Homeschooling in Montana
Montana is a state that may be low in population, but is high in independence.
Montana residents are free-spirited, eccentric....untamed. It is no surprise
then that homeschooling is not something "out of the ordinary" in the Treasure State. If you are homeschooling, or thinking of homeschooling in Montana, this page is designed to help you better understand the requirements, resources, and support you want to know about.
If you have any more questions or comments about homeschooling in Montana, contact the Montana Parent Forum.
Montana Homeschooling Resources
For more information on specific homeschooling requirements in Montana, visit one of these sites:
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Legal disclaimer: This section is one family’s story and how they meet the mandatory school attendance laws in Montana. It is not intended and should not be used as definitive legal advice. In most states, parents find a variety of legal methods to pursue the educational approach that they prefer for their child.
Finding Support in Montana
One of the biggest challenges of homeschooling in Montana is the spread of the population. Many homes are located quite remotely, and it can be difficult to schedule and participate in homeschooling group activities. But that doesn't mean that there are no sources of support. Montana has a state homeschooling association,the Montana Coalition of Home Educators, and several online message boards, email groups, and forums for sharing advice and information among families.
The following are some of the popular sources of online support and information:
To add your resource, please send an email to info@Time4Learning.com.
Anyone Can Homeschool in Montana
Montana has very few legal loopholes to jump through in order to homeschool in the state. There are no requirements as to who can homeschool, or what curriculum they must use, and there are no required standardized tests. The only requirements requested of MT homeschoolers are the following:
- Keep attendance and immunization records for each homeschooled child.
- Conduct instruction for a minimum of 720 hours in grades 1-3 and 1,080 hours in grades 4-12.
- Conduct instruction in a building that meets health and safety standards.
- Provide an "organized course of instruction".
- Annually notify the county superintendent of the intent to homeschool.
Parents and families will interpret these guidelines in varying ways and may differ widely in their understanding of how to fulfill each of their requirements.
Choosing Homeschool Curriculum
Montana homeschool law includes the freedom for families to pick and choose their own curriculum based on what works best for their child. However, families new to homeschooling quickly discover a dizzying array of choices when it comes to selecting homeschool curriculum. There is no more popular discussion among homeschoolers on the web than the pros and cons of various homeschool curriculum.. After sifting through the homeschool curriculum reviews, most parents end up mixing and matching homeschool programs, trying to create the best match for their child.
For families with more than one child, choosing a homeschool programs can be more problematic. What works for one child may not work for another. What works for one subject may not work on the next. What works one year, may fall flat the very next year. Time4Learning's experience shows that there is no single, best homeschool material. Rather than feeling torn between homeschool resources, parents should select a diverse blend of materials and activities.
Some of the features that make Time4Learning so successful include:
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Time4Learning appeals to a wide range of learning styles. Our online learning materials are especially well-suited to children who are visual or kinesthetic learners. These children can take advantage of Time4Learning's interactive, multimedia materials.
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Children like using the computer to learn. It's a convenient, interactive homeschool resource that provides a welcome change each day to paper-and-pencil workbooks and textbook-based lessons.
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Parents like that it tracks progress and helps children advance by clearly presenting and reinforcing each lesson. Quizzes and tests are graded by the computer, saving valuable time and effort for parents who would be happier concentrating on other areas.
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Time4Learning's self-paced, modularized lesson plans allow you to move forward and back through the materials whenever you want. You can skip lessons that teach concepts your child has already mastered and repeat those he or she has not. The choice is yours. With Time4Learning, you are always in control.
Time4Learning is proven effective with homeschoolers, has a low monthly price, is easy-to-use, and provides a money-back guarantee so you can make sure that it works for your children, <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/program/faq.html#guarantee">satisfaction guaranteed</a>! Sign up for Time4Learning as part of your overall homeschool program.
If you have any more questions or comments about homeschooling in Montana, contact the Montana Parent Forum.
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