Author Archives: Mary Adalbert

Every year, thousands of homeschooling families gather together at homeschool conventions to find the best curriculum and resources, and listen to other professional education specialists.  Many of those families come from Texas. In fact, according to research, Texas is one of the top three states with the most homeschoolers in America!  With over 145,000 students homeschooling, and conventions dedicated to homeschoolers, and families researching homeschooling, it’s no wonder that it’s growing in popularity throughout the state.  So, what is so appealing? Check out these top reasons for — and benefits of — homeschooling in Texas.
Reasons for — and benefits of — homeschooling in Texas

1. 1. Homeschooled students test higher on SATs. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, homeschooling students score an average of 120 points more on the SAT exams than non-homeschooled students.
   2. Parents have the freedom to teach according to their child’s pace and learning style. Does your child get frustrated with a given subject in school? Or are they bored?  Teaching at home means you can tailor their curriculum to their learning style, helping the content stick and make sense in real-life situations. And it makes learning more fun! You can help your child learn the content at their own pace, helping your child to not just memorize statistics for a test, but building their confidence as they understand what they are learning. Learn more about teaching to your child’s learning style here!
   3. More school and relationship building opportunities Students in school are limited to the opportunities available under time constraints in school, and they mostly interact with peers of the same age. Homeschooling gives your student the freedom to spend time on their passions without the restrictions of the school schedule. And you can encourage relationships with people of all ages, giving them a more diverse view of life.
   4. Less worry about school peers and safety. Being fully-involved in your child’s education means that you get to know your child’s peers and can create a safe environment for them to build relationships.
   5. Graduation success! In the state of Texas, homeschooled graduates are considered the equivalent of graduates of any other schools in Texas. That means colleges and universities within the state view homeschooled students on the same level, and give them the same opportunities as their public school peers.

Ready to start homeschooling in Texas?

Because of the homeschool growth in Texas, it’s easy to get started!  Here’s how:

• The curriculum must be real and visual, like workbooks and charts.
• You must use written curriculum for core subjects. Check out our Texas State Law Page to learn more.  

Homeschooling is not just a trend — it’s a lifestyle that more and more people are choosing for their families as they see amazing results in their children. And with Bridgeway Academy, making the decision to homeschool has never been easier. We have been helping families with homeschooling in Texas for over 26 years and would love to work with you. Contact one of our homeschool specialists at 800-863-1474 to see how an expert, accredited partner can make your homeschooling dreams come true.

I remember it just like it were yesterday — Standing outside the little farmhouse where my mom forced me to get dressed up so we could learn about this new thing called “homeschooling.” I stood on the doorstep and wondered why anyone would want to stay home all day, how would I stay in contact with my friends, and what if I just don’t like it?  So many questions running through my mind, but not once did I think about what my parents wanted or why they were so interested in homeschooling. Now that I myself am a mother, I see their concern for the quality of education, the influence of my peers in school, and just the number of opportunities that became available through homeschooling! Today, there are many more reasons for — and benefits of — homeschooling, and if you are homeschooling in North Carolina, here are the top few!

Homeschooling in North Carolina

1. Homeschooled students test higher on exams. According to the NCHE, the national average scores for homeschooled students taking standardized tests are almost 30% higher than for students attending school.
2. Parents get to teach students according to their moral and religious values. As a parent, you have been teaching your child since he or she was born, and you are one of the best teachers your child can have.
3. Many more opportunities. Students in school are limited to the opportunities afforded within the time constraints in that school. If you have an athlete, musician, artist, or student wanting to spend time on other experiences, homeschooling can be the best scheduling option.
4. Less worry about school peers and safety. Being fully involved in your child’s education means that you get to know your child’s peers and can create a safe environment for them to build relationships.
5. You can teach at your child’s pace. Does your child struggle with a subject? Or does he or she get bored in school? When being taught in a full classroom, your child cannot get the benefit of studying at their own level and pace. By homeschooling, you can take time to stop and review if a concept is difficult, plunge ahead if they are ready for more of a challenge, or dig deeper if their curious mind just wants to learn more.
6. It’s growing! With more openness to school choice, lots of past homeschooling families, and higher test scores, it’s no wonder that North Carolina has one of the highest homeschool populations, and that it continues to grow so rapidly.

Ready to start homeschooling in North Carolina?

Because of the homeschool growth in North Carolina and the positive outlook on school choice, it’s easy to get started!  Here’s how:

1. Submit a notice of intent to homeschool and set up your homeschool either under a private or public homeschool status.
2. Keep records! You need to be able to show your school how many days you homeschooled, some achievements you reached, and a record of immunizations.
3. Take standardized tests. These show where your student stands academically.

