Is homeschooling legal in my state?
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but laws and regulations vary from state to state, and interpretations can vary among school districts. Read the homeschooling laws and regulations for your state yourself: A copy of your law can be found in your public library, from a local homeschool support group, or on the Internet at HEM's State Laws and Regulations page.

What's the best book on homeschooling?
With dozens of homeschooling books published each year it's difficult to single out just one, but Linda Dobson's Homeschooling Book of Answers is the ultimate question and answer resource for homeschoolers! Eighty-eight commonly asked questions, answered by thirty-nine respected voices! Highly Recommended!

How do I know what approach to learning we should be using?
Read, ask questions, listen carefully and observe. There are many homeschooling styles, and the approach you choose should fit comfortably into your lifestyle. Households that thrive on schedules are often most comfortable setting a regular time each day for homeschooling activities. Others approach homeschooling as an integral part of what they do each day, with no set schedule. A child who likes textbooks and workbooks might use a ready-made curriculum. For a more holistic learner you may choose to use the library, museums, and life experiences as your primary learning resources. Be prepared to do some experimenting to find the combination that works best for each child and understand that as children mature or situations change so, too, might your approach.

What if my child wants to learn something I can't teach?
You don't have to be the teacher for everything your child wants to learn. Your child may successfully opt to self-teach, or to get together with other students to form a study group around a particular subject. You can hire a tutor or barter for help with another interested family. Community college classes are an option, and lessons via the Internet, television, videos, and computer software are increasingly available.

How do I know if my children are learning?
Children are always learning - they just can't help it! Just like when they were babies and toddlers, you can discover what they are learning by spending time with them and observing the growth in their understanding. A standardized test cannot give you the kind of valuable information you will get simply by spending time with your children and observing them carefully.

Will my children need to be tested?
Probably not, but check with your local support group for the best advice.

What about higher education?
Colleges are interested in responsible people and capable, motivated learners, and they find both in homeschooled students. If your child is interested in attending college, a good first step is to ask if anyone in your local support group has helped their child through the college admissions process, or ask online at a homeschooling message board or on an email discussion list. All good sources of advice and answers, for information about locating these free resources see the Online Support section of this Guide.

How can I learn more about homeschooling?
Two excellent sources of information about homeschooling are Home Education Magazine and the American Homeschool Association. Each issue of Home Education Magazine offers news about current developments, articles by experienced homeschoolers, interviews with people who work within the homeschooling movement, book and resource reviews, and much more - a supportive resource that arrives in your mailbox. For information visit the HEM web site:
http://www.homeedmag.com

The American Homeschool Association, also known as the AHA, works to provide free information, support, resources, networking and much more for homeschooling families. For information visit the AHA web site:
http://www.americanhomeschoolassociation.org

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