My ex wants to homeschool. Is there anything I can do?

On behalf of Furr & Cohen, P.A. posted in Child Custody on Tuesday, August 11, 2015.

If you’ve just found out that your ex is planning on homeschooling your children, you’re likely to have many questions about the process and whether it is really what is best for the kids. Divorce can change many things, and even if you were previously agreeable to homeschooling, you may feel differently now. Some parents also change their minds on this subject as the children grow older and issues like socialization and extracurricular activities come into play.

One common concern is that the instructor — who is usually but not always the parent — have some kind of qualification, whether it be an actual teaching certificate or just a bachelor’s degree. A knowledgeable instructor is just as important as a quality curriculum. However, there are ways around this. If your ex is not that great at math, and you’re worried your children will suffer in this area, you may be able to request that a tutor or co-op be used for that subject.

Another common concern has to do with testing. Many states require homeschooled students to participate in standardized testing to give an objective idea of the student’s progress in the grade-level subject. It may also be possible, or required, to have the curriculum assessed by an education professional to ensure it gives a well-rounded and grade-level-appropriate education.

If you believe that your children are better served in a traditional schooling environment, the first step is to discuss this issue with your ex. If this does not yield a satisfactory outcome, you may need to talk with a knowledgeable person about your legal options.

Source: FindLaw, “Education and Homeschooling: Background Information” accessed Aug. 11, 2015