Did you know that homeschooling in Kansas increased by 57%Â in the 2022-2023 school year from the 2017-2018 school year? This shows how popular homeschooling is getting in Kansas. One of the main reasons for this surge could be the freedom and flexibility it offers and the relaxed homeschooling laws of Kansas.
However, if you’re considering homeschooling your child, you need to make sure you understand the basic rules so you can homeschool legally.
This blog will explain everything you need to know about homeschooling in Kansas. We'll talk about things like registering your homeschool, meeting attendance requirements, choosing a curriculum, and keeping records.
Before you jump in, it's important to understand the basic rules and requirements. Let's take a look at the first steps you need to take to start homeschooling in Kansas.
Homeschooling in Kansas: Your Guide to Getting Started
Kansas is a state that's very supportive of homeschooling. The laws are designed to give parents a lot of flexibility and choice when it comes to educating their children at home. You have many options for tailoring your child's education to their individual needs and interests.
1. Homeschooling is Legal
In Kansas, homeschooling is legal and recognized as a valid educational option. You have the right to teach your child at home, and you don't need permission from the state to do so.
2. No Specific Curriculum or Testing Requirements
You don't have to follow a specific curriculum or have your child take standardized tests. This means you can choose the books, materials, and teaching methods that work best for your child and your family.
3. Flexibility and Autonomy
You have the freedom to choose the curriculum and teaching methods that work best for your child. You can create your own schedule, teach subjects in the order you want, and even take breaks when needed.
4. Support for Special Needs
If your child has special needs, Kansas law allows you to provide them with the education they need. That could even mean using a different curriculum or teaching method. You can tailor their education to their specific learning style and challenges.
5. You are the Teacher
As a homeschooling parent, you are your child's teacher. This means you're responsible for creating a learning environment that meets their needs and helps them grow. You can also get help from other people, like tutors or family members, but you are ultimately in charge.
6. You Need to Keep Records
You'll need to keep records of your child's education, such as attendance records, grades, and work samples. This helps you track their progress and show that they are receiving a proper education.
7. You Can Get Help
There are many resources available to help you homeschool your child, including homeschooling groups, online communities, and curriculum providers. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from other homeschoolers.
Feeling a little lost on your homeschooling journey?
You don't have to do it alone! The School House Anywhere (TSHA)Â has a friendly and supportive online community where you can connect with other homeschooling families, share ideas, and find answers to your questions.
Here's what you'll find in the TSHA community:
Homeschooling friends:Â Connect with other parents who understand the joys and challenges of homeschooling.
Helpful advice:Â Get tips and advice from experienced homeschoolers and educators.
New ideas:Â Discover new resources and activities to make homeschooling more fun and engaging.
Encouragement and support:Â Find support and encouragement when you need it most.
Ready to join a community of homeschoolers who are passionate about learning and growing together?
With a little planning and preparation, you can create a successful and rewarding homeschooling experience for your child.
Once you know how to start homeschooling, the next question is about time. How many hours or days should you spend teaching? Let’s break it down.
Homeschooling in Kansas: How Much Time Do You Need to Teach?
Just like children who go to public school, homeschooled children in Kansas need to spend a certain amount of time learning each year. This is called compulsory attendance, and it's designed to make sure all children are getting a good education.
How Much Time?
School Days:Â Your child needs to do schoolwork for at least 186 days each year. This is similar to the number of days that children attend public school.
Hours per Day:Â Each school day should be at least 6 hours long. This includes time spent on all subjects, as well as breaks and other learning activities.
Total Hours:Â This means your child needs to have about 1,116 hours of instruction each year if they are in grades 1 through 11. Kindergarten is not required in Kansas, so this rule doesn't apply to kindergarteners.
If you’re curious about how to structure those hours and adjust them by grade level, check out this helpful guide on Homeschool Hours by Grade. It provides detailed insights to make scheduling easier for you.