For a full list of rules and guidance for homeschooling in North Carolina, visit our North Carolina State Page.

Making the decision to homeschool can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re ready to take the leap into homeschooling, know that you don’t have to jump alone. Bridgeway Academy has been helping families homeschool in North Carolina for over 26 years. Find out how an expert, accredited partner can make your homeschooling dreams come true. Call today!

Gasp! High school looms over you like a tiger waiting to pounce. The classes are harder, the tests more rigorous, and you’re figuring out who you are, all at the same time. But online high school homeschooling isn’t complicated. Your parents are cheering you on, every step of the way and this time in your life is one of growth and opportunity.

Questions to Prepare You for High School Homeschooling

Where do you start? How can you possibly figure out how to juggle The Catcher in the Rye reading assignments, acute angles, and complex chemistry equations? High school homeschooling is a challenging journey, and you need a good road map. Read on to learn our top five questions that will help you identify how to get the most out of high school homeschooling. Ready? Let’s go!

What are my interests? High school opens up a whole new world (yes, you now have the lyrics from Disney’s Aladdin stuck in your head) of extracurriculars. From art classes to the track team, you have more options than ever to pursue your dreams and find out what interests you.

The myth that homeschoolers don’t socialize is untrue. Find a soccer league to join, a dance studio, or a book club . Extracurriculars look great on the college application. You can never start too soon! Plus, the activities gets you out of the house for a little while, and who wouldn’t want that? You never know – there could be a local baseball or softball league right down the street!

What do I want to learn? I remember the absurd amount of classes and extracurriculars to choose from when I was in high school. What you need to do is focus on what interests you outside of the core curriculum.

• Live Online Classes: The experience of a classroom without leaving your living room! Over 60 classes are offered, called Learning Labs. There are plenty of options to find out-of-the-box topics.
• Find a job/internship tailored to your college major interest: Many local businesses would love the extra hands on deck. Interested in social media marketing? Intern at a non-profit managing their social media accounts. What about law? There are plenty of law firms happy to show you how the process works. What about a trade? Trade jobs are in short supply, so why don’t you check out your local community college for classes? Many offer mechanics, carpentry, and more.

Should I take college-level courses during high school?

Expand your learning and tackle new challenges with college-level courses! Yes, we know it sounds daunting. The experience and knowledge you will gain from these classes will be worth its salt for your college years. There are three types of classes we are thinking of: dual enrollment, AP, and Honors courses.

• Dual enrollment. Dual enrollment is when you take a high school and college course in the same subject and receive credit for both. Can you do that even as a high school homeschooler? Absolutely! Dual enrollment allows you to free up time for other college courses you wish to take. For example, if you want to sign up for chemistry, you can take the class that is certified, and receive credit for an equivalent college course. It’s definitely something to think about. You could have a college degree while in high school and make your friends jealous.
• Honors or AP classes? It can be difficult to determine the difference between honors and AP courses. Here’s a breakdown guide on which one would best suit you.
  • AP (Advanced Placement) Classes. AP classes challenge your mind in ways you never thought possible. You can take advantage of a weighted GPA (meaning your GPA could be higher, depending on how well you do) and how it looks on a transcript. At the completion of the course, you will take the AP Exam. If you score higher than a 3 (on a scale from 1-5), you will earn college credit at select colleges. Strive to achieve a 4 or 5 though – most universities or colleges will not award credit to a score lower than a 4.
  • Honors Classes. Honors classes don’t have the ability to earn college credit, but you still can show off your skills to college admission officers. These classes prepare you for what a college class would be like and that’s a good thing. Looking to step up to the academic challenge? Talk to your homeschool advisor! Make sure you ask about if the particular honors course is weighted. Some aren’t, so make sure you check.

Making the most out of high school homeschooling doesn’t have to be scary. Preparing yourself for college early is the best way to be two steps ahead of your peers. Your interests, learning experiences, and class choices, all make up your high school homeschooling years. Get ready, get set, go!

You’ve done it! Your child has successfully completed middle school intact and ready to face the high school years (well, somewhat ready). While you’re learning the ropes of parenting a teenager, you also need to consider how to best homeschool a high school student. The stakes for high school are high, especially if your child is college bound. The good news is, unlike parenting a teen, homeschooling high school is easier than you may think.

