How to Start Homeschooling in Oklahoma

Homeschooling is on the increase, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, with more than 1.5 million children being homeschooled in 2007. Parents choose to homeschool for a variety of reasons, including religious and moral beliefs, dissatisfaction with local schools or because their child has special educational needs. The right to homeschool is written into Oklahoma's state constitution. (See References 1 and 2)

Instructions

    • 1

      Officially withdraw your child from school, if they are already enrolled. If you start to homeschool without doing this, you could be charged with truancy. Write a letter to the school principal informing him or her of your decision. Keep it brief. The Home Educator's Resource Organization of Oklahoma (HERO) provides a template to help you write your letter. If your child has never been enrolled in a school system, you don't need to notify any school. (See References 2)

    • 2

      Familiarize yourself with Oklahoma state laws relating to homeschooling. The state requires children to be educated between the ages of 5 and 18 for 180 days of every year. Although there are no specific legal requirements on which subjects should be taught, you are required to provide an education "equivalent or comparable to public school education." The Home School Legal Defense Association strongly recommends that you include math, science, language, arts and social studies. (See References 3)

    • 3

      Think about how you will teach your child. Consider how your child works best, whether they like to learn through practical activities or prefer book-based work. Homeschooling allows you to tailor your child's education to suit them. Read books on homeschooling to help come up with possible strategies and to understand how your role as a teacher will differ from your role as a parent. (See References 2)

    • 4

      Contact a local support group to help you deal with the problems you encounter. The HERO of Oklahoma organization can provide contact details for online and face-to-face support groups. (See References 2)

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