Homeschooling is a viable option for many families in the United States. Some kids just don’t excel in the public school environment, and homeschooling can really benefit them.
But there comes a time in lots of homeschooling families’ lives when the realization hits that homeschooling doesn’t work for them. It can be for a number of reasons, but what’s important is knowing what to do next.
If you have been homeschooling and you think your children need to return to public school, then you have come to the right place.
We have put together a guide to help you put your homeschooled child back into public school. Read on to find out everything you need to know.
Can Children Return To Public School After Being Homeschooled?
There is a misconception that once you pull your children out of public school, they won’t ever be able to return.
It is incredibly important to know that your homeschooled child can go back to public school after they have been homeschooled.
Whether you homeschooled them for a brief period of time or for a few years, homeschooled children are able to transition back to public school whenever you feel the time is right.
It isn’t just as simple as putting them back into school; they will need to be tested and evaluated, but the answer to this question is never no.
Returning To Public School After Being Homeschooled
So you have made the decision that it is time for your kids to go back to public school, but how exactly do you do this?
Rules and regulations do vary from state to state, but overall, the process is similar all across the country.
Use the guide below to help with the transition back to public school. We have included all the relevant information that you need to know.
Step 1: Look Into Your State Laws
Before you do anything else, the first thing you need to do is look into your specific state laws regarding homeschooling and returning to public school.
While most states have the same basic outline, some states have stricter laws.
Knowing your state laws before you move forward will help you save time and get your child back into public schooling faster.
One important note here: Some states require that you notify your state or local school district of your intention to discontinue homeschooling.
You cannot proceed in the states that require this until you have done it, so really make sure that you have done the appropriate research.
Don’t be afraid to contact your local school district if you need more clarity in your specific state.
Step 2: Research Local Schools
Once you have brushed up your knowledge of your state laws, you can then start researching your local schools.
If you want your child to return to the school they were originally in, set up a meeting with the principal to see what the next steps are.
If you want to find a completely new school, you will need to talk to the principals of potential schools, look into these schools’ curriculums, see what their extracurricular activities are, and other things like this.
It really depends on what you want from your potential school. This is why it’s important to do as much research as possible.
Once you have decided on the school you want your children to enroll in, you will then need to contact the administration and set up a meeting with the school to discuss the next steps.
Step 3: Fill Out The Enrollment Packet
Once you have selected your preferred school and you have met with the principal or whoever else handles homeschool re-enrollment, you will then be able to begin the enrollment process.
In most states, this is simply filling out an Enrollment Packet and submitting registration papers.
The Enrollment Packet usually requires you to include information such as your child’s contact information, medical history, educational background, and emergency contact information.
If you need to submit registration papers, the information you will need to include will be things like proof of residency, transcripts, vaccination records, and your child’s homeschool portfolio.
Not every state requires a homeschool portfolio, but it is helpful for situations like this and for getting into college, so it is beneficial to keep one even if it’s not required.
Step 4: Make A Testing Appointment
In most cases, schools require your child to take tests in order to work out what grade they should be placed in.
Testing their academic ability ensures that they get placed into the appropriate grading level when they re-enroll in public school after homeschooling.
If the school you have chosen to enroll your child in requires this, it is important to set up a testing appointment as soon as possible.
The faster they are able to take these tests, the sooner they will be able to start public school.
Some states do not require testing and will simply look at your child’s homeschool portfolio if it is available.
Step 5: Prepare Your Child For Renrollment
The final thing you need to do is make sure your child is ready for enrollment back into public school.
Make sure you have all of their textbooks, materials, tools, and anything else they will need. If the school requires a uniform, make sure you have that covered, too.
The more prepared your child is for re-enrollment, the easier the transition will be for them.
Conclusion
Reenrolling your child back into public school after they have been homeschooled can be a stressful time, but if you know what you need to do, it can be a much easier process.
Everything we have included in this guide will help you put your homeschooled child back into public school and will help you speed up the process so you don’t have to wait around for weeks.
If you need extra help from your school district, do not be afraid to ask for it. They will be more than accommodating and helpful.
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