Welcome!

Welcome to "The Savvy Homeschooler" blog!  Whether you're just curious about homeschooling or smack dab in the middle of it, I hope you'll come back often and participate in discussions.

The goal: To create savvy homeschoolers, and encourage established homeschoolers. I want you to know your options, your opportunities, and your rights. 

I've been educating my kids at home for almost 15 years.  That ought to be enough experience to qualify me as an expert; yet sometimes I feel like I'm still learning. 

We chose homeschooling for three main reasons: 

• We wanted to set our own pace.  My kids are quick learners in a lot of subjects, and need to explore them freely.  Some subjects are mastered in record time, but they need a slower pace in other subjects. Only homeschooling provided that flexibility.

• Public school would take up too much of my kids' time.  We get more schooling done in a few hours at home, or with tutors.  This frees them to explore other interests in depth, or just for fun.

• We wanted freedom to explore ideas and philosophies in creative, eclectic ways, while including open discussion and validation of our Christian beliefs.

It's been great for our family, building relationships and good memories.  However, we've also endured battles and missed opportunities.  Here are things I'd like to do in this blog:

• share some of what we learned through trial and error;

• ease the way for those just starting out;

• encourage people who are actively homeschooling;

• alert you to opportunities and freebies; 

• discuss education philosophy and proposed regulations; and 

• share homeschool successes, including the work of some talented students I know.

Please stay tuned, and comment on the posts with your own suggestions, experiences, and questions.  I'm looking forward to this time with you!