How to Start Homeschooling in Anchorage
Are you fortunate enough to be starting your homeschool adventure in Anchorage, Alaska? If so, look beyond your envisioned homeschool walls. You have so much to explore—the city, the cultural centers, the great outdoors, and so much more!
You may be anxious about the logistics of getting started, which is understandable, but no worries! There are resources everywhere, and homeschoolers who have gone before you are more than willing to help. We will help you get started homeschooling in Anchorage with some information and resources!
- How to Homeschool in Anchorage
- Time4Learning Curriculum for Homeschooling in Anchorage
- Field Trips in Anchorage and Beyond
- Additional Resources Related to Homeschooling in Alaska
This information should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
How to Homeschool in Anchorage
In order to start homeschooling in Anchorage, AK you should follow these steps:
- Get to know your rights and responsibilities as a homeschooler by researching the Alaska homeschooling laws. Decide which of the four pathways to homeschooling are right for your family.
- If your child is enrolled in school, it is best to withdraw him or her to avoid any hassle.
- Think about the goals of your homeschool, your homeschooling style, and the learning profile of your child, and then research curriculum options. Use this information to then choose the best homeschool curriculum for your child and your family.
- Although not required, contact some Alaska homeschool groups and co-ops (or find homeschool groups online!) to find advice, resources, learning opportunities, and even friends.
- Enjoy learning together!
Time4Learning Curriculum for Homeschooling in Anchorage
As a homeschooler in “The City of Lights and Flowers,” you have a lot of freedom, and therefore, a lot of options. One of the most important things you need to do as a new homeschooler is to understand why homeschooling may be right for your family and your goals for homeschooling.
Your Anchorage homeschool program can take many forms because you have so many choices! Curriculum is one of those choices, and the endless possibilities can be overwhelming. Especially at the beginning, you may want to choose a comprehensive online format like Time4Learning’s for both convenience and the assurance that your child is receiving a complete, standards-based education.
Below are some reasons why many Anchorage homeschoolers are choosing Time4Learning’s pre-K to grade 12 curriculum:
- Time4Learning provides curriculum for the basic subject areas: language arts, math, science, and social studies, plus additional high school electives and foreign languages.
- Access to engaging virtual labs, interactive projects, guided notes, and much more help enhance the material, bring concepts to life, and allow students to apply what they’ve learned.
- If your homeschooling style is relaxed, and you don’t have a lot of time for lesson planning and preparation, Time4Learning’s lesson planning and recordkeeping tools make homeschooling a breeze.
- Students in elementary have access to fun, gamified math activities with Time4MathFacts, which is included with your Time4Learning membership.
- If your child’s learning profile includes special learning needs, you can individualize Time4Learning’s engaging, self-paced lessons and activities, and take advantage of process-focused learning where your child can review content and retake quizzes and tests.
- There is little risk to you for trying Time4Learning since it can be started or stopped any time with a no-contract monthly subscription!
- Our Time4Learning Families Facebook Group allows you to meet other homeschoolers, ask questions, get tips on using Time4Learning, and discover helpful resources.
Field Trips in Anchorage and Beyond
If you live in Anchorage, you know why field trips can be such a great addition to your homeschool experience. There is so much to explore without going far! Whether you go on your own or as part of a group with other Anchorage homeschoolers, there’s always tons of fun and knowledge to gain.
Here are some places to explore right in your own community:
Alaska Aviation Museum – Explore the world’s largest seaplane base at Lake Hood, including four hangars of vintage aircraft and exhibitions, a live restoration, and a flight simulator. Watch seaplanes from the flight deck and hear live radio feed.
Alaska Museum of Science and Nature – With a focus on Alaska’s geological, cultural, and ecological history, the Alaska Museum of Science & Nature covers prehistoric times to the present, from the Aleutians to the North Slope, to the Panhandle. Learn about dinosaurs, the last ice age, present-day wildlife, and rocks and minerals.
Alaska Native Heritage Center – This educational and cultural institution celebrates the heritage of Alaska’s 11 major cultural groups. Find classes and programs or participate in scheduled events. Plan a visit or check out the online Explore & Learn resources.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – This non-profit organization is located on about 200 acres and is dedicated to conservation, research, education, and animal care. Enjoy the 1.5-mile loop around the sanctuary by walking, bicycling, skiing, or kick-sledding. If you are exploring online, check out the free curriculum and lessons or click on each of the animals on the homepage to learn more about them.
Chugach State Park – What can you do on over 495,000 acres of wilderness? How about discovering glaciers and icefields, lakes and ocean shoreline, and foothills and mountains? Go hiking or camping or find inspiration for art or writing.
Want to adventure beyond Anchorage? Check out other Alaska Field Trips for Homeschoolers!
