Establishing a School Calendar for Homeschooling

Establishing a calendar for your homeschool can be challenging. Modern schools have long maintained the August to May schedule. Before that, school was in session from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Homeschoolers, however, do not have to follow particular dictates about when to have school, and when to take a break. While most states have requirements regarding the number of days or hours each student must complete, when they are conducted is up to you. Be sure to check the educational standards for your state. The lack of parameters can, ironically, prove confusing for families. I have outlined several ways families can meet state requirements and work out the calendar conundrum.

Year Round Learning

Using a year round calendar helps students maintain a constant learning mindset. This model prevents the kind of disruption created by long school breaks. The hardest part about breaks is the period after the vacation. After a relaxing vacation, both teacher and student may be reluctant to get back to work. Much time can be spent reviewing material to reacquaint students with where they left off in each topic. A year round schedule keeps everyone on task. Shorter breaks mean more information is retained. By working year round, there is leeway to take a day off here and there. You may have breaks more often. However, your breaks are shorter.

Using the Traditional School Calendar

Following the traditional school calendar is a perfect choice for families who prefer to have their breaks at the same time as their friends and neighbors. It can also be beneficial in areas in which homeschooling isn’t as popular. In addition, if some of your children are schooled at home, and others are at school, this model will likely work better for your family. If you are trying homeschooling for a brief period, this could provide an easier mode of transitioning your children back into the school system. Another consideration is that many extra-curricular classes and sports follow the school calendar. Parents might find it makes their schedules easier to manage when supplemental activities don't clash with daily lessons.

The Three Month On/One Month Off

Another idea is to do school for three months and then take one month off. With this model, the month off can be used for special projects or travel. By spreading out your vacations, you can take a trip when everyone else is in school. You could also plan your month off to coincide with the time you would like to take a particular adventure. Another benefit is that you can shift your school calendar so that breaks coincide with times you know your family's energy tends to dip. Three month stints also help to sustain student focus and interest in the curriculum.

Since there's no right answer with homeschooling, families can set up their own method. Perhaps you try one type of calendar and decide it doesn't work well for your family. Try a different one. You will discover what works best for you. The main thing to keep in mind is to track your days of schooling to be sure you are in compliance with state requirements.