Why Does Kansas Have This Rule?
Equal Education:Â Kansas wants to make sure that all children are getting a good education, whether they go to public school or are homeschooled. This rule helps make sure homeschooling is similar to public school in terms of learning time. It ensures that homeschooled children are getting enough instruction.
What if My Child Finishes Early?
Flexibility:Â If your child finishes their schoolwork early, they don't have to keep learning for the full 6 hours. They can use the extra time to pursue their interests, play, or relax.
Other Options:Â If your child is 16 or older, they can also choose to do other things instead of traditional school, like vocational training (learning a trade or skill), or even a job.
By understanding the compulsory attendance rules, you can make sure your child is getting the education they need in your homeschool.
Time management is essential, but before diving into lessons, you’ll need to officially register your homeschool.
Registering Your Homeschool in Kansas: A Simple Guide
If you're homeschooling your child in Kansas, it's important to register your homeschool with the state. This is a simple process that will help you stay compliant with the law and ensure your child's education is recognized.
What You Need To Do For Registration
Complete the Non-Accredited Private School Registration Form:Â This form is available on the Kansas State Department of Education website. You can download it and fill it out on your computer or print it out and fill it out by hand.
Include the required information:Â Make sure to include your school's name, address, and the custodian of records' information. The custodian of records is usually the parent who is primarily responsible for keeping track of your child's education.
Submit the form:Â You can submit the form online or by mail. If you submit it online, you'll get confirmation right away. If you mail it, it might take a few weeks for the state to process it.
Why Do You Need To Register?
Registering your homeschool has several benefits:
It's the law:Â Registering is required by Kansas law, so it's important to do it to avoid any problems.
It protects your homeschool:Â Registering your homeschool helps ensure that you are following the law and that your child's education is recognized. This can be helpful if your child ever wants to go back to public school or apply for college.
It makes things easier:Â Once you are registered, you won't have to worry about any other legal requirements, like sending in your child's test scores or curriculum.
By registering your homeschool, you are taking an important step towards providing your child with a quality education. It also shows the state that you are serious about homeschooling and that you are committed to providing your child with a good education.
After registering, it’s time to think about how you’ll teach. From planning lessons to delivering them, understanding your role as an educator is the next important step.
Teacher Roles and Educational Delivery for Homeschooling in Kansas
One of the great things about homeschooling in Kansas is that you don't need to be a certified teacher to teach your child. The state trusts parents to make the best decisions for their children's education. However, the state does want to make sure that your child is getting a good education, so they have some guidelines about who can teach.
What Makes a "Competent Instructor"?
No special certificate needed:Â You don't need to have a teaching license or any special training to homeschool your child. This means that anyone who is committed to providing a good education can teach, whether it's a parent, grandparent, or another trusted adult.
Focus on effective teaching:Â The most important thing is that the person teaching your child is able to create a good learning environment and help your child learn. This means being patient, organized, and dedicated to your child's education.
Ways to Show That You Are Providing a Good Education
Structured Curriculum and Lesson Plans:Â By developing organized and systematic lesson plans, you can ensure that the education provided is both structured and goal-oriented. This means having a plan for what you will teach each day and how you will teach it.
Testing and Evaluations:Â Regular tests and evaluations are crucial in tracking the academic progress of homeschooled students. This practice helps in ensuring that educational milestones are being met and that students are on a solid learning path. You can use tests, quizzes, and other assessments to check your child's understanding.
If you're interested in taking your homeschooling expertise to the next level, consider becoming a private homeschool teacher. Check out this comprehensive guide to learn more about what it takes and how to get started.
Preparing to Teach
Take advantage of resources:Â Even though you don't need a teaching degree, there are many resources available to help you become a better teacher. You can find homeschooling curriculums, books, websites, and even online courses that can help you learn about different teaching methods and strategies.
