Bilingual Homeschooling in the US

Homeschooling can be a viable alternative or addition to standard education for many families, especially those who are trying to raise balanced bilingual children (in as much as this can be accomplished). Although it can be difficult to find resources to teach children in a "minority" language, it can and is being done.

In the United States, it is legal in all 50 states to homeschool your children as long as you follow the laws outlining your responsibilities. Make sure to know your state's laws before formally starting your homeschool. Laws differ between countries so make sure you are informed before assuming homeschooling will be acknowledged as an education alternative in another country.

If you are interested in learning more about homeschooling and/or are interested in joining a discussion list with others who are homeschooling their bilingual children in Seattle, please visit our Yahoo group HERE.

Or check out Corey Heller's Blog, where she shares information on bilingual homeschooling her three children (and more): anamericanbetweenworlds.blogspot.com.

Want to Learn More?

A wonderful way to learn more about homeschooling is to hook up with a local support group. There are many around the United States as well as the world! Here is a list of a few homeschooling support groups in the Seattle area:

• Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO)
  This is an overarching homeschool organization for Washington State. Their pages are full of valuable information, especially as pertains to laws and homeschooling laws.
• Seattle Homeschool Group
  A support group for homeschoolers in the Seattle area. A very active group, many of their meetings and activities take place in the Greenlake and Greenwood neighborhoods.
• Teaching Parents Association
  Located in Woodinville, TPA is another great support group. As with SHG, the families are very active and involved members.
• Trestle Homeschool Association
  For those of you looking for a close-knit group which also has a wonderful lineup of activities throughout the year, Trestle would be a great group for you! The group is located in Everett.

Recommended Books:

• Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense, by David Guterson
  Guterson grew up in Seattle (went to elementary school at View Ridge) . While teaching at Bainbridge Highschool, he and is wife homeschooled their children. His book discusses the many different views of homeschooling.
• Homeschooling our children, unschooling ourselves, by Alison McKee
  An account of one family's journey homeschooling their children.
• Homeschooling on a shoestring: a jam-packed guide, by Melissa Morgan and Judith Allee
  Great ideas for how to homeschool without breaking the bank.
• Homeschooling for success: how parents can create a superior education for their child, by Rebecca Kochenderfer and Elizabeth Kanna
  A well-structured book that covers everything from deciding to homeschool to choosing a curriculum.