10 Things Parents Need To Know About Homeschooling

21K School
4 min readJan 9, 2023

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Currently, there are approximately 2.2 million home-educated children in the United States.

Homeschooling is growing in popularity worldwide, and India is no exception.

And it's no wonder why!

More and more parents are choosing to homeschool their children for various reasons. Some want to give their kids a religious or cultural education they can’t get in a public school. Others want a more individualised education focusing on specific interests or needs. And still, others want to spend more time with their kids!

What is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling is when parents choose to educate their children at home instead of sending them to school. Whatever your reason for considering online homeschooling, it offers countless benefits for children and families. And if you're considering homeschooling, it's essential to research and prepares for the challenges ahead.

If you're thinking about homeschooling in India, here are ten things you should know:

1. Homeschooling Requires Patience And Commitment

Homeschooling is not a decision to be made lightly. It's a big commitment for both parents and children. It requires a lot of patience, planning, and effort.

When you homeschool, you're responsible for your child's entire education. That means planning lessons, teaching subjects, grading assignments, and more. It's a lot of work! But it can also be gratifying.

2. Homeschooling In India Is Legal

There is no law in India specifically prohibiting homeschooling, but there's still some grey area.

As per the Indian judicial system's ‘Right To Education' Act 2009, formal education is mandatory for every child between the ages of 6 and 14, and all efforts are appreciated.

So, any homeschooling or online education should not violate any section or provision of the RTE 2009. But even after all these years, it’s still unclear whether this is the case. But again, any homeschooling in India is not prohibited too.

3. Homeschooling Curriculum And Exams

There are no governmental regulations for online homeschooling at the moment. Therefore, homeschoolers can register with any current government agencies or authorities.

Homeschoolers often follow the CBSE curriculum or state curriculums.

A homeschooled child may sit for a board examination conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling after 14 years or the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), an internationally recognised examination qualification for secondary students.

4. You Don't Have To Do It Alone

One of the great things about homeschooling is the supportive community of other homeschoolers. You don't have to do it alone!

In India, homeschoolers can access several online support groups, including online forums, local support groups, and co-ops.

For instance, 21K School, one of the best online homeschooling institutes, has a community of more than 6000 students from 24 different nationalities.

You can take advantage of all the support and encouragement that's available.

5. You Don't Need To Be A Teacher To Homeschool

Most people think you need to be a certified teacher to homeschool your children, but that is not the case.

You can homeschool your children even if you are not a teacher.

There are many resources available to help you homeschool your children successfully. In addition, you can tailor the curriculum to fit your child’s needs and interests.

You can also look out for top institutions in India, such as 21K School, which provides online homeschooling with an unmatched online learning experience for your child.

6. Homeschooling Is Surprisingly Affordable

Another common misconception about homeschooling is that it’s expensive. But it can be surprisingly affordable, especially when you compare it to the cost of a private school.

Homeschooling is a great way to provide your children with a quality education without breaking the bank.

A bit of planning, budgeting, and knowing where to look for resources can easily give your children the education they deserve without spending a fortune.

7. You'll Need To Create A Schedule That Works For You

One of the great things about homeschooling is that you can tailor your child's education to fit their needs and your family's schedule.

But that also means you'll need to think about creating a schedule that works for everyone involved.

There are a few things to consider when creating your online homeschooling schedules, such as the ages of your children, your work schedule, extracurricular activities, etc. Once you understand these needs, you can create a homeschooling schedule to help everyone succeed.

8. You Don't Have To Do School Every Day

Homeschooling offers the advantage of creating a schedule that suits your family's needs.

If you want to take Fridays off or only do school four days a week, you can! However, if it doesn't work for you, there's no need to stick to a traditional five-day school week.

9. You'll Need To Keep Records Of Progress Reports

If you plan on homeschooling, you’ll need to keep good records. That means keeping track of attendance, grades, test scores, etc.

Progress reports are a great way to ensure you’re staying on track with your homeschooling goals. In addition, these records will come in handy if you decide to transfer your child to a traditional school or apply to college.

10. You Can Always Change Your Mind

Homeschooling isn’t a lifelong commitment.

If you decide it’s unsuitable for your family, you can always stop and send your child back to the traditional school. Alternatively, you can try out a different homeschooling method or curriculum.

The important thing is to do what’s best for your family.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in India has become a popular option in recent years as more and more parents look for ways to provide their children with a quality education.

Homeschooling has many great features but requires patience, planning, and effort. It might not be for everyone, but it can be an enriching experience for you and your child if you're up for the challenge.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the ride!

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21K School

21K redefines the schooling experience by blurring all physical barriers to create a community of global children driven by a passion to learn.