How to Transition Your Children from Homeschool to Public School

You have been homeschooling your children for one year, three years or five years. Now you've decided that you can no longer homeschool your children. You would love for your children to attend a private school, but this option is just too costly for your family's budget. The remaining option for your children is public school. Switching to a public school is a major and, at times, an overwhelming decision for you and your children. Here are some tips for making the transition easier for everyone involved.

The most important thing to do first is to tell your children that they will be attending public school. Every child is different. My oldest daughter was extremely upset and cried when we told her that I could no longer homeschool her. She begged me to keep homeschooling her and thought that she had done something wrong. I had to keep reassuring her that our decision had nothing to do with anything she had or had not done. On the other hand my younger daughter was very excited and was jumping up and down. She couldn't wait to go! Be patient, honest and loving when communicating your decision to stop homeschooling.

Try to register your children for public school during the summer, before the beginning of the school year. When you call, explain your family's situation to an administrator and give them an overview of each child's education thus far. Also, bring paperwork of any standardized tests that your children have taken so the school will have an idea of your children's abilities. If you have a child that is in 3^rd grade or higher, try to bring a writing sample as well. You will most likely need the following paperwork for school registration: each child's birth certificate, shot record and a utility bill to prove you're a resident of that school district. Obviously, the transition will be a lot easier if your children start school in August/September when all the other students are starting their new grades with new teachers. Another advantage is that most schools have an open house before school starts where parents and students can meet their children's new teachers. This is a great opportunity to tour the school, get a school supplies list and gives the parent a chance to talk with the teacher. If you must transition to public school after the school year has started, try to have your children start during the beginning of a quarter or better yet, the semester.

Set aside a special time to shop for new school clothes and supplies. Allow your children to pick out their own clothes that are within your family's budget and tastes. I also made sure that I let each child pick out their own backpack and lunchbox. Make this time enjoyable and special. I took my daughters to an ice cream parlor when we finished our school shopping.

A crucial part of making a smooth transition to public school is for the parents to have a positive and upbeat attitude. Reassure your children that they will do well in school and that it will get easier each day. If you are anxious and tearful, your children will be the same way! I had to really put up a brave front for my daughters during their first couple of weeks in public school. I held it together each morning while they were getting ready for school, and then I would cry as soon as I pulled away from the school.

Another way to make the transition easier is to get involved in activities where they can meet students from their school. Possible ideas are to join the community pool, take summer 4H classes or attend a local camp, swimming lessons, gymnastics lessons, karate, scouting or the neighborhood library programs. If your child is in high school, try to encourage him or her to try out for a sport, the marching band or drill team. If those activities don't interest your child, encourage them to join a school academic, interest or service club.

After your children start public school, continue to show an interest in their academics. If they are younger, help them with their homework each day. For the older child, ask to see their finished homework. Every day I ask each child, what was the best part or most interesting part of the school day? Also, schedule a conference with your child's teacher as soon as the teacher is able. This will give you the chance to get to know their teacher better, understand the teacher's teaching style and for you to express any concerns that you have. Be active in your child's school by volunteering, joining or attending PTA meetings and having lunch occasionally with each child. I felt much better about our decision to place our children into public school, once I had gotten to know each child's teacher and the school's teaching philosophy.

The decision to quit homeschooling and have your children attend public school is difficult. You are changing your family's lifestyle by making this decision, so your family will have to readjust. My oldest daughter was very upset the first two weeks of school. By the end of the first month, she loved school! My best advice is to be patient, understanding and really listen to your children during this transition.