4 Steps to Homeschooling High School

Step 1: Get Your Student. Each child is a unique individual, and that is certainly most true when you’re dealing with teenagers! To homeschool high school well, you need to understand your student where they are right now. What are his or her interests? How does he/she learn best? What courses does he/she really want to take? To avoid? Spend some time talking with your high schooler to really get to know what they want, don’t want, dream of, hope for, and envision for their high school career. Not only will this time bring you closer together and help you open the doors of communication, it will give you valuable insight into how to plan your high schooler’s academic, social, and extracurricular career for the next 4 years.

Step 2: Understand the Requirements. Homeschooling high school students aren’t like elementary or middle school. While you may have gotten away with a simple evaluation or no paperwork at all in the past, a high school has more requirements. Each state has a list of the required courses that each student must take to graduate, regardless of where or how they do school. From the four main courses to PE to electives, each state varies but they all have grad requirements. This means your high schooler will be required to take and pass specific courses each year for credits AND have a certain number of credits to graduate. Not understanding the planning process for these requirements can leave your child behind and in you hot water with your already hot-headed teen. Find out exactly what’s required for graduation in your state is the first step in homeschooling high school students well.

Step 3: Set Clear Goals. Once you know your child’s mind and what your state requires, you’re ready to set some goals and start course planning. As you select courses and curriculum, ask yourself these questions to help you make the right choices.

• Where does your student want to end up at the end of their high school career?
• What courses does he/she need to take to get there?
• What extra-curricular activities will help him/her shine and prepare?
• What social activities can he/she do to find joy and calm during the high school years?
• How does your student want to learn? Online, textbook, etc.
• How can your student challenge him/herself to grow in responsibility and organization?

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll need to get your hands on a homeschool high school planning worksheet or find yourself support from an accredited homeschool partner that can guide your high schooler all the way through the next 4 years.

Step 4: Allow Room to Shine. This is perhaps the hardest but most critical part of homeschooling high school students well. Your child needs to acquire independence, responsibility, and a better understanding of who they are. This means you need to step back and allow your child to shine, and to stutter. Don’t rescue. Don’t step in and over help. Don’t push your goals or ideas onto your high schooler. Rather, give your high schooler room to find their passion, to discover what they are good at, and to fail at what they are not. Wait to offer help until it’s asked for, because know how and asking for help is a critical key to succeeding in life. These are the years where our children grow into adults. Be there, ever present as a safety net and navigator, but not in the driver’s seat. This will allow your high schooler the freedom mingled with the security he/she needs to develop into a capable adult.

Homeschooling high school may be new territory for you, but you’re not alone and without support. Find the help you need to homeschool high school well, to navigate your high schoolers towards their dreams. Visit bridgewayacademy.com for more information and to find the help you need today!

John F. Kennedy once said, “A child miseducated is a child lost.” We know that the most important years in the life of a child, and for their young developing brain, are the elementary years. This formative time is when our children develop their view of learning, themselves, and the world around them. So, it’s critical that we provide the best moral and educational foundation, and give our children the attention and focus they need to thrive. There’s no better way to accomplish this than through homeschooling, where your child becomes the center of their custom educational journey. This focus is why elementary homeschooling is so important, because your child is looking to you to set the tone, shape their world, and provide them with the skills and tools they need to thrive far beyond elementary school.

The Benefits of Elementary Homeschooling

Kindergarten through 5^th grade are wonderful years for children, where learning and growth go hand-in-hand with exploration and experimentation. But often, children in this age group fall behind or through the cracks in classrooms that are too full, or within an educational system that focuses on performance and not your child’s individual strengths and needs. In contrast, homeschooling puts your child front and center in his or her education.

When you individualize education, your child will reach new heights and overcome obstacles, while discovering a love of learning. The attention your child will receive through homeschooling means that your child will succeed academically, emotionally, and spiritually, because they are the center of your focus each day. This couldn’t be more critical than during the elementary years when our children are forming their view of education and their abilities.

Keeping your child safe from bullying and negative influences when they are most vulnerable is of utmost importance. One out of every five children reports being bullied, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Homeschooling means less negative influences. Let’s face it, this world is harsh, and children in public schools face many trials and problems that we, as parents, want to protect them from at all cost. Children in elementary school are fragile and deserve gentle care and protection while they develop their unique personalities and views of the world. Homeschooling provides the safest and most loving environment possible for your child to thrive.

The years go by so fast. Homeschooling during the elementary years means you get to spend more time with your children; precious time that you cannot get back. Homeschooling will strengthen your family and your relationship with your elementary child. More family time, learning together, and watching one another grow and succeed will give your family more strength and make memories that last much longer than a school year.

