State laws change from time to time and though we try to keep the laws up-to-date at all times please check with the department of education for any changes that may have occurred.
If you think homeschooling is the best educational option for you and your children – and it probably is – then you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to show you how to start homeschooling in Kansas. We’ve pooled together information related to the educational potential of The Sunflower State, looked over the Kansas homeschool requirements and selected the best online resources that will keep you and your children happily and successfully learning at home.
Without further ado, let’s see what Kansas has to offer in terms of educational material. The infographic and video below will help you set up a homeschool that thrives.
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The Sunflower State
When you think Kansas, Dorothy comes to mind – and this is one of Kansas’ greatest symbols. Your children will love living and learning in the land of the Wizard of Oz (they may even love the story-like Oz Museum), and you’ve got a great literary starting point to teach your children reading and language arts.
Geography and biology are proudly represented by the great prairies and the buffalos. Go hiking in the beautiful Kanopolis State Park, admire the beautiful sandstone formations of Wilson Reservoir, or admire the big cats in the Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory and Education Center. If you’ve got a taste for the prairie, go on the long winding trails in the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area.
Kansas is a great place to start teaching your children about the arts, too; you can admire the beautiful galleries of Wichita Art Museum, or enjoy the great Victorian exhibits of the Muchnic Art Gallery.
All that aside, Kansas is one of the pioneering states when it comes to civil rights and the emancipation of women. Susan Madora, elected mayor of Argonia in 1887, is USA’s first woman president.
Kansas Homeschool Laws
If you plan to homeschool in Kansas, you’ll operate under one of two education forms: private school or umbrella school. Not to worry, that’s just the legal name for homeschooling.
If you choose to operate as a private school, you’ll have to do a one-time registration of your children with the State Board of Education. The only legal requirement is that you provide an instruction time equivalent to that of a public school. You’re not legally required to teach any particular subjects, and your qualifications cannot be legally assessed. There’s no compulsory bookkeeping and assessment, and the state will not intervene in the educational process.
The situation is very similar if you’re enrolling your children in an unaccredited umbrella school – a private school that will let you homeschool your children. However, if the school is accredited, you are legally obliged to offer your children education in some compulsory subjects, such as reading, math, geography etc.
Depending on the local school district, you may also enroll your children part-time in a public school. If needed, they will also have access to special needs testing and services.
Homeschooling in Kansas: Final Grade
With the two homeschooling options that cater for different educational preferences, there’s no major issue when you homeschool in Kansas. Our grade is a well-deserved B, and that’s just because there are a few legal grey areas. For instance, you’re supposed to be a “competent” teacher, but there’s no legal way for the state to determine your competence. That aside, the number of compulsory school days – 186 days, six hours per day – is also a bit disproportionate by comparison with the legislation in other states.
Conclusion
If you want to homeschool in The Sunflower State, you’ve got more than one ways to do so. You shouldn’t find getting started too difficult, since there’s not much paper work involved. Getting in touch with homeschoolers around the state is not difficult, either, and the variety of educational opportunities should motivate you, too. If you’ve got any questions, feel free to contact us. We wish you the best of look in your homeschooling journey!
Resources:
http://www.responsiblehomeschooling.org/policy-issues/current-policy/
http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Teacher-Licensure-and-Accreditation/Graduation-and-Schools-of-Choice/Non-Accredited-Private-Schools - this is the official Kansas State Department of Education website. You’ll find out everything you need to know related to homeschooling laws in Kansas
https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/ - this is a great website with plenty of resources and opportunities to get in contact with fellow homeschooling families