Homeschool glossary

A History of US is an engaging eleven-volume series by Joy Hakim that brings American history to life. It’s designed for homeschool use, fea…

ADHD accommodations are adjustments made in education to help students with ADHD learn better. In a homeschool setting, these changes are of…

Clonlara School is a long-standing alternative education institution that offers a flexible learning model for homeschool families. Their Of…

Crash Course is a popular YouTube channel launched by John and Hank Green in 2012. It offers free, engaging educational videos on a wide ran…

All About Reading is a phonics program designed for homeschooling. It uses a multisensory approach to make learning to read engaging and eff…

Scholaric is a user-friendly web app designed for homeschool families. It focuses on simple record-keeping and lesson planning without overw…

All About Spelling is a homeschool curriculum that teaches spelling using the Orton-Gillingham approach. It combines auditory, visual, and k…

Seton Testing Services has been supporting homeschool families since 1982. They offer standardized tests and diagnostic assessments that you…

ArtAchieve is an art curriculum designed for homeschoolers. Created by John Hofland, it features over 60 lessons that teach drawing skills u…

Audiobooks for Learning refers to using audiobooks as an educational tool in homeschooling. They help students engage with literature and cu…

Autism Spectrum accommodations are adjustments made in learning environments to support autistic children. These can include changes in how …

Bayside School Services offered standardized testing for homeschool families from 1988 until recently closing. They allowed parents to admin…

Bible Study Guide for All Ages is a curriculum designed for families to study the Bible together. Created in 1980, it covers the entire Bibl…

BJU Press is a curriculum provider started by Bob Jones University. It offers a biblically-centered approach for homeschool families with ma…

Brave Writer is a writing program designed to help kids express their ideas naturally. Founded in 2000 by Julie Bogart, it focuses on develo…

Build Your Library is a secular homeschooling program inspired by Charlotte Mason. It focuses on engaging literature and a historical timeli…

Club Z Tutoring is a tutoring service founded in 1995, offering personalized support for students. They provide in-home, online, and small-g…

Coursera is a large online learning platform that offers courses from top universities. For homeschoolers, it provides access to college-lev…

Cover Story is a creative writing curriculum by Clear Water Press for grades 6-9. Students create content for their own magazine while learn…

Creating a Masterpiece is a video-based art curriculum designed for homeschoolers. It offers step-by-step lessons across various art forms, …

A Curriculum Swap is an event where homeschool families exchange educational materials they no longer need. It can happen in person or onlin…

Diana Waring History Revealed is a homeschool world history curriculum. It covers history from Creation to the 1950s, blending Biblical even…

A2Z Homeschooling is a website offering free, secular resources for homeschooling families. It helps parents find curricula, lesson plans, a…

Ambleside Online is a free curriculum based on Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy. It emphasizes living books and provides resources f…

Answers Bible Curriculum is a four-year program from Answers in Genesis. It covers the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a way that connec…

Beautiful Feet Books offers a unique homeschooling curriculum inspired by Charlotte Mason. Founded in 1984, it focuses on using quality lite…

Berean Builders is a science curriculum for homeschoolers created by Dr. Jay L. Wile. It offers engaging, experiment-focused courses from a …

Code.org is a nonprofit that offers free coding curriculum for K-12 students. Founded in 2013, it aims to make computer science education ac…

'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain' is a popular drawing guide by Dr. Betty Edwards. It shows that drawing is a skill anyone can learn …

Fluent Forever is a language learning system created by Gabriel Wyner. It helps you connect words to sounds and images instead of translatio…

Gather Round is a faith-based homeschool curriculum that allows families to learn together. It uses integrated unit studies, connecting diff…

History Odyssey is a classical history curriculum that uses engaging narrative histories and literature to teach world history. It follows t…

History Revealed is a world history curriculum by Diana Waring, designed for middle and high schoolers. It merges biblical stories with hist…

Homeschool Manager is online software that helps homeschooling families plan their school year. It makes scheduling, tracking grades, and co…

Homeschool Planet is an online platform tailored for homeschooling families. It offers a Lesson Plan Marketplace with thousands of ready-mad…

Homeschool Skedtrack is a free online tool designed for homeschool families. It helps you plan lessons, track attendance, and generate repor…

Keystone National High School is a regionally accredited Christian private school in Florida for grades 9-12. It offers a flexible, online l…

Laurel Springs School is an accredited online private school founded in 1991. It offers a self-paced curriculum for students with unique sch…

LearningRx is a cognitive skills training company with locations across the U.S. It focuses on enhancing learning abilities through personal…

Lessontrek is an online lesson planning platform designed for homeschool parents and teachers. It focuses on easy setup and intuitive use, h…

Mother of Divine Grace School is a homeschooling program for Catholic families. Founded in 1995, it supports classical education through str…

Mr. D Math is an online math program for homeschoolers in grades 5-12. It emphasizes understanding concepts rather than just memorizing. Fou…

Northwestern CTD is a gifted education center at Northwestern University. It offers advanced courses and support for academically talented s…

Outschool is an online marketplace where independent teachers offer live classes for students aged 3 to 18. It covers a wide range of subjec…

R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey (RSO) is a secular, hands-on science curriculum designed for homeschoolers. It focuses on deep understanding throug…

