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Homeschool for the child athlete can be a great alternative to public school. If you’ve been curious about homeschooling but didn’t know where to start, this is the place.

Just to give some personal background …my kids are motocross racers. When my oldest was in 1st grade, we started realizing the difficulty of trying to do public school while traveling the country. Although our county school system was very lenient on us, it was definitely a burden on everyone involved.

We finally made the big decision to homeschool and I had no clue where to start. Nothing on the internet seemed to focus on child athletes or “travelers”. Now that we’re on year six of homeschooling, I’ve decided to offer up some of the info I have learned along the way. Please note that many if not all of the programs offer payment plans. Also, prices are subject to change.

Homeschool Myths

We won’t go into all the reasons why you should homeschool. Everyone has different reasons. If you’re reading this you probably have a reason too. For instance, some people do it because of their religion, political reasons or bullying. Some just don’t like the way the school system works. And of course you have the child athlete.

Choosing to homeschool is something you will probably hear at least one person criticize you for. People love to follow along with tradition. However, keep in mind that homeschooling has been on the rise year after year (around 2-8% increase annually). In 2019 (BEFORE Covid), there were around 2.5 million American K-12 students attending homeschool. Honestly, I was shocked to find out how many kids homeschooled around us locally.

MYTH #1 – Homeschool Students Lack Socialization Skills

Certainly this is one of the biggest misconceptions of homeschool. That the kids will grow up with no social skills …it’s just not true! So how do homeschoolers socialize?

Personally, my kids have a LOT of friends they hang out with. We’ve traveled far and wide racing MX and the kids have made many friends along the way. Friends that are local come to the house and hang out too. There are also homeschool co-ops available for kids to get together if you don’t have extracurricular activities.

To avoid going into too many details… Research shows that homeschooled children not only pass all socialization factors but also rank higher than their public school counterparts on many levels. Furthermore, many believe higher levels of maturity result from having adults as role models versus peers.

MYTH #2 – If You Homeschool, Your Child Won’t Get Into College

This is a complete falsehood. In fact, homeschoolers have a higher college attendance rate AND graduation rate than any other group of children. Homeschool students attend college at a rate of 66.7% versus 57.5% of their peers. They also score 15 – 30 points higher on standardized academic tests.

Many big colleges/universities are beginning to specifically look for homeschool enrollees. Since they are typically more prepared for adult life, the transition to college is much easier.

MYTH #3 – Parents Aren’t Qualified Teachers

First of all, remember that you were your child’s very first teacher. You taught them how to walk, talk and have a huge influence on their real life experiences. Not to put down public school, but they don’t teach a lot of life skills kids need to enter the adult world. Homeschool gives you the opportunity to do just that!

If you still feel reluctant to be their primary teacher, keep in mind that most of the curriculums provide very detailed instruction. You might even learn a thing or two along the way (I have!)

Homeschool Curriculum

Technically any type of homeschool curriculum could be used while traveling. There are three major types of curriculum we are going to discuss today:

• Teacher led online school
• Parent led/self paced online school
• Paperback (Book) curriculums

Teacher Led Online Schools

Many starting out in the homeschool world prefer a teacher led curriculum. The student has a teacher that reviews their work and answers any questions. However, it must be noted that this is by far the most expensive type of homeschooling. Below is a list of some specific teacher led online schools.

OnTrack School

OnTrack School is a private, nationally and internationally accredited K-12 online school. Instruction is provided via Google Classroom. Both physical books and workbooks are used as well as online resources. Teachers instruct the classes, grade papers and are available for questions.

Each student receives a personalized academic curriculum based on their learning style and educational goals. In addition, U.C. approved college entrance courses are offered in grades 9-12. OnTrack School caters to child athletes and holds their graduation ceremony at the Loretta Lynn Amateur National motocross race each year.

