Homeschool 101

In today’s ever-changing times, homeschooling is an appealing option for many families. West Michigan’s thriving homeschool community is full of resources and extracurricular activities to enrich the journey.

FIND FACEBOOK GROUPS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUPPORT

There are several local Facebook groups where families get advice, announce activities, and buy and sell curriculum and other related items. - Grand Rapids Area Inclusive Network for Homeschoolers - Grand Rapids Area Homeschoolers - SELAH Homeschool

JOIN A HOMESCHOOL COOP West Michigan has a large number of cooperative programs (co-ops) for homeschoolers. Most are weekly programs where students have multiple classes, though many offer the choice of only one class. These programs are an excellent source for extracurricular classes – especially the arts, home economics and foreign languages.

- Four Square - GRACE Home School Association - West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts

ENROLL IN HYBRID HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Some schools in the area offer hybrid programs, in which a student divides time between attending the school and learning at home. Such programs allow families to enjoy the perks of both homeschooling and enrolling in a school where extracurricular activities are offered as part of the program. - Hamilton Community Schools - NorthPointe Christian Schools - Trinitas Classical School

USE THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT ARE HOMESCHOOL FRIENDLY

Many local businesses and organizations are aware of the large homeschool population in the area and offer day classes and support. - Blandford Nature Center’s Nature in Action: Homeschool Program - Camp Roger Homeschool Program - The Tutoring Center

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HSB, INC.

West Michigan homeschoolers have their own place – a building dedicated to serving the homeschool community with classrooms to rent, two bookstores and a gymnasium. Many groups meet here and use the facilities. Just a few of them are:

- Homeschool Performing Arts - Hornets Basketball - Rivertown Christian Volleyball

For all of our homeschool resources, VISIT GRKIDS.COM/HOMESCHOOL

THE TUTORING CENTER

THE TUTORING CENTER IS READY TO HELP YOUR K-12 CHILD WITH READING, MATH, STUDY SKILLS AND ENRICHMENT COURSES.

Their innovative system, The Rotational Approach to Learning™, involves children rotating between stations with separate materials in a sixty minute session. Children work one-to-one with an instructor followed by a short period of time to independently apply what they just learned. This method rapidly increases academic skills, concentration and focus. The Tutoring Center has a 95% success rate for all learners including children with ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities. Homeschool families also find great benefits from programming.

I’m pleasantly surprised how excited and positive my son is about going to The Tutoring Center. After each session, he smiles and indicates how great the session was. I feel this reaction is a testament to his increasing self confidence that The Tutoring Center has helped develop. - Parent of a 6th grade student It helps me focus and I get to do better in reading and math. The teachers are nice and I really like saving my dollars to get prizes. - Brendan, tutoring student