Believe it or not, we are not only approaching the holiday season but we are also approaching the time of year that parents reconsider their children's place of education. There is an increase in the number of homeschools after the first of each year. Why? Because parents tend to use the time off during the public school's Christmas break to make their final decision to homeschool and to get themselves prepared.
Parents tend to panic at this point once the choice has been made to take a child out of the public schools. Actually, it is a very simple process. You have to, first and foremost, file your Notice of Intent with the state of North Carolina with the NCDNPE and wait for your orange I.D. card to come in the mail. To get the form for your Notice of Intent, please click here. You must have this card in your possession before going in to your child's school to withdraw them. It takes around two weeks to receive your card in the mail.
While you are waiting for your card, you can notify the school of your intentions. The responses that you will receive can be mixed. Some schools are completely understanding of your plight and are willing to do whatever they can to assist you. Do not be afraid to ask to borrow textbooks to help your child stay on task and be able to continue with their course of study. Other schools are not as generous and will nicely wish you luck but for the most part, you are on your own.
Depending on the reason as to why you are pulling your child out of school may make the decision of whether or not you actually want to continue with the school's course of study or branch out on your own. You can get your own resources while still following the general guidelines from the school/county website or you can start fresh and choose what you want to study.
The school will give you a copy of your child's transcripts if you request them. If you have an elementary aged child, this really is not necessary. But if you are the parent of a high school aged child, it is imperative that you have a copy of these records so that when you begin the process of applying for college you will have them readily available.
Try not to look at the school that you are leaving as the enemy. Again, depending on the reason for your departure, that can be hard. Sometimes the move to home schooling is a temporary one and you may eventually re-enroll in public school. Try to keep a neutral tone when discussing your issues with the school in front of your children.
As with any new endeavor, taking your child out of an environment that they are familiar with can be daunting. You as the parent have the opportunity to turn a what was maybe a negative experience in to something positive and wonderful through teaching at home. We are fortunate that the state of North Carolina makes the steps to teaching at home easy to do.
Comments
I really wanted to pull my oldest daughter out of school when she was in middle school. She resisted and I didn't want to force her. I gave her all of the positives and how I would make up for the negatives. I was in the position to do it then and now I don't have a choice with the youngest because I need to try to work as much as possible.
I think my middle daughter would definitely benefit, but the second and forth one need the socialization.
Great article.
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