Commonly cited reasons are

• Improved academic results (increased opportunity for 1-1 teaching time)
• Increased opportunities for a broader range of learning experiences
• Flexibility to tailor a course for a student’s specific needs
• More free time for children to self motivate and self determine activities
• Deepened family relationships (particularly between siblings)
• Opportunity to exercise Religious freedom

Other motivators can be

• A desire to protect a child from bullying and other detrimental influences
• Health and Psychological needs of a child
• Learning difficulties/ Advanced learning needs not adequately catered for in the classroom environment

Speak to families that have done homeschooling - they are usually very open and supportive.

Go along to some of the homeschooling groups in your area and ask to have a copy of their newsletters and calendar of events. Subscribe to some of the homeschooling magazines that are available. It is good to get a few of the past copies of newletters and magazines as well. 

Check out the links to online resources you will find throughout this site.

Then look at all the different styles, philosophies and curriculums that you can use to homeschool.

On the practical side, some people set up a school room complete with teacher’s desk. Others use the kitchen table. 

Some use a schedule and clock to provide structure to their days.

Some let the children initiate activites anywhere, anytime.

It is useful to gather all resources in the house into one spot. If you have young children then it is very handy to invest in craft supplies and paint.

Once you have done your research, look into the legal side of it and make your decision on what feels right in your heart for you and your child/ren. Remember that you may try several different approaches before choosing what works best for your family. Some families find that they continue to adjust their approach as children grow and situations change.

Homeschooling is becoming more known and accepted. Many Education Institutions now set aside a number of places specifically for Homeschooled students, recognising that often these students are very self motivated and accustomed to initiating and monitoring their own learning.

Most Distance Education facilities have OP accredited courses available.

There are also “Headstart” programmes in which a student can do a number of Uni Subjects in years 11 and 12. Passes in these provide an unconditional acceptance into a course at that particular institution with no SAT or QTAC tests required.

Other bridging courses etc are available through TAFE to provide entrance to University courses as well.

Applying for jobs is a rite of passage towards adulthood in our society. Most employers will be happy to hire those who interview well. Working on developing a C.V. listing skills and experiences is a great learning process.

If your child settles on a particular career path, it is a matter of finding out the specifics of what will be needed to attain that particular goal. Find out who the best people/organizations are to help them and enlist their support. Often there is another way of meeting requirements if you are willing to be creative.