• Are Jews homeschooling?
  
• Is homeschooling legal?
  
• Are there different methods of homeschooling?
  
• How do homeschooling parents teach Jewish studies?
  
• Are curricula available that are not Christian-based?
  
• Should I join a support group, and how do I find one?
  

Are Jews homeschooling?

Yes. Jews are teaching their children at home for many of the same reasons as non-Jews. Religious families who live far from Jewish day schools, families with negative school experiences, and those who believe that homeschooling offers more than even the best school, are all choosing to homeschool. Homeschooling offers an alternative for children with learning differences when private and public schools fail to meet their needs.

Is homeschooling legal?

It is legal in all 50 states, but specific regulations vary. Each family should research the specific and up-to-date regulations for their state. In some states religious organizations can review educational portfolios in lieu of the school board. In some places review by Jewish groups is available.

Are there different methods of homeschooling?

Families take different approaches to homeschooling: purchased curriculum, design-your-own curriculum, structured and non-structured learning opportunities, shared learning, working with tutors or mentors, apprenticeships. Many people use different approaches depending on the child and the subject. Each family should explore their talents and needs to determine the best approaches for them.

How do homeschooling parents teach Jewish studies?

The approach varies with the family's goals and abilities. Proficient parents often teach Torah themselves, others may hire a tutor. Some parents have arranged for children to attend a day school part time. Observant families may give the equivalent of a Hebrew day school education, while less religious parents often opt for a synagogue afternoon Hebrew school. Homeschooling offers increased opportunity to teach Torah as it arises in daily life rather than as a "subject" apart from living.

Are curricula available that are not Christian-based?

Yes, Calvert School, Oak Meadow and Laurel Springs offer complete elementary curricula that are not religiously based. Basic curricula outlines can be found at different books such as the "What Your 1st Grader Needs to Know" series, as well as Internet web sites. Some Jews have had success using commercially available Christian materials, simply omitting the religious content. Many Jewish homeschoolers fashion their curricula from a variety of sources. As of this writing (Nov. '96), I do not know of any specifically Jewish curricula.

Should I join a support group ,and how do I find one?

Homeschool support groups exchange ideas and experience as well as offering group activities such as field trips, park days and special interest classes. Frequently support groups are Christian and request a "Statement of Faith". Others, often calling themselves "nondenominational," open their meetings with a prayer. Jewish support groups are available in a few areas.

Local secular groups can be found through state wide organizations, library community listings, and directories printed by national magazines (such as "Growing Without Schooling" and "Home Education Magazine"). You may want to start a support group if there is no suitable one in your area. Posting a notice in the library, health food store, and the community newspaper, along with contacting families listed in JHEN, GWS and HEM directories may gather enough families to form the beginnings of a small group.

When starting a support group either Jewish or secular, consider sending press releases to local papers for every meeting and activity. Not only will this help you locate other homeschoolers, you may encourage someone to give it a try if they have the support. If you are starting a new group where there is already a large group in the community, base it on an unmet need such as activities for certain age groups, similar parenting philosophy, or for those who might feel uncomfortable with a "Statement of Faith". The word will get around. If you can't find a group or get one going, newsletters such as JHEN, on-line homeschooling groups, and E-Mail sustain many isolated homeschoolers when they need encouragement or ideas.