Hello,

     I am a home school mom who would like to introduce you to the home school life, by pointing out the highlights of a typical day when you home school your child.  We have been home schooling since our child was in pre-school.  Our child is now in high school.

    First I'd like to help to calm your fears about whether you are qualified to take on such a huge task.  If you can read and understand directions,  and you have the want-to,  then you can do this.  It is a committment that a mentor makes to help another person be the best that they can be.  It is entitlement to the best research available and the time it takes for you to learn the material.  Each of us is different and each of us feels comfortable learning at our own pace.  Home school provides this venue, plus more.  The student takes on life, as well;  not just 4 walls,  as in a school room.  The outdoors becomes a classroom,  as well.  Becoming self-reliant,  is just one of the benefits of home schooling.  Freedom to be yourself, to decide for yourself what is best for you, becomes second nature to you.  Avenues of opportunity become available because you are more flexible and can be at the right place,  at the right time.  A student becomes observant to the world around him much more because that world is also,  the classroom.

    Secondly,  the subject of materials to use in your classroom is of the utmost importance.  This, of course,  depends on your preferences.  If college is your goal,  then academic courses need to be included every year. Mathematic books,  such as Saxon books,  are essential, to maintain the college standard, you will be seeking.  A company supplying your books need to be college accredited,  in the long run,  so check out the companie's credentials beforehand.  Talk to people who home school, for support of  your choices.  Get opinions on the internet re: different companies that supply books,  We have a company who grades our work online and final grades are tabulated every 8 weeks,  when we send them online or through the USPS.  The company is college accredited all over the world and counselors are on hand to help solve problems that may arise with the schooling process,  or the books.  A newsletter is issued to home schooled families every month with helpful tips.

    In closing I can honestly say that having home schooled for ten years now,  it is the best way to go,  if you can manage it.  I stay at home, while my husband works.  There are several jobs that make extra money available for me to do,  if I choose too.  These jobs also are available to your child as, an apprenticeship,  which add to the final resume of the home schooled student,  and definitely give an edge to the marketability, of their skills.