What is a Hybrid Homeschool Program?

Question: I have noticed a lot of homeschoolers talking about hybrid homeschool programs, and it seems like they are putting their kids in school part time. What is a hybrid homeschool, and should I use such a program?

Answer: A hybrid homeschool program falls somewhere between traditional school and homeschooling. They are essentially part time schools, where classes meet for one or two days a week, sometimes more, where they get their academic instruction, and are sent home with enough homework to keep them busy for the rest of the week.

Hybrid homeschool programs may or may not be accredited. Some allow families to pick and choose classes, and other set a stringent program for the child. They are almost always tuition based. Hybrid homeschool programs can most closely be compared to a part time private school.

As to whether or not you should use a hybrid homeschool program, that is up to you. As someone who has used hybrid homeschool programs, I can tell you that I do find them useful, and can also recommend areas where you should be careful.

Hybrid homeschools are great as kids get older because they get a taste of what it is like to be in a classroom. This prepares them for college, and for traditional high school if that is their goal. Hybrid homeschools also take pressure off parents who may not be ready to deal with difficult coursework, but keep homeschooling as the hybrid homeschool does the bulk of the instruction.

Meanwhile, hybrid homeschooling can be problematic as in the parents can lose control of the educational program and all decision making that goes along with it. Children can become frustrated with hybrid homeschooling programs as they can be very stringent. This is especially true if the child has had a more relaxed homeschooling background and then found themselves with 5 classes, being taught on what equates to an honors level.

The best kind of hybrid homeschool programs will allow you to let your child warm up to it by taking just a couple of classes year one and then adding more as they become accustomed to the level of work required. They will defer to the parent when choosing the educational program instead of mapping out the program for the child. At the same time, they will be consistent in the classroom with good teachers that return year after year.

Be careful of a hybrid homeschool program that has trouble retaining teachers, and have a high turn over of students year after year. If you decide to use such a program, consider easing in slowly, and helping your child through the adjustment period. Whether you are teaching or not, don't forget that you are a homeschooler, and stay engaged in what your children are learning.

Some popular, national, hybrid homeshcool programs include Classical Conversations, Artios Academies, Masters Academy, and Veritas Homeschooling, among others.