If you’re new to homeschooling, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s normal. It can be unsettling to consider doing something “different” when your neighbors are sending their kids off to institutional schools. MHA won’t be able to answer all your questions, but we can help put your mind at ease and get you pointed in the right direction. Once you’ve homeschooled for even a few months, most of your initial concerns will fade into memory.
Getting Started: A great place to begin is our Getting Started page. You’ll find links to reading materials, Minnesota’s homeschooling laws and reporting requirements, sample reporting forms, and other resources helpful to those who are just starting out.
Different Approaches: Once you begin homeschooling, you’ll realize that some methods work better for your family than others. You may also find that one child learns things more quickly in one way, while another child learns the same things more easily using another method. Our Different Approaches page gives examples of ways in which you can structure - or creatively not structure - your children’s learning.
Homeschooling Teens: It’s now very common to homeschool teenagers all the way through high school. If you have a teenager, you’ll want to check out our Homeschooling Teens page. It covers teen issues ranging from Minnesota’s Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, to driver’s education, college preparation, and more.
Find Local Support: Many homeschooling families connect with other homeschoolers in their area through support groups. This gives your children a great chance to make new friends and explore new interests, while also giving you a chance to be with people who really understand the ins and outs of homeschooling. MHA can help you find a support group in your area, or help you start a new group that meets your needs. See the details on our Find Local Support page.
What About Socialization? Friends or relatives who’ve heard of your homeschooling plans may have already asked “But what about socialization?” This continues to be one of the most commonly asked questions of homeschooling parents, despite decades of academic research and anecdotal evidence showing that homeschooled children are significantly better “socialized” than their institutionally-schooled counterparts. Explore our What About Socialization? page for articles, research, and a healthy dose of common sense about this well-worn topic.
Homeschooling FAQs: For questions that go beyond socialization, go to our Homeschooling FAQs page. There you’ll find answers to many of the questions that come up for families just starting out on their homeschooling adventure.