Can I Homeschool With A Learning Disability?

Many of us are blessed with the ability to homeschool. We keep our children at home for a variety of different reasons and teach them the way that we feel they learn best. But what if you have a learning disability? What if according to your states laws you are not qualified?

While it may seem impossible, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Here are just a few ways that you CAN homeschool your child no matter what your personal academic struggle is. (Please check with your state laws before committing to one way of homeschooling. While this post is offering advice, it is not a substitute for proper legal advice.)

• Distance Learning Option #1 – Want to homeschool your child, but have a teacher oversee your child’s work? Many private schools offer the option to enroll your child in their program, but have the child actually do the work at home. Some may require that you bring your child to the school from time to time, others do not. Try doing a Google search for schools in your state that offer this, or if you are a member of HSLDA you can contact them for some help in finding an option that will work for you.
• Distance Learning Option #2 – Quite a few companies that offer curriculum to homeschoolers also offer distance learning to their customers. Some of these companies are: BJU Press, A Beka, and Alpha Omega. I’m sure there are others that offer this service as well. If you find a curriculum you like, email the publisher and ask if they offer distance learning, or if there is a private school that uses their curriculum that will offer distance learning to your family.
• A La Carte Online Courses – Websites like Currclick.com have made it so much easier for homeschool families to offer more to their children. With Live Classes, your child can attend class virtually, discuss the topics with other students, and ask the instructor questions. Our family has done this a quite a few times with Founders Academy and we love it! Many websites offer just one or two subjects that can be done online as well.
• Video or CD Rom Courses – By completing a course on DVD or CD Rom, you child is taught by the television or computer, but still under your instruction. You set up the schedule and what will be learned, but do not do the actual teaching yourself. This is also a great option for independent learners. A family member of mine recently had their child begin using Switched-On Schoolhouse by Alpha Omega and their family is loving it.
• Hire A Tutor – Whether you would just like someone to look over your shoulder from time to time to make sure things are going okay or your state requires it, a tutor may not be a bad idea. The tutor may be able to explain things you do not understand to your child or deliver it in a way that you may not have thought of.
• Join a Homeschool Co-op – A lot of families love being part of a co-op for many reasons. Field trips, sports, activities, and more. But some also offer classes on some or all subjects. Unfortunately, they are not available in all areas. Ask around or search Google for one in your neighborhood. Again, if you are a member of HSLDA they may be able to direct you to one as well.

Regardless of which route you go, know that homeschooling with a parental learning disability is not impossible. You may just need a different set of tools than some of the others. Remember, it doesn’t come easily to any family. We all have our hurdles, but are not all fighting the same ones.