Home

How to Begin

Law

Organizations

Resources

Schools

Legislative

-- How to Begin --

• First of all, for some general information and Frequently Asked Questions about homeschooling, please try this page:
  FAQs on Homeschooling
  (Well, I'm going to plug my own site, aren't I? <g>)

• Search out homeschoolers and talk to them.
  Find out which alternative they use to homeschool -- district superintendent, a member of a non-public (often called umbrella) school, or if they are their own non-public school so you can get an idea of which way you think is best for your family. Research the methods of homeschooling, such as Classical, Charlotte Mason, Unschooling, Unit Studies, etc. Determine not only how you will homeschool but which legal option would be best for your family. My FAQs on Homeschooling page gives a brief explanation of these methods.

  Then decide if you will homeschool through the district superintendent or through the non-public school option.

  • If you go the non-public school route, decide if you will become your own school or join an existing one. (The only drawback of a new homeschooler creating their own school is that there is the chance of being more isolated and not getting the support you need while adjusting your lifestyle and home to homeschooling. If you become your own non-public school, try to get involved with homeschoolers, either through a support group or just with some homeschooling friends, to avoid being isolated.)
    • If you wish to join a non-public (or umbrella) school, you need to choose a school (DHEA's website has a list of some non-public schools, and Tri-State Homeschool Network's brochure does, too). Check out the schools and see what their requirements are. If you find a school that meets your needs, make arrangements to enroll and have your child(ren)'s transcripts transferred (if necessary).

    • If you wish to register as your own non-public school, you should contact:
      Vicki Fjelsted-Fields
      Department of Education
      PO Box 1402, Dover DE 19903-1402
      302-739-4583
      vfjelsted@state.de.us
      and ask for the Nonpublic School Registration Form.

      Also, please note you can register as your own non-public school in two ways -- either as a single family school (just for your own family) or as a multi-family (umbrella) school.

  • If you choose to homeschool under the district superintendent, give notification to your superintendent and receive his/her instructions.
    DHEA suggests oversight by the school district is unnecessary. I agree.

Remember that homeschooling is a commitment and it will take some time to adjust. The first year is generally the worst, when you are most likely to quit, which is why I recommend finding other homeschoolers to talk to. If you don't know any, you might look for some in your area through a local Support Group, or you can find online friends -- check the Resource page for a few suggestions, such as email lists.

Homeschooling is a lifestyle. If you think you can work homeschooling around your lifestyle, you will become frustrated and most likely give up. Homeschooling will cause some major upheavals in your home; be prepared and roll with the punches. Remember -- the benefits and rewards of homeschooling are wonderful and well worth the effort.

And above all, as you begin your homeschooling adventure, RELAX!