Connect with other homeschoolers:Â Talking to other homeschooling parents can be a great way to get advice and support. You can also join homeschooling groups or co-ops to share ideas and resources.
By understanding these guidelines and taking advantage of the available resources, you can create a successful and rewarding homeschooling experience for your child.
Now that you know your role, the focus shifts to the curriculum.
Choosing a Curriculum for Homeschooling in Kansas
One of the best things about homeschooling in Kansas is that you get to choose what your child learns! There are no rules about what subjects you have to teach or what curriculum you have to use.
Freedom to Choose
No set curriculum:Â You can create your own curriculum, use a pre-made curriculum, or mix and match different approaches. This means you can be creative and choose the learning materials and activities that you think will work best for your child.
Personalized learning:Â This means you can choose materials and activities that fit your child's interests and learning style. For example, if your child loves to read, you can use a literature-based curriculum. If they love to build things, you can incorporate hands-on activities and projects.
Online Options
Structured learning:Â If you want a more structured approach, you can use an online homeschooling program. These programs often have lessons, assignments, and tests that follow a specific curriculum, which can be helpful for staying organized and on track.
Flexibility: Some online programs also allow you to modify the curriculum according to your child’s needs. This means you can choose which subjects to focus on and how quickly your child progresses through the material.
Want a homeschool curriculum that's both structured and flexible?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA)Â offers a unique curriculum that combines the best of both worlds! Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) provides a framework for learning, but it's also flexible enough to let you adapt it to your child's needs and interests.
Here's what makes the AEC special:
Guided Learning:Â The AEC has a clear structure with lesson plans and activities, so you can stay organized and make sure your child is learning all the important things.
Freedom to Explore:Â You can choose which activities to do, change the order of lessons, and even add your own ideas to make learning more fun and engaging.
Learning Without Screens:Â The AEC encourages children to learn by doing things, not just by looking at screens. They'll get to explore, experiment, and discover new things about the world around them.
Ready to give your child a learning experience that's both structured and exciting?
Focus on Interests
What does your child love? You can focus on subjects that your child is interested in, like science, history, art, or music. This can make learning more fun and engaging for your child.
Make learning fun:Â This helps keep your child motivated to learn and can even spark a lifelong love of learning. When children are interested in what they are learning, they are more likely to retain information and develop a deeper understanding.
By choosing a curriculum that fits your child's needs, you can create a successful and enjoyable homeschooling experience.
With a curriculum in place, it’s important to keep track of your child’s progress.
Why Good Records Matter in Kansas Homeschooling
Even though Kansas doesn't require you to keep detailed records of your homeschooling, it's still a really good idea! You can track your child’s progress, stay organized, and have documentation of their learning by keeping good records.
Why Keep Records?
Be Prepared:Â If anyone ever asks about your homeschooling, you'll have proof that your child is getting a good education. This could be helpful if your child wants to go back to public school or apply for college.
Track Progress:Â Keeping track of your child's work helps you see how they are doing and what they have learned over time. You can look back to see how much they've improved and identify any areas where they might need extra help.
Stay Organized:Â Good records can also help you stay organized and make sure you're covering all the important subjects.
What Records Should You Keep?
Attendance:Â Keep track of the days your child does schoolwork. This shows that you're meeting the state's requirement of 186 days of instruction each year.
Grades and Courses:Â Keep track of the subjects your child is studying and the grades they are earning. You can use a traditional gradebook, a spreadsheet, or even a simple notebook to do this.
Work Samples:Â Keep examples of your child's work, like writing assignments, tests, and art projects. This helps you see their progress and provides a showcase of what they've learned.
Extracurricular Activities:Â Keep a list of any extracurricular activities your child participates in, like sports teams, clubs, or volunteer work. This shows that your child is getting a well-rounded education.
Test Scores:Â If you choose to give your child standardized tests, keep a copy of their scores. This can be helpful for college applications or if your child ever wants to go back to public school.
