Homeschooling in New York
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in New York site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in New York
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Associations and Support Groups in New York
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in New York
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 New York
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what New York has to offer!
Resources
New York 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 New York.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in New York, 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 Associations & Support Groups in New York
Support groups are popular among homeschool families. Parents can get advice from more experienced parent educators, and children can meet peers who are also homeschooled.
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- New York Home Educators Network (NYHEN) is a secular association that supports, improves, and protects a parent’s right to provide their child with an at-home education.
- New York State Loving Education at Home (LEAH) is a Christian organization that provides legal assistance and helpful resources to homeschooling families as well as hosts various homeschooling conferences.
In addition to associations, there are various homeschooling groups and co-ops that families can join for support. Local homeschool support groups typically offer many homeschool-related activities, such as field trips, volunteer opportunities, continuing education, and other meetings. Support groups enhance the homeschool experience for parents and students alike.
Homeschool co-ops are typically more academic-focused than support groups, providing students the chance to learn alongside other homeschoolers, while practicing life skills like sharing and teamwork. Both homeschool support and co-ops provide homeschoolers opportunities to socialize while parents receive advice and resources to enhance the homeschool experience. You can find either type of group on Facebook with a search of your city or region.
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Get Started Homeschooling in New York
If you have decided to start homeschooling your child, you are probably wondering how to get started. First, you’ll need to submit a notice of intent to homeschool, followed by the IHIP. We recommend formally withdrawing your student if they are currently enrolled in a public or private school.
You will also need to select a homeschool curriculum or create one yourself. Power Homeschool provides many resources to help parents and students who are homeschooling for the first time. Our curriculum covers the core subjects of math, science, language arts and reading, and social studies and history.
After you choose a curriculum and homeschool method, you can begin your homeschool journey. Like anything new, it may take some time to adjust, so be understanding with both yourself and your student!
Resources
New York Homeschool Field Trips
Field trips provide homeschoolers the opportunity to see what they learn in everyday lessons come to life before their eyes.
Unlike students in traditional school settings, homeschool students can go on many more field trips throughout the year. For homeschool students in New York, the following are several examples of the many field trip destinations the Empire State has to offer.
WESTERN NEW YORK
- Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village in Amherst: Explore the region’s history by touring various exhibits, including the 1880s Street of Shops, Community Art Gallery, Pioneer Kitchen, and so many more!
- Rochester Museum and Science Center in Rochester: This museum has much to offer. With science exhibits, a planetarium, nature center, and educational programs, there is something for the whole family.
- Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester: Visit the home of one of the women’s suffrage movement’s leaders, Susan B. Anthony. Discover who she was, how she inspired others, and the mark she made on history.
CENTRAL NEW YORK
- Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse: Learn about life in a canal town and how it played an important role in the country’s growth. A children’s area is available for young learners, making this a great spot for students of all ages.
- Utica Children’s Museum in Utica: Experience hands-on learning with special events, homeschool group visits, and plenty of interactive exhibits, such as the sensory exploration zone and music areas.
EASTERN NEW YORK
- Iroquois Indian Museum in Howes Cave: This museum celebrates Iroquois culture and diversity with nature walks, educational programs, and exhibits that showcase archeological artifacts.
- New York State Capitol in Albany: Visit the New York State Capitol to learn about the government and history of one of the original colonies of the United States.
NEW YORK CITY
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum: Tour these national monuments and learn about the rich history of immigration to the United States.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: View the finest works of art from all over the world at the largest art museum in the United States.
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum: Learn about the events that happened on September 11, 2001, with exhibits of artifacts, images, and testimonies.
- Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg: Students can explore the battlefield while learning about the bloodiest battle of the Civil War that took place on September 17, 1862. This field trip makes a great addition to any lesson about the Civil War.
- Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown: Visitors tour thousands of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other works of art representing cultures from around the world. This museum offers free admissions and various art classes and educational programs for students of all ages.
- National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick: Homeschoolers can learn about the medical care during the Civil War, including the tools, resources, treatment methods, and much more.
- National Aquarium in Baltimore: Explore ocean life through various exhibits, such as Blacktip Reef, Dolphin Discovery, and Shark Alley. Homeschoolers can attend special programs and homeschool days are available throughout the year.
- Fort McHenry National Shrine and Monument in Baltimore: This historical site is a great way to enhance units about American history. Visitors learn about the Battle of Baltimore, the United States flag, and the poem by Francis Scott Key that eventually become the national anthem.
- Maryland State House in Annapolis: As the oldest capitol building in the United States, the Maryland State House is rich with history. Homeschoolers can tour exhibits and participate in educational programs to learn about their state’s government, history, and culture.
- Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis: As Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage, this museum aims to promote the history and culture of African Americans through exhibits and educational programs.
- S. Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis: Learn about the U.S. Navy, the role of the Naval Academy, and American sailors and marines by touring display of historical artifacts and collections of art.
- Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels: This museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, environment, and culture of the region. With plenty of exhibits, special events, and activities, there will sure to be something for the whole family.
- Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge: Learn about one of the most well-known heroic figures of the 1800s. The visitor center houses exhibits dedicated to the abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
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