Home Schooling in New York State

Question:
Does anyone have information, experience, tips, etc. on withdrawing their child from the New York state public school system and converting to home schooling?

Answer:
- Check out:

http://www.leah.org

-I have home educated for 6 years, 4 of which in New York state. My children never have attended public school, but the law states: "Parents who determine to commence home instruction after the start of the school year, or who establish residence in the school district after the start of the school year, shall provide written notice of their intention to educate their child at home within 14 days following the commencement of home instruction within the school district."

I would recommend sending a certified letter to your superintendent the first day that they do not attend public school for the first time.

Then, "Within 10 business days of the receipt of the notice of intention to instruct at home, the school district shall send to the parents a copy of section 100.10 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education and a form on which to submit an IHIP for each child of compulsory attendance age who is to be taught at home. Within 4 weeks of the receipt of such materials, ... the parent shall submit the completed IHIP form for the school district."

Again, I recommend the use of certified mail when turning in these forms. I have found my school district easy to work with and after the first year I ceased the use of certified mail, but not all school districts try to work with home educators.

The IHIP (Individualized Home Instruction Plan) merely contains how you plan to teach each required subject. This can be as simple as a book list, but some school districts like to see a little more detail. My district was satisfied with a xerox copy of each table of contents of each text book.

Not every subject needs to be taught from a text book if that is your desire. For example, I covered the required subject "fire & arson safety" with an annual visit to the fire department. They are usually delighted to give school children a program.