📱 CONTACT INFO: (951) 223 – 6787

💰 PRICE: $4,800.00 ANNUAL TUITION + $350.00 REGISTRATION FEE

K12

While K12 offers tuition free online public school, they also offer private online school and much more. There are many different schooling options to choose from. For instance, you have the option of teacher led or self paced curriculum, college prep courses and even adult instruction. Similarly, courses can even be purchased individually.

K12 also offers in-person blended learning centers throughout the United States. Students have the opportunity to connect with others for a hands-on learning environment. In addition, K12 offers supplemental courses such as electives in foreign languages.

📱 CONTACT INFO: (844) 638 – 3533

💰 PRICE: ANNUALLY – $4,995.00 (LOWER SCHOOL) – $5,995.00 (MIDDLE SCHOOL) – $6,995.00 (UPPER SCHOOL) – INDIVIDUAL COURSES VARY

Connections Academy

Connections Academy is a tuition free online public school available in many states. The teachers specialize in online learning and work with students to set individual goals.

Connections Academy is unique in that they offer field trips, virtual clubs and activities and military support. Additionally, a virtual graduation ceremony is held each year for those graduating high school.

📱 CONTACT INFO: (800) 382 – 6010

💰 PRICE: FREE IF AVAILABLE IN YOUR STATE

Fusion Academy

Fusion Academy is very unique in that it provides one-on-one learning with a teacher for every student. Furthermore, the program is completely personalized in every part of the educational experience.

Fusion Academy’s holistic learning model also promotes social emotional learning. Students are taught about self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making.

📱 CONTACT INFO: (616) 301 – 1221

💰 PRICE: MIDDLE SCHOOL – RANGES BETWEEN $4,000.00 – 5,000.00 PER COURSE PER TERM (DEPENDING ON LOCATION) / HIGH SCHOOL – RANGES BETWEEN $3,500.00 – 4,500.00 PER COURSE PER TERM

Parent Led / Self Paced Online Homeschool Curriculum

There are many different online programs for self paced homeschool education. When choosing a curriculum you will need to decide whether you prefer religious or secular (religion not involved). For instance, this choice will determine how science and social studies are taught to your student.

Power Homeschool (Acellus)

Power Homeschool is an online program intended to aid parents in homeschooling their student. Seven courses can be selected at one time including many different electives. In addition, the program allows the student to learn at their own pace and schedule.

One of the great things about the Power Homeschool program is the progress reports. The system automatically grades and reports each lesson and course. Likewise, attendance reports are available (which is required in some states). Power Homeschool uses a secular curriculum.

📱 CONTACT INFO: (800) 941 – 8100

💰 PRICE: $25.00 PER MONTH PER STUDENT

Easy Peasy Homeschool

Easy Peasy Homeschool, also known as allinonehomeschool.com, is a free online Christian homeschool curriculum. The curriculum was created to promote a biblical worldview.

Easy Peasy Homeschool provides placement guides for math, reading and language arts to determine what level to start on. However, progress and attendance reports are not provided. Genesis Curriculum is also offered as a paperback option.

📱 CONTACT INFO: SUPPORT PROVIDED VIA FACEBOOK GROUPS

💰 PRICE: FREE ONLINE

Time4Learning

The goal of Time4Learning is to provide a safe, ad-free environment for students to learn. The curriculum includes thousands of online learning activities, interactive lessons, printable worksheets, assessments and more. Furthermore, parents can select the grade level for each subject individually.

The Time4Learning self-paced curriculum offers an engaging format and is very easy to use. Concepts are presented using humor and animated lessons. Tools are available to monitor progress, generate reports, including transcripts and homeschool portfolios. Time4Learning uses a secular curriculum.

📱 CONTACT INFO: (888) 771 – 0914

💰 PRICE: PER MONTH – PREK-8TH – $19.95 / 9TH-12TH – $30.00

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization. Their mission is to provide free, world-class education to anyone. Practice exercises, instructional videos and a personalized learning dashboard are all included. Furthermore, instruction on life skills is also available.

