Homeschooling in Connecticut
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Connecticut site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Connecticut
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Connecticut
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Connecticut
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Connecticut
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Connecticut has to offer!
Resources
Connecticut Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding Connecticut.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Connecticut, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
Resources
Homeschool Support & Groups in Connecticut
Even before homeschooling was legalized, networks of parents began to form to lobby for the right to homeschool and provide support to other homeschoolers in the region.
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- Connecticut Homeschool Network (CHN) is a homeschool organization that aims to help home educators in Connecticut. CHN memberships are free for any homeschoolers and include numerous perks, including discounts, teaching resources, and special events.
- The Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers of Connecticut (TEACH) provides information and resources to homeschooling families center around Christian beliefs. Membership benefits to TEACH involve an ID card, discounted admission to sponsored events, local support groups, and a platform for home educators to buy and sell homeschooling materials and supplies.
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Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Start Homeschooling in Connecticut
Making decisions about your child’s education never comes easy. Luckily, there are many different resources and tools out there to help you start transitioning to homeschool. We encourage you to formally withdraw your student from their current school as well as file a notice of intent to homeschool.
Once you have the necessary paperwork filed, you’ll need to create a homeschool curriculum or choose one of the many programs available for purchase. Power Homeschool is an online curriculum for K-12 students with virtual courses in math, science, social studies, and language arts and reading as well as electives and foreign languages. In addition to online courses, Power Homeschool provides a variety of tools and resources that help both parents and students.
Join thousands of parents that homeschool with our self-paced, interactive courses.
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips in Connecticut
One of the many benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility and freedom to set your own schedule. Since homeschoolers are not confined to a traditional school schedule, they have more time to go on field trips and partake in educational opportunities that enhance what they learn in their lessons. Since Connecticut is on the East Coast and one of the 13 original U.S. colonies, the state is near many national monuments, museums, and historical sites. The following are just a few examples of field trips in Connecticut:
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- Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington: With various indoor and outdoor exhibits, this museum and research center is dedicated to researching and preserving the traditions and knowledge of Native American cultures.
- White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield: Touring the museum and exploring 4,000 acres of land is the perfect way to learn about the region’s natural habitat. With numerous outdoor activities, this field trip is sure to be fun for the whole family.
- Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford: Learn about one of America’s most famous authors with guided tours of the place Mark Twain called home for almost two decades. Special events and writing programs are also available.
- Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill: Learn about the species that roamed the earth over 200 million years ago at one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Complete with various exhibits and a large geodesic dome, this is the perfect field trip to learn about fossils, geology, and extinct species.
- Connecticut Science Center in Hartford: Students can discover many different STEM-related topics with hands-on exhibits and interactive activities, including Forces in Motion, Butterfly Encounter, Engineering Lab, and so much more.
- Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford: Homeschoolers can learn about the government and history of their home state by touring the capitol building and historical displays. Guided tours are available on weekdays and start in the Legislative Office Building.
- Mystic Aquarium in Mystic: Home to penguins, sharks, and so many more aquatic species, this aquarium allows homeschoolers to view these beautiful creatures and learn about the importance of conservation. Educational and family programs are available for students of all ages.
- Connecticut Historical Society Museum in Hartford: As the state’s official historical society, visitors can tour exhibits and learn more about Connecticut’s history and culture. Homeschool Days are available for students to participate in educational workshops and connect with other homeschoolers.
- Bruce Museum in Greenwich: This museum features art, science, and natural history through various changing exhibits and permanent galleries. Special events, youth programs, and festivals offer even more educational opportunities to homeschool students.
- Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport: As an almost hundred-year-old zoo, the Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to the preservation of endangered animals through education, conservation, and research. Animal species at this zoo include the African Grey Parrot, Amur Leopard, Pale-Faced Saki Monkey, and many more.
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