How to Get Started

Elementary homeschooling can seem daunting and difficult. But you can be your child’s teacher without having to jump onto the homeschooling ship alone! Getting started is not as tough as it may seem. Check out this new-to-homeschooling Getting Started Guide to put you on the right path early on.

While getting started in elementary homeschooling is easier than you think, there are many decisions that need to be made. From traditional textbooks and blended learning to online homeschooling and live online classes, there’s a lot to consider. Don’t go it alone! An expert homeschool partner can point you in the right direction while allowing you to stay in the driver’s seat of your child’s education. Contact 800-863-1474 to talk with a Bridgeway homeschool specialist to help you along in your journey.

To say that Noel loves horses would be an understatement. This lifelong homeschooler’s best days are spent in the barn. Noel has built her life and future plans around her passion and gifting with God’s gentle giants and is excited to start her college journey at Averett University of Virginia, majoring in Equine studies with over 30 college courses under her saddle! Her hard work, passion, and commitment to diligence, combined with the flexibility of homeschooling, have set Noel on a path to reach her dreams one horse at a time.

Noel began riding at 6 and has since mastered many different styles, competing at a high level in “dressage,” a type of equine ballet with her horse, “Handsome Boy.” She’s won quite a few awards for her hard work and spends at least 5 days a week riding. The flexibility of homeschooling has given her time to focus on her passions, including riding horses, developing friendships, and pursuing extra-curricular activities like the praise band at her church.

As a young preschooler, Noel didn’t have the best first-school experience. So, she began homeschooling and never looked back. Despite a later move into a great school district, Noel states that she and her brother loved homeschooling so much that they decided to stick with it. And, what benefits she has reaped since then!

Noel began homeschooling with Bridgeway her freshman year to receive help and guidance for college during her time in high school. Through Bridgeway, Noel has excelled in her academics, taking many Dual Enrollment courses that have earned her over 30 college credits towards her degree! Through Dual Enrollment, Noel has shaved an entire year off her college career, saving time and a lot of money. She enjoyed many of her Bridgeway courses, including music, which she took twice, and all things math (except geometry!).

Noel dreams of owning and running her own barn someday. She would love to teach others to ride and wants to pass on the passion that she has for equine sports and learning. When asked what her advice is for those going into high school, Noel’s words of wisdom were, “Always try your hardest. If there is something you really love and want, you can achieve it. It’s worth the work to do what you love.”

Congratulations, Noel! You are a shining star for homeschooling and your family and we are so proud of your efforts. We cannot wait to see what you accomplish as you dance your way into your bright future!

While the school year schedule can often hinder the spontaneity of exploration, summer is the best time to take time for some hands-on experiments with your kiddos! You’ve been working hard all year, so fill summer with play learning that doesn’t include worksheets, notebooks, or logbooks. Make summer science fun and hands-on by exploring new topics with your homeschoolers, becoming scientists with your students, opening the world of experiential discovery, and sparking the desire to study science all year long.

Become a scientist this summer!

Become a physicist at the beach. Building sandcastles is more than just a fun beach pastime — it’s an exercise in physics! Each sandcastle is built from grains of sand, and the strength of the castle will depend upon how the grains interact. Find out more about the physics of sandcastles here, then grab your shovel and pail and get building!

Become a biologist or ecologist while camping or hiking. Summer science has to include time spent outside enjoying the weather! The great outdoors offers a world of habitats, ecosystems, and organisms to study. From frogs to butterflies, beaver dams to snake holes, getting outdoors will provide you with endless opportunities to explore and examine the world as ecologists and biologists do. Make sure to take your camera and a bag to gather treasures in to examine later.

Become a chemist in your kitchen. Chemistry is the investigation of matter, or substances, and how they interact. There’s no better, or yummier, place to discover more about chemistry than in your own kitchen! Why is baking soda important for baking? How do oil and vinegar combine to make dressing? What happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar? Answer these questions and more when you become kitchen chemists in this summer science series. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Become engineers in your backyard. Why not turn your summer science series into an exercise in building and engineering? When we build, we explore stability, how structures are made, and mathematics principles. Build garden boxes for your summer vegetable garden, create a marble run, or create your own America Ninja Warrior obstacle course in your backyard. Be sure to use graphing paper to plan your designs and put the math skills you’ve learned this year to work!

