Assess your student's specific needs. Figure out what your child already knows so you can get exactly the right level of curriculum for him. This is one of the great benefits of home schooling; you get to tailor the curriculum to meet the specific needs of your child. Also consider your child's learning style when choosing an online home school curriculum. The goal is to provide the education that allows your child to thrive.
Review the education laws of your state. Each state has different laws regarding home education. For instance, some states may collect test scores, demand that parents have certain credentials, enforce curriculum approval or require state officials to visit the home. Other states do not prescribe parental notification to initiate home schooling for a child. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) has put together a comprehensive database on the legal requirements for each state.
Take a look at a list of online home schools. To acquaint yourself with these, and to discover what different schools offer, it is a good idea to check the Internet for a list of the most popular online home schools.
Read program reviews. Search for up-to-date reviews on the Internet by searching for "online home school reviews," or by searching for some of the specific online curriculums you are considering. Customer reviews will give you an idea about the pros and cons of the actual implementation of the program.
Ask for brochures. Many online home schools have compiled a brochure that gives a detailed overview of the entire curriculum. Indicate that you are interested in the program and ask for brochures for all the programs you are considering.