#1 Write down the reasons you chose to homeschool and/or elected exemption from state accreditation and approval requirements.

The first reason would be what you marked on your Statement of Election and Assurances (Form A).  Continue to ask yourself, “Why did I choose to homeschool my child?”   You may have a single reason or many.  Did you decide from the very beginning that you wanted to homeschool?  Did you leave your previous school to get away from something?  Did you leave because you were seeking something different or better?

#2 Recognize the level of homeschooling freedom you enjoy as an exempt school.

We’ve jump-started the list for you; you can continue to add to it based on your unique reasons for homeschooling.

• You are free to consider all aspects of your child’s life (individual learning style and pace; limitations and strengths; social, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs) when developing your child’s individualized instructional plan
• You are free from externally imposed standards of education or a differing philosophy of education
• You select the curriculum and content for your child’s education
• You can teach religious beliefs and moral standards in your child’s schooling
• You are able to use the teaching methods that are best for your child
• You are able to teach multiple grade levels at one time if you choose
• You are able to tailor the school calendar and daily schedule to your family’s needs
• You have time with your children and your children have time with each other
• You are able to control the environment for your child’s learning and socialization
• You retain parental authority over your child and autonomy in your decisions
• Etc.

#3 Make a list of the requirements for participation in the school.

Be sure to include specified requirements for enrollment and participation, as well as the impact participation may have on the other aspects of your exempt school.

Some possibilities include:

• Must follow attendance requirements
• Must secure your own transportation to/from school
• Must follow school’s schedule and calendar
• May have schedule conflict with homeschool events and activities
• May conflict with the needs of siblings or spouse
• May need to allow others (teachers/counselors) to be involved in directing your child's education
• May be required to participate in testing (assessment and/or standardized)
• May be required to participate in data collection and/or program evaluation
• May be required to allow alternate religious and/or moral teachings to be taught to your child
• Etc.

#4 Consider what might be lost (or what you may have to give up) if you decide to use other schools.

Anytime you incorporate other types of schools into your instructional plan, you will need to consider the cost to your homeschooling freedom and the subsequent impact to your child.   Look again at your answers from #1 and #2; they'll help you see more clearly what you might be giving up.

All education is religious in nature.  By that we mean all education is founded on a particular worldview--theistic or humanistic.  Education is not neutral, it will have an impact on your child--a positive impact or a negative one.  Take this into consideration when making your decision.

Seek the advice of a trusted friend and/or pray about your decision.  Include your child in the decision-making as you see fit.

#5 Make your decision.

Remember, as long as you are a recognized exempt school you can modify your instructional plan when needed.  So if your decision isn't working out the way you had hoped, change the plan.   We enjoy great flexibility as exempt schools.