Become archaeologists or anthropologists at your local museum. Don’t forget about social sciences! It’s important to give your learners the understanding that science includes the study of human beings, or anthropology. Visit your local museum (or one not so local on your family vacation) and explore the areas of archaeology and anthropology. Use the museum’s exhibits as a springboard for discussing the many human-oriented topics you’re sure to encounter there. Talk about how artifacts are dated and how documents are preserved. Examine tools used, food consumed, and homes of humans in the past. Discuss the social changes that have occurred for women, men, and minorities. Let the museum guide you as you learn more about anthropology, archaeology, and cultural anthropology. No matter where you are, you can find a great museum!

If we want to inspire young scientists to be connected to science and ask inquisitive questions, we need to be aware of the science that exists all around us. From the local farm to our backyard, science is all around us. Discover how science intersects with your everyday lives with these activities designed to help you not only explore different areas of science, but create lasting impressions and a better understanding of the scientific method. And, you’ll be having fun together, which is what summer is all about!

How will you become a scientist this summer?

It’s been a long winter, and spring here in PA is colder than I’d like it to be. If you’re like me, you’ve already begun to long for lazy summer days, road trips, popsicles, and the general ease of the summer months. And, while it may feel like a year away, summer is just around the corner, which means it’s a great time to get planning your family summer bucket list! This summer, my kids are determined to accomplish little, while I’m determined to push them a little to fill in some holes left after this school year. The question is, “How we can get a few homeschooling tasks done without losing the ease and fun of summer, without compromising the ‘break’?” Compromise is hard, but not impossible! Here’s my family’s summer bucket list for kids that everyone can agree upon!

Our Summer Bucket List (and Your Ticket to a Scholarly, Social, and Satisfying Summer)

1. Start a reader’s theater group. I know there are books and topics you simply didn’t get to this year. Why not dive into some of those titles by creating your own reader’s theater group? You’ll read together, and apart, and then put on a theatrical production once you’ve completed the text. If it’s not a play, choose your favorite scenes to act out together. Consider building an outdoor stage so you can invite as many friends and family members as possible!
2. Hike, kayak, and swim every week. One thing I love about summer is exploring creation. And, if you’re like me, PE hours often get forgotten during the school year when days are filled with must-do subjects and lesson plans. Make summer months your time to get those required PE credits by hiking, kayaking, swimming, and exploring the local parks and areas near you. Just be sure to log your hours and pick up a few hiking and lake maps to show your evaluator.
3. Explore hands-on science with an experiment each day. Check out these fun outdoor science experiments and activities from lemonlimeadventures.com. You’ll be busy learning and laughing together as you discover more about physical science, chemistry, and more. If you don’t tell them they’re learning and illustrating the concepts they dug into this year, I won’t!
4. Invite history and local artists, farmers, and musicians into our life to learn more about local culture and economics on Field Trip Fridays. We take field trips year-round, but don’t make it official in the summer. This summer, I want to intentionally expose my children to our local arts and culture. So far, we will be volunteering at a local honey farm, working with a farm stand operator, and visiting a local potter for a lesson in local clay on the pottery wheel. These are important cultural experiences in our local economy. Teach your children the value of understanding your local culture and support local artisans this summer by instituting your own Field Trip Fridays.
5. Start a Bible study for our neighborhood. This last summer bucket list item is mainly for my heart and soul, and is something I have been considering but haven’t had the time or courage to undertake. The year gets so full with homeschooling, music lessons, sports, and holidays, that I simply haven’t made the time I want to grow in my understanding of the Word or spend time with my neighbors. This summer, I want to change that by starting a neighborhood Bible study. It may be over coffee or poolside. Regardless of where, I want to get to know the parents and kids in my neighborhood better while diving into who God is and soaking in the richness of His Word. Starting a neighborhood Bible study may be the best and most fruitful item you can check off of your summer bucket list. If you don’t feel equipped to lead, follow a book study or simply read through the Psalms and pray with one another. Nothing you engage in this summer will be more important or impactful!

Summer is a great season to accomplish a few goals you didn’t get done during the school year and to grow in togetherness as a family and community. There’s no better way to do that than to make your own summer bucket list for kids, one that fits your family and personality perfectly. No matter what you end up accomplishing this summer, I hope it’s a season of rest and renewal for your family. This will leave you prepared to tackle the new school year when the summer months come to their end.

What’s in your summer bucket list? Tell us in a comment below!

Free cyber-charter schools are the newest trend making waves within the homeschool community. And it’s easy to see why when you consider they promise parents a tuition-free education that you and your child can customize and do from home. However, we’ve been homeschooling for 25 years and have seen lots of online school programs come and go. By now we reserve a healthy amount of skepticism when a new homeschool program sounds too good to be true – because in most cases it usually is.

