will be exams to test your child’s progress that the authorities will enforce upon your child and if they are not passed you may be obligated to put your child back into public school.

Also quite often you will find that when you obtain classroom materials your provider will issue you a license, normally something like 365 days in which you must complete all of the materials provided.

Testing obligations

Most governments or states will require that your homeschooled children be tested to reassure all the authorities that your child is in fact learning with a reasonable progression.

It will depend upon your local authorities, but those that do adopt obligated tests normally issue them once yearly or every two years and in many cases the test can be administrated by the homeschool tutor.

Testing your child to see whether or not he or she is making the progress you desire in very important anywhere, so even if a test is not required where you are, it is still a very good idea.