Homeschooling in Indiana
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Indiana site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Indiana
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 Indiana
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Indiana
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 Indiana
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Indiana has to offer!
Resources
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Indiana
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding Indiana.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Indiana, 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 Indiana
One of the reasons homeschooling continues to gain momentum is the number of supportive networks and helpful resources available to homeschooling families.
Homeschool associations, support groups, and cooperatives all exist to help enhance the homeschool experience for both the parents and students. Indiana has two statewide associations that provide numerous benefits for homeschoolers in the state.
- Indiana Association of Home Educators (IAHE) provides various services to homeschoolers, such as workshop bundles, a free magazine and podcast, and the annual homeschool convention.
- Indiana Foundation for Home Schooling (IFHS) is a Christian faith-based organization that offers resources like college preparation, sports teams, and co-ops. The organization also hosts a graduation ceremony for homeschoolers in Indiana.
In addition to homeschool associations, Indiana is home to a plethora of homeschool support groups and cooperatives or co-ops. Homeschool support groups aim to provide advice and resources to homeschool parents. Many of these groups meet in person, while others operate mostly online. Homeschool families can also meet other homeschoolers in their area through homeschool support groups.
Homeschool cooperatives are more focused on academics than support groups. Co-ops allow homeschoolers to participate in group learning and develop skills like teamwork, sharing, and socialization. Parents or tutors usually teach these volunteer-based groups. Although many co-ops are general and cover various subjects, some are focused on a particular area, such as STEM. Other co-ops build lessons around religious beliefs or family values. With a variety of groups available in Indiana, you are sure to find one that fits your family’s needs and values.
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Start Homeschooling in INDIANA
If you are thinking about transitioning to home education for your student, you are probably wondering how to get started with homeschool. We always recommend that you officially unenroll your students from their current schooling. You can also register your student with the Indiana Department of Education as a homeschool student, although this is not mandated by law.
Next, you will need to create a homeschool curriculum or choose one of the many programs available. Power Homeschool is an online homeschool curriculum for K-12 students. We provide parents with course materials, tools, and materials so that they can provide their students with a well-rounded home education.
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips Indiana
Field trips are a wonderful way to enhance the learning process. Students can see lessons come to life through tours, exhibits, and education opportunities. With numerous museums, zoos, and historical sites, Indiana has no shortage of field trip destinations. Some places even have special programs or admission rates for homeschoolers.
The following are just a few examples of the field trips available to homeschoolers in Indiana:
- Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne: With various gardens and seasonal displays, students can learn about biomes, plant habitats, ecology, and so much more! Youth education tours are available for children of all ages, making this a great supplement to any life science unit.
- Science Central in Fort Wayne: STEM lessons come to life with interactive exhibits and live demonstrations at Science Central. Homeschoolers have plenty of educational opportunities, such as STEM camps, coding clubs, and family events.
- Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhurst: With collections from 19th – and 20th – century artists like Norman Rockwell, young artists are sure to be inspired by the contemporary, impression, pottery pieces showcased in this art museum.
- Indiana Medical History Museum in Indianapolis: Once the Central State Hospital, this museum now focuses on the history of medicine, including mental disease treatment, forensic science, and careers in health.
- Indiana State Capitol in Indianapolis: Homeschoolers can learn about the history, government, and culture of their home state by touring the numerous exhibits in the Statehouse Education Center.
- Indianapolis Zoo in Indianapolis: Animal lovers can explore species throughout numerous biomes, including deserts, forests, oceans, and plains. Field trips, zoo camps, and youth programs offer even more learning opportunities for future zoologists, conservationists, or veterinarians.
- Indiana Caverns in Corydon: Earth science lessons will come to life with walking tours, cave exploration, and gemstone mining. With plenty of learning opportunities, students of all ages are sure to learn something new.
- Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City: Students can learn about our 16th president’s life before adulthood and better understand how Abraham Lincoln became one of the most influential leaders of the United States.
- WonderLab Museum of Science, Healthy and Technology in Bloomington: With interactive experience and hands-on experiences, young students will learn about sound waves, insect habitats, and much more!
- Grouseland in Vincennes: This National Historic Landmark was home to William Henry Harrison when he was governor of the Indiana Territory. Students will learn valuable information about American history during the early 19th.
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