On the surface, free cyber-charter schools do provide students with a K-12 home-based education. But as with anything, there are pros and cons that need to be understood and weighed carefully for each homeschool family.
Before signing up with a cyber-charter program, it’s important that you understand what cyber-charter schools are and what they are not. One thing is clear, cyber-charter schools might be free, and your child might be at home while doing work, but they’re very different from traditional homeschooling, and you should know the differences before jumping in. Read on to find out what you might have to give up when choosing a public cyber-charter school.

• Freedom: Freedom is at the heart of traditional homeschooling. Cyber-charter schools limit freedom of choice in curriculum, schedule, and course plans. With a cyber-charter school, your child is required to conform to their school schedule, their timetable, and use only their curriculum. Not only this, as a parent you’re required to commit between 4 and 8 hours a day to monitoring their work. Because your family is stuck in a 9-4 school day and required to work and keep to a traditional school calendar, you have less freedom to travel, to pursue excellence outside of academics, and develop family bonds. In contrast, traditional homeschooling puts your family and freedom at the heart of learning. With homeschooling, you’re in control of your child’s education because you know them best. From when to what to how you can make the choices that best suit your family.

• Individuality: Traditional homeschooling celebrates individuality and can be customized to your child’s specific needs, grade level, and learning style. Cyber-charter schools require one curriculum which may or may not fit your child’s interests, learning style, etc. And, because of this requirement, adjusting to your child’s learning style or appealing to their interests is not always an option. Neither is stopping to dig deeper into a topic when your student is truly interested. Keeping pace with the curriculum is a requirement based on their needs, their schedules, and their standardized tests. Homeschooling is very different. Your child is at the center of their educational journey, from a curriculum that matches their learning style to projects that allow them to explore topics that have piqued their interest. When you start with your child’s gifts and needs and have the freedom to choose from hundreds of curriculum options to customize an exciting school year, your child is set up not just to succeed, but to love learning.

• Flexibility: Traditional homeschooling is flexible and suits the needs of the entire family. Cyber-charter schools limit flexibility with required login times, classes, and school schedules. Not only does a cyber-charter school require your child to attend live classes at times that fit into their teacher’s schedules, with young ones you are required to be present and attend these sessions as well. And, you’re not able to choose your child’s courses based on their interests. Rather, your child is required to take the courses and be present at the classes that are pre-determined based on their grade level and public school requirements. This requirement can confine your schedule and put limits on what your child can do and participate in during the day. What if they learn best in the afternoon after exercise? When can you take field trips? What about evening homeschoolers? If you’re looking for a flexible day that is built around your child, cyber-charter school isn’t going to be a good fit. Homeschooling encourages and thrives on flexibility. This means you attend the classes your children are interested in when the fit into your schedule. Traditional homeschooling means learning is based on your child’s ever-changing needs and interests and is done when, where, and how your child needs to learn. This means you have the flexibility to encourage unit studies, hands-on exploration, and project-based learning daily.

• Creativity: Homeschooling is about creativity and choice. Cyber-charter schools limit creativity by using a quiz/test model and requiring standardized testing up to 3 times a year! Mandatory placement, standardized testing, and end of year finals put having the right answers at the core of learning, not exploration and mastery. And we know that standardized tests tell us little about actual learning and can cause stress, anxiety, and lower self-confidence. Let’s face it, quizzes and tests are not the best way to determine what a child has learned! Homeschooling should encourage creativity, critical thinking, application, and mastery. When a child is allowed to learn about what interests them in an environment that encourages freedom and exploration, the possibilities for creativity are endless. Homeschooling allows future artists to build and draw in math class, and future diplomats to give speeches in science. Removing the boundaries of testing, of true/false thinking and fill in the blanks set the scene for true mastery and inventiveness.

• Values: Homeschooling is about communicating your values. Cyber-charter schools require public school curriculum, requiring your child to master content including evolution as truth, sexual education, and the confusing Common Core State Standards. And these are not negotiable. If your child is in biology with a cyber-charter school, you can be sure they will learn that the world was created by a big bang and that man’s earliest descendants were apes. Because your child will be part of the public school system, what is taught in public schools will be required in your home if you choose a cyber-charter school. Homeschooling should provide you with the opportunity to pass along your values and beliefs without a struggle. This is at the heart of homeschooling – the freedom from the government and public’s view of life and right. Choosing a public cyber-charter school will greatly limit your ability to control what your child is exposed to within their curriculum.

