Homeschooling: From Going It Alone to Getting the Support You Need
Homeschooling: From Going It Alone to Getting the Support You Need
What was once considered quite rare–perhaps even a bit odd by some–has become the fastest growing form of education in the nation. We’re talking about homeschooling. More than 3 million children and teenagers nationwide are learning everything from reading to arithmetic—and beyond—under the direction of their parents.
There are many reasons behind why families turn to homeschooling. For ideological or religious reasons. To enjoy more flexibility in scheduling travel and other family activities. To infuse education into daily life. To customize learning experiences to their children’s interests, personalities, needs, etc. The list goes on. Regardless of the reasons behind the decision to homeschool, many homeschooling families have discovered the benefits of not going it entirely alone. In other words, partnership is key.
Common Homeschool Partnerships
Many homeschool families seek membership in co-ops ranging from just a few to hundreds of families working in cooperation with one another. Their interactions may be minimal—perhaps they just share a curriculum plan in common—to extensive; some co-ops even meet daily and operate almost like a traditional school, combining their ideas, talents, and resources to create joint educational experiences.
Partnerships might also take the form of basic skill sharing. For example, a parent in one family might have a strong aptitude in advanced mathematics while a parent in another family is fluent in French. Since it’s difficult for anyone to be a jack of all trades, it makes sense to collaborate and make sure kids have access to experts.
Co-ops and skill sharing—these are common partnerships that enhance typical homeschool experiences. But what if a family still has some tricky gaps to fill? Or what if the unique needs of a child are hard to meet through existing homeschool resources? Enter Brightmont Academy, otherwise known as the nation’s “one-to-one school.”
Brightmont As a Homeschool Partner
What’s special about Brightmont is the foundational value that it shares in common with homeschooling families: one-to-one instruction is best. For more than 25 years, this belief has shaped absolutely every service provided by the school.
Homeschooling families depend on Brightmont for a variety of reasons, including the following:
Special needs
The quiet of home tends to be a balm for students diagnosed with anxiety or a learning difference such as ADHD. Their diagnoses might even be the reason why their families turned to homeschooling. Brightmont not only provides a similar calm environment, but also employs teachers well practiced in proven strategies that help neurodiverse students succeed.
Tutoring and skill building
Similarly, homeschooled students may need additional support in grasping the material taught at home—that’s when Brightmont’s tutoring services can provide supplemental instruction and tools. Basic skill-building services in reading, writing, and math may also be in order for young kids who are struggling to master foundational concepts and abilities.
Course selection
Brightmont boasts more than 110 different courses and electives taught by expert instructors. From general subjects to electives to advanced placement classes, Brightmont maintains an extensive course catalog.
ACT/SAT prep
Many homeschooling families also rely on Brightmont for ACT/SAT test prep. Once again, the one-to-one instruction—16-20 sessions per student, plus practice tests and consultations—ensures that homeschooled students feel confident and equipped when it’s time to take the actual exam.
Flexibility
At Brightmont, one-to-one instruction is one big benefit, but so is flexibility. Students may spend anywhere between one hour to several hours a week at Brightmont depending on their course load, family schedule, etc. Furthermore, the school is open weekday mornings, afternoons, and early evenings, which helps families enjoy a fully customized educational experience.
Technology
Given Brightmont’s ability to seamlessly present curriculum in an online environment, families also have the option to enroll in remote classes—still one-to-one, still best-in-class. Students have 24-hour access to study materials and many of their assignments, thus homeschool parents and kids can delve into the subject matter together, too.
Taking all of these benefits into account, many credit Brightmont as the perfect “home away from homeschool.” The school’s one-to-one premise, as well as the countless options it offers to enhance what’s accomplished at home, makes it a natural partner in making sure students get all they need in the ways they need. More than 4,000 kids across the country have already experienced the Brightmont difference—and the school is ready to support thousands more.
- https://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/whos-helping-you-homeschool/
- https://nheri.org/research-facts-on-homeschooling/
- https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/CommitteeDocuments/28/20735/20Sep2022%20-%20Research%20Facts%20on%20Homeschooling%20Handout.pdf
- https://homeschoolcompass.com/ten-reasons-to-homeschool/
Barbara Farland is an English & Social Studies instructor at Brightmont Academy in Plymouth, Minn. She holds a master’s degree in Business Communication from the University of St. Thomas and, prior to pursuing a second career in education, worked as an award-winning public relations and communications professional in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. As a “storyteller by nature and teacher at heart,” Barbara continues to contribute to various anthologies, among other writing projects.
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