Q&A for How to Homeschool Yourself

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How can I stay social and make friends if I am home-schooled?

Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP
Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor
Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers.

Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP

Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor

Expert Answer

Volunteer! Volunteering for community organizations or events is an excellent way to meet people and make friends. Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and passions. If you love animals, check out opportunities at the local animal shelter or start a fundraiser! Utilize online communities. There are numerous online homeschooling forums, social media groups, and virtual communities where homeschoolers connect. Engage in these platforms to share experiences, ask questions, and arrange meetups with local homeschoolers.

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I'm in seventh grade and hate school. I'm anxious about everyone and everything. I want to be home-schooled, but my mom said she doesn't have the qualifications to help me learn. What should I do?

Community Answer

Try using websites such as Khan Academy, and make sure your parents know there are online resources out there to help you.

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Question

What age do you need to be to homeschool yourself?

Community Answer

You should probably be in at 11 years old. If you're younger than that, consider asking your parents to help set your homeschooling up and keep you on track with your studies.

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Is Khan Academy a good website?

Community Answer

It is awesome! You can use it even if English is not your native language, as a lot of videos have subtitles.

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My mom's excuse is that she'll be working and I can't stay by myself, but does that really matter if I'm 13?

Community Answer

If you can demonstrate that you can take care of yourself, and know what to do in an emergency, then you should be able to stay alone. Ultimately, though, it's her decision. Keep in mind that you won't prove your maturity to her by whining about it.

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Question

Can I still get into a university if I am homeschooling myself?

Community Answer

Yes! Many homeschoolers have and are going to university. As long as you research the requirements for the university you would like to attend, while also taking tests like the SAT or ACT (you can schedule to take these anytime), then you should be able to. Plus, since you are homeschooled, you probably have more time to do more interesting projects that you are actually passionate about, and many colleges love to see that.

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Question

How do I begin the process of homeschooling my children?

Community Answer

Research laws, and get into a homeschooling website, which provides worksheets and tips along the way. Make sure you create a calm and peaceful environment for your children to work in, too.

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Question

Can I home-school myself if I'm under 18?

Community Answer

It depends on the laws in your state, and you will need your parent or guardian's consent. You will also have to follow the curriculum required in your state as opposed to just creating and following your own.

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Question

What are the best websites for home schoolers to use?

Community Answer

Khan Academy and OpenStax for general studies such as Biology and Mathematics, and websites like Udacity, Coursera, and EdX for more specialized subjects (such as Computer Science). Some great universities like MIT also share some of their course content online (MIT OpenCourseWare).

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Question

How do I not get distracted?

Community Answer

Make sure that your environment is free of television, cell phones, and have all your supplies in one place. Also, take short breaks every 20 minutes to an hour.

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Question

When I turn 18, can I homeschool myself without parental consent?

Community Answer

Yes, but when you turn 18, you don't really have to go to school at all if you don't want to.

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Question

What if I am good at homeschooling myself, but I am nine?

Orion Reynolds

Community Answer

Your parents most likely won't let you stay home alone. This isn't because they don't trust you, but rather because they are worried something may happen when they are away.

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Question

When participating in homeschooling, does a teacher or parent need to be present when I'm doing the work?

Community Answer

No, not necessarily. It depends on how reliable the child is when it comes to getting their work done on time.

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Question

How do I grade my own work when educating myself?

Community Answer

Some websites offer answer keys for the curriculum they offer. You can also make up your own work a week or so before, make an answer key, and then do it the following week.

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Can I home-school myself while my parents are at work if I am under 18 years old?

Community Answer

Yes, you should be able to if your parents allow you to.

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Question

What do l need when home schooling?

Orion Reynolds

Community Answer

There are plenty of free online resources for you to study with. You can do all of your work on a computer, and keep it in Google Drive or Dropbox as your portfolio.

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Question

What are some good and free online resources for students?

Community Answer

Khan Academy is a good online resource. All you have to do is make an account, and it will give you tons of help

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Question

My private school is terrible, everyone is mean and we never learn, but my parents won’t take me out because it’s really expensive. Should I skip school and home school myself? I still want to go to college.

Community Answer

Tell your parents what's happening and why you would like to transfer to homeschooling. Don't skip school altogether, as you are wanting to get into college, but homeschooling if you are allowed is a good idea. Also, explain to your parents that there are thousands of websites like Khan Academy which can be used for learning.

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Is coronavirus a good reason to start homecoming when the schools close?

Lexia Rocket

Community Answer

Yes, it certainly is because many schools are closed due to the coronavirus. If you are looking for websites to help get you started, you can try Prodigy Math and Khan Academy. Educational videos are great too.

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What are some free websites for getting homeschooled as a seventh grader?

Community Answer

You can use Khan Academy, they include videos and lots of resources for you to practice your skills. There is also BBC Bitesize, which has very useful notes for most topics you are studying. You could also use cK-12 Foundation, NOVA, etc. They are all free websites.

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I am 10, and both of my parents work outside the home. I've been doing zoom school during the pandemic, and I really want homeschool. My parents won’t let me. What do I do?

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Community Answer

Show them that you are mature enough. Tell them, "I will never learn responsibility if I am not given responsibility". Show them what you're learning and how well you're doing.

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