Homeschooling in Montana
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Montana site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Montana
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 Montana
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Montana
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 Montana
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Montana has to offer!
Resources
Montana 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 Montana.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Montana, 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 Montana
With the rise of homeschoolers in Montana in the past few decades, the state has an array of support groups and networking opportunities for families to meet other homeschoolers in their area.
Homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops all exist to enhance homeschool educations, but they all offer different benefits.
Montana’s statewide homeschool association is called Montana Coalition of Home Educators (MCHE) and provides legal information, support groups, resources, and more.
In addition to a statewide association, Montana homeschoolers can have many different options for homeschooler support groups and co-ops. Homeschool support groups are parent-organized and either meet in groups or communicate via online forums. These support groups allow parents to give and receive advice, share homeschool experiences, and connect with other homeschool families in their area.
On the other hand, homeschool co-ops are academic-focused groups that allow homeschool students to participate in group learning and socialize with other homeschoolers around their age. These co-ops can be general, focus on certain subjects, or provide instruction around religious beliefs. Parents usually take turns teaching the group or join together to hire a tutor. Both homeschool support groups and co-ops often offer enrichment activities or organize field trips for students.
Most homeschool support groups and co-ops have Facebook pages or websites, making them easy to find online. With the variety of options, your family will be sure to find a homeschool group that aligns with your student’s needs. The following are just a few examples of the different homeschool support groups and co-ops in Montana:
- Bozeman Homeschool Network
- Flathead Homeschool Support and Curriculum
- Yellowstone Coalition of Home Educators
- Helena Area Christian Home Educators
- Gallatin Christian Homeschool Co-op
- Helena Homeschool Enrichment Co-op
The Montana Coalition of Home Educators also provides a list of support groups.
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Start Homeschooling in Montana
If you are a parent who is considering homeschool for the first time, you likely have a lot of questions about how to get started. Our helpful guide to getting started with homeschool is a great place to begin your research. In Montana, you will need to start by researching the laws and requirements and notifying your school district’s superintendent that you are transitioning your student to home education. Next, you’ll need to create a homeschool curriculum or find a program that meets all of the state’s subject requirements.
Power Homeschool is an online curriculum program for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Our curriculum is made up of a wide variety of course options, including math, language arts and reading, social studies, and science, as well as electives, foreign languages, and career and technical education. In addition to the courses our program offers, Power Homeschool provides resources and tools to help both parents and students be successful throughout their homeschool education journey.
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips in Montana
Homeschooling allows families to be more flexible and choose how they spend their time. Many homeschoolers use field trips, educational programs, and other experiential learning opportunities to enhance their studies.
- Montana’s State Capitol Building is a must-see destination for homeschooling families. From the grandiose Capitol building itself, to the expansive grounds that feature monuments and gardens, the State Capital Building offers a unique look into Montana’s history and culture. Inside, visitors can explore the legislative chambers and historic artifacts, while outside they can enjoy the peaceful nature of the surrounding area. With its stunning architecture and rich culture, the Montana State Capital Building is a great place for families to learn and explore together.
- Montana Natural History Center in Missoula: Homeschoolers can learn about the natural history of western Montana through a variety of exhibits, including a hands-on Naturalist Lab and Kids’ Discovery Room.
- Elk Country Visitor Center in Missoula: Dedicated to the wildlife species that call this region home, the Elk Country Visitor Center explores the essential role that elk play in the region’s ecosystem. Students will also learn about conservation and wildlife species in the area.
- Glacier National Park in West Glacier: With guided tours, ranger activities, and camping, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to learn about the region’s geography, see the landforms, and explore flora and fauna native to the land.
- Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park in Whitehall: With one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest, visitors will learn a lot about geology and landforms through guided tours of the cave.
- Montana Historical Society in Helena: This field trip is the perfect way for Montana homeschoolers to learn about the heritage of their home state. With guided tours, workshops, and hands-on activities, every homeschool student will be sure to learn something new.
- Children’s Museum of Montana in Great Falls: Young learners get to learn with their hands through many different interactive exhibits, such as the Flight Zone, Reading Junction, Lego Zone, and many more!
- American Computer and Robotics Museum in Bozeman: This museum is a wonderful way to enhance STEM curriculum with exhibits that display technological developments, from the first personal computers to Artificial Intelligence and much more.
- Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station in Malta: This museum displays some of the world’s best-preserved dinosaur fossils. Students will gain an understanding of the prehistoric heritage of the region through many different fossil exhibits.
- Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in Yellowstone: Dedicated to grizzly bear and grey wolf education, this center is also a wildlife park with various species. The park has educational programs that teach students about the role these species have in the region’s ecosystem.
- Tippet Rise Art Center in Fishtail: This large art center features a sculpture collection that visitors can tour by vehicle or foot. Also, offering special events, this field trip allows students of all ages to gain an appreciation for art and culture.
- Rosebud Battlefield in Busby: This historical site was the location of the battle between the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians and General Crook’s soldiers in 1876. Today, visitors learn about the area’s history and heritage, while also participating in activities like wildlife viewing and hiking.
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