Taking back control of your child’s education doesn’t mean giving up the freedom and flexibility you need. Homeschooling is a challenge, but you don’t have to do it on your own, nor do you have to choose a public cyber-charter school. Your child deserves every opportunity and chance they can get to succeed in online learning. But finding the right provider can be a challenge and can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and questioning your choice. When it comes to your child’s education freedom, flexibility, and support are the most important ingredients in the recipe for online learning success.

Most of us consider Memorial Day to be the unofficial kick-off of summer. And, most of us honor this day in the same way. You may put out the American flag, attend a yummy BBQ, and enjoy a spectacular fireworks show. While that plan is great, why not take full advantage of this Memorial Day holiday by learning more about our armed forces and celebrate their service and sacrifice for our freedom? If you’re looking for a way to bring more honor to your Memorial Day 2017 celebration, read on!

History of Memorial Day

One of the first ways you can properly honor Memorial Day 2017 is to teach your children the history behind the holiday. Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May each year. Previously called “Decoration Day,” it is the official day where our nation honors those who have died in service to their country. Memorial Day honors all men and women who have perished in any of the five branches of our armed forces. Memorial Day started after the Civil War, which remains the deadliest conflict in US history, and it was originally called Decoration Day. This day was “designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

Since then, the holiday has grown to include local and national celebrations and acts of remembrance that include public officials from mayors to the President of the United States attending special events to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. At 3 p.m. on each Memorial Day is the national moment of remembrance, usually marked by a moment of silence where we are encouraged to consider all that has been sacrificed and lost by those who dedicated and gave their lives for our nation. Learn more about the history of this important holiday by watching this moving video from history.com.

Honoring Memorial Day

This year, our family wants to be intentional about honoring and celebrating Memorial Day. And while we still plan to attend a cookout at a friend’s and watch fireworks, I also want to instill a sense of gratefulness and respect into my children, something I believe is so important in these uncertain times. Here are a few ideas and ways our family will be paying respect to our fallen heroes on Memorial Day this year.

• Officially observe the National Moment of Remembrance by being silent at 3 p.m.
• Spend time this May researching your family history and learning about those in your family who gave their lives in foreign and national conflicts. I plan to have each name read, as well as their branch and dates of service, after the Moment of Remembrance.
• Attend a local Memorial Day parade and say “thank you” to each service member you meet.
• Visit a local VFW and purchase a poppy.
• Put out the American flag and teach your children about its rich history and the many transformations it has undergone.
• Create and send a care package for those currently serving in the Armed Forces.

We are beyond blessed to be able to see, speak with, and hug our loved ones this Memorial Day. Many do not have that blessing because those they love have lost their lives in service or are currently serving far from the comforts of home. Honor them and pass on the legacy of truly memorializing those brave heroes this Memorial Day 2017. This is how we honor and respect those who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy each and every day.

Homeschooling is an exciting and flexible educational option that more than 6 million homeschoolers in the US alone are taking advantage of for good reason.

The benefits of homeschooling are boundless, and the dedication, time and care it takes to homeschool a child are well worth the investment. Why should you choose to homeschool? For a hundred reasons, but here are just seven.

7 Reasons to Choose Homeschooling

1. Homeschooling puts your child front and center in his/her education. When you individualize education, the child will reach new heights and overcome obstacles. The attention a child will receive through homeschooling means that the child will succeed academically, emotionally, and spiritually because they are the center of focus each day.
2. Homeschooling allows parents to impart your beliefs and morals into the child’s education and each aspect of his/her day. Parents can build within the child a strong foundation based upon your families’ beliefs without outside influences.
3. Homeschooling can strengthen the family. More family time, learning together, and watching one another grow and succeed gives families more strength and brings them closer together.
4. Homeschooling means less negative influences. When parents choose to homeschool, they are also choosing more peace and safety. Let’s face it, this world is harsh, and children in public schools face many trials and problems that parents want to protect them from at all costs. Bullying, peer pressure, drugs, etc. the list goes on and on. Our public schools can be dangerous places where children often struggle. Homeschooling provides the safest and most loving environment possible for a child to thrive.
5. Homeschooling means no more homework! Enough said.
6. Homeschooling is challenging and fun! Becoming a teacher is a wonderfully challenging opportunity to grow and learn along with the child. Together, parents and homeschoolers can explore, experiment, and excel as a family each day because they are learning and challenging one another. This extra time together makes the family stronger, smarter, more connected and more joyful!
7. Homeschooling gives parents the authority to manage the schedule. If the student wants to read all morning and tackle work in the afternoon, go for it. If the goal is to finish by noon so that you can enjoy field trips, sports, or social time all afternoon, you can! Homeschooling means that the child is not trapped from 8-3 in a school schedule that robs you of family time and the ability to get more done in less time. Homeschooling allows the flexibility to vacation and incorporate homeschooling and experience life and all of its adventures all when you want, on your own time. Who wouldn’t want to choose homeschooling?!