Khan Academy puts their curriculum through rigorous review to ensure accuracy. They are committed to representing the diversity of the world and do not avoid topics that may be uncomfortable to some.

📱 CONTACT INFO: SUPPORT OFFERED VIA THE KHAN WEBSITE

💰 PRICE: FREE

Switched on Schoolhouse / Monarch AOP

Both Switched on Schoolhouse and Monarch AOP give you access to five core subjects, grades 3-12. Subjects included are Language Arts, Math, Science, Bible and History and Geography. In addition, various electives and other courses can be added for a fee.

Both platforms are award winning online Christian programs. The difference between the two is that Switched on Schoolhouse can be done offline. Automatic grading and record keeping is a great benefit as well. Moreover, placement tests are offered to ensure you are selecting the correct level.

📱 CONTACT INFO: (800) 622 – 3070

💰 PRICE: $39.95 / MONTH (DISCOUNTS FOR MULTIPLE STUDENTS)

CTC Math

CTC Math is an online math curriculum for grades K-12. Over 1,400 tutorials are offered which present the topics step by step. After the tutorial, the student completes interactive questions or printable worksheets.

Every math lesson is logged. The results are stored along with statistical information. For example, what they scored on the lesson and the time it took to complete. In short, parents have a great way to see what their student needs to work on.

📱 CONTACT INFO: (310) 281 – 2217

💰 PRICE: SINGLE MEMBERSHIP – $29.97/MONTH OR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP – $39.97/MONTH

ABC Mouse / Adventure Academy

ABC Mouse and Adventure Academy are very similar in concept. However, ABC Mouse is for children ages 2-8 and Adventure Academy is for children ages 8-13.

ABC Mouse offers more than 850 online lessons. As each lesson is completed, the next lesson comes up. The student is motivated by earning tickets for each lesson which they can spend on various items. For instance, the student can buy items for his/her room, a unique pet that they can take care of and much more.

Adventure Academy brings gaming into the school. Activities are centered around language arts, math, science and social studies. Furthermore, you can use your rewards to explore the marketplace or even customize your own home.

📱 CONTACT INFO: SUBMIT A TICKET OR CHAT ONLINE

💰 PRICE: $12.99/MONTH

Reading Eggs

Developed by a team of elementary educators, Reading Eggs is an online platform that teaches your child to read. Reading Eggs covers phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Placement tests determine what level your child should start on. Also, the family dashboard includes over 500 printable worksheets. This reading curriculum is suitable for ages 2-13.

📱 CONTACT INFO: (877) 661 – 4898

💰 PRICE: $9.99/MONTH

Paperback (Book) Curriculum

Using a tried and true paperback curriculum is always a great choice. Note that many of the paperback curriculums tend to lean to the religious side. In other words, you might have to do more research if that’s not your thing. Additionally, there are many other add-on resources for homeschooling.

Blossom and Root

Blossom and Root offers a hands-on secular curriculum. The focus of the curriculum is on nature, literature, STEM and art. Currently, Blossom and Root offer curriculum for PreK – 4th grade.

As an example, elementary curriculum includes reading, narration, journal prompts, creativity, geography, literature, science, nature study and art. Keep in mind that you are purchasing pdf downloads of parent guides and student guides. Therefore, you will either have to do your studies online or have the documents printed.

📱 CONTACT INFO: [email protected]

💰 PRICE: PRICES VARY – $133.00 FOR FIRST GRADE BUNDLE

Abeka

Abeka is a comprehensive, biblically-based curriculum for students in grades PreK – 12th. This program uses textbooks, video lessons, teaching aids and more.

As an example, the grade 2 kit shown above covers Language Arts, Math, Science and History. Books can also be purchased separately. Abeka offers standardized testing in its product lineup as well.

