Written by
Jillian Burger Read all posts by this authorA Guide to Homeschooling in Delaware: Laws, Options, Financial Tips, and Family-Friendly Advice
Homeschooling in Delaware provides families with the chance to craft an educational experience tailored to their child’s unique needs. Known for its supportive policies and vibrant homeschool communities, Delaware offers a welcoming environment for home educators.
This guide dives into Delaware’s homeschooling regulations, the diverse educational pathways available, funding considerations, and tips for managing homeschooling across different age groups.
Delaware Homeschooling Laws and Guidelines
How to Start Homeschooling in Delaware
Delaware recognizes three types of homeschooling:
- Single-Family Homeschool: A parent or guardian teaches their own child.
- Multi-Family Homeschool: Two or more families join together for homeschooling.
- Umbrella Schools: Families affiliate with a non-public school to oversee their homeschool program.
To comply with Delaware’s requirements, parents must:
- Register with the Department of Education: Submit your homeschool type and student details annually.
- Submit Attendance Reports: At the end of the school year, report your child’s attendance to the state.
Curriculum and Instruction Requirements
Delaware does not mandate specific subjects or standardized testing for homeschoolers, allowing parents full control over their curriculum choices. However, it’s recommended to cover core areas such as:
- Math
- Language Arts
- Science
- Social Studies
Homeschooling Options in Delaware
Independent Homeschooling
This traditional approach allows parents to design their child’s education entirely. Families can choose curriculum providers, online resources, or develop their own materials.
Co-ops and Support Networks
Delaware has an active homeschooling community, offering co-ops where families collaborate to teach group classes or organize activities like field trips, science fairs, and art shows.
Online Learning Opportunities
Families seeking structured educational support can utilize platforms like Dailies, which offer a variety of options such as tutoring, enrichment, small group pod classes and a comprehensive homeschool alternative.
Umbrella Schools
Enrolling in an umbrella school provides oversight and additional support for homeschooling families. These schools may offer pre-designed curricula, testing, and record-keeping services.
Financial Considerations for Homeschooling in Delaware
Is Financial Assistance Available?
Delaware does not provide direct funding for homeschooling families, but several cost-saving strategies can help make homeschooling affordable.
Budget-Friendly Resources
- Free Curricula: Utilize platforms like Khan Academy, which offers comprehensive courses in many subjects at no cost.
- Local Libraries: Take advantage of Delaware’s library system for free access to books, educational kits, and digital learning tools.
- Community Discounts: Many museums, zoos, and other attractions in Delaware offer reduced rates for homeschool families.
Sharing Resources
Joining a local homeschool group can provide access to shared teaching materials and curriculum swaps, saving families money while fostering community connections.
Organizing Your Homeschool for Families with Multiple Children
Building a Flexible Routine
When homeschooling children of various ages, a flexible schedule is essential. Use a mix of group lessons, independent study, and hands-on activities to keep all learners engaged.
Multi-Age Teaching Strategies
Delaware families can benefit from multi-age curricula like My Father’s World or unit studies, which allow siblings to learn together on shared topics while working at different skill levels.
Encouraging Self-Learning
For older children, encourage independent study through online courses or project-based learning, giving parents more time to focus on younger learners. Dailies tutors are certified teachers that can guide your learners through some enriching activities that will foster independence.
Making Learning Interactive
Leverage Delaware’s unique offerings by incorporating field trips to historical sites, natural preserves, or local science centers. Learning through experience enriches any curriculum.
Building a Support System
Connecting with the Community
Joining local homeschool groups, such as Delaware Homeschool Network or Tri-State Homeschoolers, can provide valuable resources and peer support. These groups often organize events, classes, and extracurricular opportunities.
Meeting Special Education Needs
Homeschooling allows families to tailor education plans for children with special needs. Delaware public schools may offer limited services like speech therapy or testing for eligible homeschoolers.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success
Managing the Transition to Homeschooling
Adjusting to homeschooling takes time. Start small, set achievable goals, and gradually incorporate new subjects or teaching methods.
Keeping Learners Motivated
Rotate between different teaching styles, such as hands-on experiments, digital learning tools, and outdoor activities, to keep children engaged and excited about learning.
Tracking Progress
Although Delaware does not require formal assessments, creating a portfolio of your child’s work can help you monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
Why Homeschool in Delaware?
Delaware offers families the freedom to design a personalized educational journey without heavy regulations. Its vibrant homeschool communities, abundant resources, and central location make it an ideal state for home education.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned homeschooler, Delaware’s supportive environment and flexibility provide the perfect foundation for your child’s success.
Ready to begin? Start by exploring local resources, connecting with the homeschool community, and crafting a learning experience tailored to your family’s goals.
Want more direction and help to get your family started? Reach out to Dailies today and speak with a head educator who can help answer all your questions and have your learners try a FREE class!