How do I transition from public to homeschool? Nervous about how to go about it..Can I get in...

[naomi83]

My kids have always been in public school(other than my oldest..she went to christian kindergarten)....Im wanting to take out my 2 oldest (girl 10,boy 9)....and start homeschooling them first(then take out my other two lil ones..boy 7,girl 5)...Can i get in trouble for pulling them out?Would the state "check" up on us?How do i go about it legally? This is all new to me(i was homeschooled tho...lol)...I just dont want the transition to be hard...Help a very overwhelmed mama!

[onlyzombiecat]

Find out the homeschool law in your state before doing anything.

Do a search for <your state> homeschool law or look on your state's department of education web site or find a  homeschool organization/support group for your state.

http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=74

http://www.ohen.org/oregon/compliance

If you are in Oregon, it looks like you are supposed to register/notify as homeschoolers within 10 days of withdrawing your kids from school and will have to do testing in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10.

[naomi83]

Originally Posted by onlyzombiecat 

Find out the homeschool law in your state before doing anything.

Do a search for <your state> homeschool law or look on your state's department of education web site or find a  homeschool organization/support group for your state.

http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=74

http://www.ohen.org/oregon/compliance

If you are in Oregon, it looks like you are supposed to register/notify as homeschoolers within 10 days of withdrawing your kids from school and will have to do testing in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10.

thank you sooo much:)

[homeschoolin5]

HSLDA is a good place to start. They are a team of lawyers who watch out for homeschoolers!

[Fillyjonk]

I'm not in the US but my understanding of HSLDA is that they are a federal organisation, and, what would concern me personally far more, a right wing fundamentalist Christian organisation. I'm aware that the OP might not have a problem with that but if it were me I'd want to be aware of this. 

They also, and I'm kind of stunned by this, oppose legislation that outlaws spanking. Not making this up. http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/de/201209210.asp

I'd always, personally, seek advice from my grassroots/state organisation before calling on a federal organisation, especially one with a remit incompatible with how I live my life and what morals I want to pass to my kids.

ETA oh and they are sexist http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/Issues/U/UN_CEDAW_7162009.asp

ETA 2: And homophobic http://nche.hslda.org/docs/nche/000010/200402050.asp

ETA 3 : Oh and to cap it off they are proud to receive contributions from Michael and Debi Pearl http://www.hslda.org/perx/default.asp?Action=MDoffer&ID=21 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Pearl) .

Edited by Fillyjonk - 3/6/13 at 3:41pm

[phathui5]

Oregon is a great state to homeschool in! You won't get in any trouble for taking them out of school.

You can find information about registering as a homeschooler here:

http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=2080

[homeschoolin5]

Thank God for HSLDA!

[eeem]

Originally Posted by Fillyjonk 

I'm not in the US but my understanding of HSLDA is that they are a federal organisation, and, what would concern me personally far more, a right wing fundamentalist Christian organisation. I'm aware that the OP might not have a problem with that but if it were me I'd want to be aware of this. 

They also, and I'm kind of stunned by this, oppose legislation that outlaws spanking. Not making this up. http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/de/201209210.asp

I'd always, personally, seek advice from my grassroots/state organisation before calling on a federal organisation, especially one with a remit incompatible with how I live my life and what morals I want to pass to my kids.

ETA oh and they are sexist http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/Issues/U/UN_CEDAW_7162009.asp

ETA 2: And homophobic http://nche.hslda.org/docs/nche/000010/200402050.asp

ETA 3 : Oh and to cap it off they are proud to receive contributions from Michael and Debi Pearl http://www.hslda.org/perx/default.asp?Action=MDoffer&ID=21 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Pearl) .

Wow. I just read through these links. I had no idea HSLDA was so scary. Thanks for sharing, Fillyjonk.

[SweetSilver]

They are a "national" organization, not "federal", to clarify.  "Federal" here in the States refers to a governmental agency.

HSLDA has done a lot of good work for individuals, but they also have an agenda, and some of the legislation that they promote can conversely erode homeschooling freedoms.  And yes, you must be aware of the controversy surrounding these issues.  

ETA: Oregon has relatively liberal homeschooling regulations, and the attitude towards homeschooling is welcoming throughout the PNW in general.  You do not need to secure legal help.  Your school district will not even bat an eyelash.  Those Oregon links will most likely have a PDF of the form to fill out and give to your school.

[phathui5]

One option we have here in Oregon are public charter schools where you can still be homeschooling your children. My favorite is Paisley. They let you pick all your own curriculum, set your schedule, etc. 

www.paisleydlp.org