For the second year in a row, LEAP is not holding any classes. We are leaving the website up and running because it has become a valuable tool to so many seeking homeschool advice.
Feel free to contact us, I do check the group email a few times a month.
What info or resources can you help with for someone new to and not yet homeschooling ?
1. Pray.
2. Know the law. http://www.hslda.org/laws/
3. Try to find others that are already homeschooling. Local library, evangelical churches, 4H Organization…
4. Websites like Facebook and Pinterest are very handy for finding information.
5. Homeschool Group sites like: https://www.homeschool-life.com/
6. Blogs like this one and my own personal one: http://homeschoolthruhighschool.wordpress.com/
Hope this gives you a nice place to start. After 17 years of homeschooling, I can tell you I have no regrets and have enjoyed every moment.
Thank you
Hi!
I am from New Jersey where there are hardly any rules or regulations on homeschooling. We are talking about moving to PA and as I’m finding through research that PA is quite strict with homeschooling. It sounds like you have to report to your district 1x a year and have to teach what the district approves of. The other things I’ve read are the children have to participate in the standardized testing and be current on immunizations. Is it really that strict or in actuality more relaxed?
My question is are these things true? And are there any ways around them?
If your unable to answer my questions could you advise on who to ask? Is there anything else I should be aware of?Your time is much appreciated. Thank you
My best,
Nicole
Nicole, sadly it is that strict. I am in NY and have dealt with the strictest state for 18 years. PA isn’t that bad. Yes, you report once a year but you can pick the teacher in most school districts. In NY you have to have the books approved, which was never a hassel and I have never heard from any of my PA friends that it was an issue either. If you are using well know books like Abeka, BJU … that is not problem. If it is obscure or custom made you just document them. As for the immunization, I have to do that with my local Co-Op in NY so that isn’t a problem and you can sign a paper most of the times if you want to be exempt for religious reasons which problem half of my friends do. The first year is often awkward. Try to find someone homeschooling in the school district and find out from them who the best teacher is, what books everyone else uses… As for testing. In NY we have to test every other year. I always found it helpful and we got to pick the test and just get it approved by the school. We did the Stanford Achievement tests ordered by Bob Jones. Many friends also did the Iowa test for their shy children and that one was allowed at the dining room table. Find out from the Superintendent what is allowed. It wasn’t that bad. A little annoying but all in all, friends from PA and NY always agreed that it kept us accountable. There were always families in NJ that just laughed at us. It is very doable. Just try to find other folks throught the local library or evangelical churches, someone knows someone that homeschools. Best wishes and happy new year. Dawn
Thank you for your response!
Are there any homeschooling families in or near milford? I’m having a very hard time finding anyone. Please help!
Nicole, the best way I know to get a hold of other homeschoolers in Milford is to join the local FB page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/102478059885354/. I am a member. You must request to join. There are 75 members :) Hope that helps. Also I suggest coming and visiting: https://www.homeschool-life.com/ny/portjervis/ It is the homeschool group that is covering many NY, NJ and PA families. One family homes from Dingman, one from Hamlin and another right in Milford totaling around 30 families. Come visit any Thursday.