Calvert also makes available a team of education counselors (certified teachers) via telephone, email or live chat at no charge. Also offered at an extra charge is the Advisory Teaching Service (ATS). This service allows families to send tests and work samples to be graded by a teacher and provided in return with feedback via a narrative report for each test. ATS also provides transcripts, that is, official documents that provide record keeping and completion certificates. The tab for kindergarten is US$989 without ATS and US$1,438 with ATS. Middle school cost is US$1,414 per year without ATS and US$1,996 with ATS.
Over at Global Village School, which provides K – 12 education, parents are also “at home” teachers, but GVS teachers advise them and review all work. “We’re more of a private school, a homeschool hybrid,” Ms. MacGumerait said. “Families are free to work with teachers to build a structure that works for them within some broad guidelines. Also, many of our students are activist-types and they learn by doing. They build things, visit museums, volunteer with local organizations and intern at a wildlife sanctuary. We like to say the world is our classroom and our kids take full advantage of that.” Global Village School offers a wide range of fee options to choose from. For those just using curriculum on their own, costs are around US$200 a year. Families that pay tuition for access to GVS teachers are charged between US$1,300 and US$4,000 for the year, depending on the options they choose and the grade level involved.
Homeschooling curricula differs quite a bit from the more traditional local or international schools. The Calvert School writes its own curriculum, which is more rigorous than public schools. The material is often more advanced than grade level material and teaching in pubic schools. An emphasis is placed on writing, critical thinking and problem solving. If you are looking for physical education, health programs and foreign languages, Calvert provides none of these programs, although it is developing a set of foreign language options.
The Global Village School’s curriculum breaks away from the more data-driven model employed by most schools and uses assessment methods that are both broader and more comprehensive and much more like what a private school might offer. For example, a GVS student might create and film a play based on Shakespearean principles of play writing. Flexibility for students is key to their curriculum approach.
No matter which approach a fully-accredited homeschooling provider takes, the result is certification recognized by education institutions of higher learning. “Many colleges are actively recruiting homeschooled students because they tend to be more creative and independent than their public school counterparts,” Ms. MacGumerait said.
Homeschooling strengths appear to far outweigh its weaknesses. Flexibility and customization are two very key strengths. You will have the flexibility to tailor your child’s education to his/her personal needs. Students can proceed at their own pace. Families can be directly involved in their child’s education and receive personalized attention. Homeschooling is portable. If you move frequently, your classroom moves with you. And, expat homeschooled kids receive enrichment from the experiences they receive when their family is living an international adventure.
On the negative side, homeschooling often is perceived as the education route for religious zealots or those who want to protect their child from the world. Although some homeschoolers have these motivations, reasons why families use homeschooling are now wide and varied.
Homeschooling is certainly not for everyone. Some parents may not have the education or skills to teach their child. And sometimes parents and kids just do not have the necessary relationship to make it work…they just do not get along well. These are personal matters for every family to assess. We asked both Ms. Cole and Ms. MacGumerait what advice they would give expats about homeschooling. Both agreed that planning ahead is the best advice for anyone. Do your homework and explore your options thoroughly. Determine what program would be best suited for your child and then find the best homeschooling provider fit. Realize that homeschooling requires a commitment from parents to be engaged. You will gain as much from the experience as your child.