How to Keep Records
Create a Portfolio:Â You can organize your child's work and records into a portfolio. This is a great way to keep everything together and show off your child's accomplishments.
Use a Planner:Â Many homeschooling parents find it helpful to use a planner to keep track of their child's schedule, assignments, and grades.
Digital and Paper:Â You can keep your records digitally on your computer or in the cloud, or you can keep paper copies in a binder or folder. It's a good idea to have both digital and paper backups, just in case.
Want to keep your homeschool records organized like a pro (without the mountain of paperwork)?
Transparent Classroom, a tool by The School House Anywhere (TSHA), is like having a personal assistant for your homeschool! It helps you keep track of everything in one easy-to-use online platform.
Here's how Transparent Classroom can simplify your life:
Effortless Record-Keeping:Â Say goodbye to those overflowing file folders and messy binders! Upload assignments, track grades, and add notes about your child's progress with just a few clicks.
Showcase Your Child's Learning:Â Create a beautiful online portfolio to showcase your child's work and celebrate their achievements. You can easily add photos, videos, and work samples to create a visual record of their learning journey.
Stress-Free Reporting:Â Need to generate reports for your state's homeschooling requirements? No problem! Transparent Classroom makes it super easy to create customized reports.
Ready to say goodbye to homeschooling chaos and hello to organized bliss?
By keeping good records, you can track your child's progress, stay organized, and be prepared for whatever the future holds. It's an important part of creating a successful homeschooling experience.
For some families, homeschooling isn’t permanent. If your child decides to return to traditional school, preparing for a smooth transition is crucial.
Re-entry into Public School After Homeschooling in Kansas
Homeschooling is a great choice for many families, but sometimes things change, and you might decide to send your child back to public school. Here's what you need to know about making that transition in Kansas:
Talk to the School
Different Schools, Different Rules:Â Every public school has its own way of accepting homeschool credits, so it's important to talk to the school your child will be attending. They can tell you what they need to see from your child's homeschooling records.
Placement Tests:Â The school might also want your child to take some tests to see what grade level they should be in.
Be Prepared for Change
Adjusting to School:Â Sometimes, children who have been homeschooled might need to take extra classes or be placed in a different grade. This is because the curriculum in homeschools and public schools can be different.
Make It Easier for Your Child
Visit the School:Â Before your child starts at the new school, it's a good idea to visit the school and meet the teachers. This can help your child feel more comfortable and less nervous about going back to school.
By following these tips, you can help make the transition from homeschooling back to public school a positive experience for your child.
Wrapping Up
You've now learned about the key aspects of homeschooling in Kansas, from the legal requirements to curriculum choices and record-keeping. Remember that homeschooling is a journey, and it's okay to adjust your approach as you and your child learn and grow together.
The most important thing is to create a supportive learning environment for your child. By staying informed, seeking support when needed, and embracing the flexibility that homeschooling offers, you can provide your child with a rich and rewarding educational experience.
Want to homeschool in Kansas with confidence and joy?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA)Â offers a variety of resources and support to help you create a fulfilling homeschooling experience.
Here's how TSHA can help:
Understanding the law:Â We provide resources and guidance on homeschooling laws and regulations in different states, including Kansas, so you can be sure you're meeting all the requirements.
Curriculum and lesson plans:Â Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC)Â is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your child's needs and interests.
Research-backed teaching methods:Â Our teaching methods are based on over 100 years of research in child development and education. We use a variety of proven techniques to help children learn and grow, including approaches from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and the Socratic Method.
Expert support:Â Our knowledgeable educators are here to support you with answers to your questions and guidance for homeschooling your child.
Supportive community:Â You can connect with other homeschooling families in our vibrant online community. Exchange experiences, seek advice, and connect with others for support.
Affordable and accessible:Â We are committed to making quality education accessible to all. To support this, we provide scholarships and flexible payment options.
Ready to embark on your homeschooling adventure with confidence?