Homeschooling has forever changed my life for the better, and it can change yours as well! If you’re wondering when you should choose homeschooling, there’s no better time than now! And you don’t have to go it alone. The expert homeschoolers at Bridgeway Academy are ready and waiting to help you start your homeschooling journey and put you on a path towards a more joyful and successful family life. Call for more information today!

Homeschool curriculum. Those two words strike both excitement and dread in equal measure in most homeschooling parents. Homeschooling is unique in that we can individualize each of our student’s learning experiences, including schedules and curriculum. But, how do you make sure that the curriculum you’re purchasing is going to be a good fit and work for both you and your child? There’s a lot of information out there about homeschooling and how to choose homeschool curriculum. No one wants to waste time or money on curriculum that isn’t going to work. Let’s face it, it often feels like a huge gamble when we purchase new curriculum, but we have to start somewhere. I’ve found the key to ensuring that the homeschool curriculum I choose will work for my children: learning style. The best place to start is by matching homeschool curriculum to your child’s learning style. Here’s why.

Why Learning Style

Your child should learn in the way that is best for them. We all learn in different ways, but we each have a preferred learning style that will help to unlock memories and enhance the learning process in the brain.

Knowledge is power and knowing your child’s learning style will enable you to choose the right curriculum and unlock their full academic potential. Studies show that when we teach children using their primary learning style, or “speak their learning language,” they are more able to understand ideas, retain the information, and master concepts. And this translates to engaged learners who are less likely to get frustrated and shut down.

Choosing a curriculum that meets your child’s learning style needs is critical. Also, your curriculum should include lessons, activities, and assessments that speak your child’s learning language. Finding your child’s learning style is step two in homeschooling well! Take this quick, comprehensive Learning Style Assessment and receive an ebook with over 90-pages of tips, tools, and insights to help you better understand how your homeschooler learns.

Matching Homeschool Curriculum to Learning Style

Start by knowing your child’s learning style.Then, you’re ready to start the hunt for the best curriculum to match that learning language. Here are a few great ways to find the best curriculum match.

1. Internet Search– The internet is a wealth of information about homeschool curriculum and learning styles. However, you can certainly become easily overwhelmed. I recommend starting with a search that specifically allows you to target learning style. If you’re brave, simply google “homeschool curriculum for ______ learning style” and pour through the articles and reviews that are indexed by popularity.
2. Curriculum Reviews– After you narrow your search down to a few publishers, I recommend reading curriculum reviews. Don’t take a chance on new curriculum when you can make an educated choice! Reading reviews will give you a good idea of other homeschool parent experiences and help you to identify which publishers may be a good fit and which are going to bomb.
3. Your Homeschooling Friends– Tap into your homeschooling group, on Facebook, or a Yahoo chat group. Simply ask around! The best curriculum choices I have made were recommended to me by those who know my children and me well. Lastly, finding a solid online homeschooling group can help you to get the advice you need if you aren’t surrounded by homeschoolers as I am. Just be sure to steer clear from groups that are dedicated to one curriculum style (like classical, for example) as you’ll get a less objective point of view.
4. A Homeschool Curriculum Partner– If you’ve done all of the above and are still left wondering how to match your child’s learning style to the best homeschool curriculum, use a dedicated homeschool partner who can help you select the perfect curriculum for your child. As experts in homeschooling and curriculum, Bridgeway Academy has been helping homeschooling families for over 65 years to find the best homeschool curriculum that suits each child’s needs and learning style. After determining your child’s learning style and your homeschool teaching style, Bridgeway will match you with the best-fitting curriculum for each subject, selecting from over 40 curriculum providers and thousands of pieces of curriculum. With a money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose!

Finding homeschool curriculum is one of those necessary challenges, but it doesn’t have to be evil! Use the tips above to ensure your homeschool curriculum matches your child’s learning style, and you’ll have an easier and more productive homeschooling experience. And, it’ll be more fun and enjoyable to spend time teaching and learn with your children when they’re engaged in every aspect of the learning experience. Take it from a mom whose poured over most of what’s out there, matching you child’s learning style to their homeschool curriculum is the ticket to happy homeschoolers!

What’s your favorite homeschool curriculum? Tell us in a comment below!