📱 CONTACT INFO: (877) 223 – 5226

💰 PRICE: PRICES VARY (GRADE 2 KIT ABOVE – $416.34)

Timberdoodle

Timberdoodle is an award winning hands-on curriculum for grades 0-12. Parents have the option of religious, secular or custom curriculums. Timberdoodle offers not only the grade appropriate text books but also various STEM activities as well.

There are three different curriculum kits for each grade …Elite, Complete and Basic. Additionally, you can opt to pick and choose the books and manipulatives separately if you prefer.

📱 CONTACT INFO: SUPPORT OFFERED THROUGH THE TIMBERDOODLE WEBSITE

💰 PRICE: PRICES VARY (GRADE 2 ELITE – $1,180.00 / COMPLETE – $862.00 / BASIC – $450.00)

Sonlight

The #1 goal of Sonlight is to teach children to seek God’s Kingdom above everything else. If you are looking for a religious curriculum, this would be a great choice.

Curriculum can be purchased in a complete set or separately by subject making it fully customizable. Additional resources can also be added such as markable map and markers or a timeline book.

📱 CONTACT INFO: (800) 903 – 1675

💰 PRICE: PRICES VARY (GRADE 2 COMPLETE – $749.72)

Moving Beyond the Page

Moving Beyond the Page is a complete curriculum for creative, hands-on and gifted learners. The curriculum covers state and national standards while providing a literature based approach to learning.

Additionally the curriculum is loaded with activities and projects. The intent is to reinforce the real-world application of a child’s learning. Although this program is for gifted learners, it is also beneficial to all students (just make sure you choose the appropriate level).

📱 CONTACT INFO: (888) 316 – 8242

💰 PRICE: PRICES VARY (AGES 7-9 FULL YEAR PACKAGE – $878.28)

Torchlight Homeschool

Torchlight takes a worldly approach full of logic, equality and empathy. It is a distinctively secular curriculum with humanist underpinnings. Something unique about Torchlight is the game-schooling, car-schooling, media and bedtime story recommendations included in the curriculums.

Torchlight is sold by level (versus grade) and offers a placement test to determine the appropriate level. Although additional book purchases will be necessary, the curriculum is sold as a pdf download and includes workbooks, appendices and accompanying lists and documents.

📱 CONTACT INFO: SUPPORT OFFERED THROUGH TORCHLIGHT WEBSITE

💰 PRICE: PRICES VARY (LEVEL 2 – $40.00)

Saxon Math

Saxon Math involves teaching a new mathematical concept every day and constantly reviewing old concepts. It also uses manipulatives (sold separately) in its teachings to create hands-on memorable lessons.

Some ranking sites look down at Saxon Math because it does not line up with “common core” standards. However, it is extremely popular with private schools and homeschoolers.

📱 CONTACT INFO: SUPPORT NOT OFFERED

💰 PRICE: PRICES VARY (SAXON MATH 3 – $142.50)

Additional Homeschool Resources

Hands-On Standards, Learning at Home Family Engagement Kit for Grade 1, Math Activity Book with Math Manipulatives, Spanish Translations for Key Materials

Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide (Big Fat Notebooks)

What Your Third Grader Needs to Know (Revised and Updated): Fundamentals of a Good Third-Grade Education (The Core Knowledge Series)

Magnetic Dry Erase Board Easel – Double Sided 28″x20″ Portable U Stand Whiteboard, Height Adjustable & 360° Rotating Boards for Classroom, Preschool, Homeschool, Restaurant & Presentation

My First Daily Calendar for Kids, Magnetic Learning Calendar

The A+ Homeschool Planner: Plan, Record, and Celebrate Each Child’s Progress

SmartLab Toys Squishy Human Body, Multicolor, Standard

📚 If you enjoyed this article, you might like MX Workout Tips: Fun Exercise Game (Great for Kids!)!! Above all, I hope you were able to get some great info on homeschooling! Thanks for visiting Badash Life and make sure to sign up for email updates on your screen ❤