Homeschooling in Kansas
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Kansas site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Kansas
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 Kansas
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Kansas
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 Kansas
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Kansas has to offer!
Resources
Kansas 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 Kansas.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Kansas, 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 Kansas
Homeschoolers in Kansas can get support from different sources, which helps the experience feel less lonely and ensure students are on the right course.
Homeschool associations, support groups, and cooperations (co-ops) all exist to help parents and students have successful homeschool experiences.
Christian Home Educators Confederation of Kansas (CHECK) is a faith-based organization that is comprised of numerous regional groups, including the Kansas Home Educators and the Midwest Parent Educators. These organizations provide events, resources, legal advice, and support groups.
In addition to homeschool associations, Kansas has many different support groups and co-ops. Homeschool support groups may meet in person regularly or share tips and advice online. They may also meet up for playdates or plan special events for their students. Homeschool co-ops are similar to support groups but are more focused on academics and provide group learning opportunities. Many of these have Facebook pages or websites, so you can find them easily online with a few searches. Some of these groups have a specific focus based on subjects or religious beliefs. The following are just a few examples of the homeschool groups in Kansas:
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Start Homeschooling in KANSAS
Starting to homeschool takes time and patience while both students and parents adjust to their new routine. Once you decide to transition to homeschool, you’ll need to complete all the legal obligations and officially withdraw your student from their public or private school. Next, you’ll need to create a homeschool curriculum or select one of the many programs available.
Power Homeschool’s online program is available for students between kindergarten and 12th grade. The courses are made up of engaging videos and interactive coursework, which helps students remain interested in the lessons. Our program also provides a variety of tools and resources that help parents and students make the switch.
Join thousands of parents that homeschool with our self-paced, interactive courses.
Resources
Kansas Homeschool Field Trips
Field trips are a way for students to learn through hands-on experiences. By visiting historical sites, touring museums, or exploring nature, students can see their lessons come to life before their eyes.
Homeschoolers in Kansas have many different options when it comes to field trip destinations. The following are just a few examples of the many different field trips available to homeschoolers in the Sunflower State.
GREATER KANSAS CITY, KANSAS AREA
- Johnson Arts & Heritage Center in Shawnee: This museum shares the community’s history and culture through numerous exhibits and educational programs, including summer camps, special events, and homeschool programs.
- Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City in Shawnee: Youngsters can learn with hands-on exhibits and programs that bring the arts and sciences together. Exhibits include the Raceways, TinkerSpace, Artworks, and more!
- Wyandotte County Historical Museum in Kansas City: With temporary exhibits, youth programs, and an auditorium, this museum is the perfect place to learn about the region’s history dating back to the first Native Americans who lived on the land.
- National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame in Kansas City: Homeschoolers can learn about the importance of agriculture through exhibits, galleries, and various hands-on educational activities. The center also offers events throughout the years.
EASTERN KANSAS
- Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum in Lawrence: Students can tour fossil exhibits, learn about parasites, see live insects and amphibians, and view one of the oldest natural history dioramas from the 1890s! Summer camps and other educational programs are also available.
- Spencer Museum of Art in Lawrence: Located on the University of Kansas, this art museum is full of exhibitions and collections of paintings, prints, sculptures, and more. The museum offers several different programs for K-12 students, as well.
- Kansas Museum of History in Topeka: Learn about Kansas culture and history dating back to the indigenous tribes of the region. On the first Wednesday of each month, the museum hosts Homeschool Wednesdays, which allow students to learn about an array of topics through hands-on activities.
FLINT HILLS
- Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan: Visitors can explore the ecosystem, culture, and history of the Flint Hills. The center offers some educational programs and special events as well.
- Red Rocks State Historic Site in Emporia: Former home to William Allan White, the award-winning journalist hosted many famous people, including Albert Einstein and Theodore Roosevelt. The museum houses many different artifacts, such as books, art, and photos.
CENTRAL KANSAS
- Hutchinson Zoo in Hutchinson: With more than 100 wildlife species, homeschoolers will have a lot to explore and learn at the Hutchinson Zoo. Seasonal camps and educational programs are available to teach students about conservation, ecosystems, and much more.
- Museum of World Treasures in Wichita: With exhibits for fossils and sea creatures, American Wars, ancient eras, and so much more, this museum is sure to have exhibits that align with every social studies or history lesson. Homeschool programs are also available.
- Exploration Place in Wichita: Science comes to life at the Exploration Place! For more than 20 years, Exploration Place has been providing exciting hands-on exhibits for students of all ages. Learn about the state of Kansas, the human body, and more with the interactive exhibits at this unique museum.
- Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard: Get up close and personal with a variety of animal species at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Feed giraffes, pet kangaroos, and let lemurs climb on you all at this special wildlife park. Don’t forget to stop by the nursery to see the baby animals and be on the lookout for staff educators who love teaching visitors about the animals that call the park home.
WESTERN KANSAS
- Fort Hays: Homeschoolers can learn about the rich history of Fort Hays and the influence of the African American “Buffalo Soldiers” during the events of the 1880s. Exhibits display the soldiers’ clothing, weapons, and personal items.
- Sandsage Bison Range and Wildlife Area in Garden City: Visitors get up close with a herd of more than 100 bison with a guided tour of the land. Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Sandsage Bison Range is home to a publicly-owned herd in Kansas.
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