Real Science Odyssey (RSO) is a science curriculum from Pandia Press designed for homeschool families. It focuses on hands-on experiments an…

SchoolhouseTeachers.com is a Christian homeschool curriculum platform by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. It offers over 450 courses for PreK-1…

SQUILT Music Appreciation is a curriculum designed to help students understand and enjoy classical music. It focuses on listening and apprec…

Story of the World is a four-volume history curriculum created by Susan Wise Bauer. It tells world history as a continuous story, making it …

The Family Learning Organization (FLO) is a nonprofit based in Spokane, Washington. For over 30 years, FLO has supported homeschool families…

The Gospel Project is a Bible curriculum by Lifeway that teaches the Bible as one story of redemption through Christ. It covers the Old and …

Timberdoodle is a family-run company that curates homeschool curriculum kits. Founded in 1985, they handpick resources from various publishe…

Time4Learning is an online homeschooling program that provides a standards-aligned curriculum for students from PreK to 12th grade. It featu…

Typing.com is an online typing tutor designed for students and teachers. It offers lessons that help develop typing skills while also teachi…

All American History is a two-volume curriculum that presents U.S. history as a story. It emphasizes how people lived in different eras and …

Blossom and Root is a secular homeschool curriculum designed for families. It emphasizes literature, nature-based learning, and hands-on act…

BookShark is a secular, literature-based curriculum for homeschooling. It emphasizes reading real stories to teach subjects like history and…

Calvert is a homeschooling program founded in 1897, offering K-12 courses with a focus on mastery-based learning. It provides both print and…

Duolingo is a language learning app that uses games to help you learn new languages. It offers short, interactive lessons on various devices…

Educeri is a digital library offering nearly 4,000 interactive lesson plans for K-12 education. Created by DataWORKS, it uses research-based…

God's Great Covenant is a Bible curriculum for grades 3-6. It teaches kids the Bible as one story centered on God's promise: 'I will be your…

Guest Hollow Science offers a homeschool curriculum created by a husband-and-wife team with over 20 years of experience. Their approach comb…

History Quest is an elementary history curriculum by Pandia Press. It's designed like a chapter book series, making history fun and relatabl…

Homeschool Minder is a management platform for homeschooling families. It helps you organize lessons, track student progress, and stay compl…

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) is a nonprofit that supports advanced learners. It offers accelerated courses and summer progr…

Mater Amabilis is a free curriculum for Catholic homeschooling families, based on the Charlotte Mason approach. It integrates Catholic faith…

Math Mammoth is a homeschool math curriculum designed by Maria Miller. It covers grades 1-8 using a worktext format that combines teaching a…

Math-U-See is a hands-on math curriculum for homeschoolers. It uses blocks and videos to teach concepts. The program focuses on mastery, ens…

NOEO Science is a unique homeschool science curriculum for grades 1-8. Created by Dr. Randy Pritchard, it mixes engaging living books with h…

Notgrass History is a family-run curriculum publisher that offers a K-12 history program. Founded in 1999, it blends traditional textbooks w…

See the Light Art is a Christian art curriculum designed for homeschool families. It offers video lessons by educator Pat Knepley, focusing …

Sonlight History is a curriculum that uses stories and biographies to teach history. It focuses on real people and events, making the past r…

The Good and the Beautiful is a homeschool curriculum created in 2015 by Jenny Phillips. It offers free and beautiful courses for preschool …

The What We Believe Series is a Christian curriculum for kids, helping them see the world through a biblical lens. It combines stories, disc…

TheHomeSchoolMom is a long-standing resource for homeschooling families. Founded in 2001, it offers guidance, local support, and curriculum …

Wet-on-wet painting is a technique where wet paint is applied to wet paper. This creates soft, blended colors and encourages creativity with…

Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool is a free Christian curriculum designed for grades PreK-12. It offers 180 days of lessons across all core s…

EdX is an online learning platform founded by MIT and Harvard. It offers university-level courses to learners worldwide, making it a great o…

An End-of-Year Evaluation checks how much a homeschooled student has learned over the year. It focuses on individual growth, showing how you…

Essentials in Writing is a homeschool writing curriculum designed by Matthew Stephens. It features video lessons that teach writing techniqu…

Exploration Education is a hands-on science curriculum for homeschoolers in grades K-10. It focuses on project-based learning, allowing stud…

Homeschool Spanish Academy offers live, one-on-one Spanish lessons online with certified teachers from Guatemala. It's designed for students…

Penn Foster High School is an accredited online school that lets students earn a high school diploma through self-paced courses. It’s a grea…

A Gentle Feast is a Charlotte Mason-based homeschool curriculum designed for students from elementary to high school. It focuses on rich lit…

The Exploring Creation Worldview curriculum helps students understand their world through a biblical lens. It guides them in forming a stron…

Davidson Academy is a school designed for profoundly gifted students, scoring in the 99.9th percentile. It offers both in-person and online …

Discovery K12 is a free online curriculum for homeschooling students from Pre-K to 12th grade. Founded in 2013, it offers self-paced lessons…

A nature journal is a personal book where students document their observations of nature. They can write, draw, or even add photos. This pra…

Nature-based science is an educational approach that teaches kids about science through direct experiences in nature. It encourages observat…

The Vendor Hall is a dedicated space at conventions where homeschool families can shop for educational resources. It features booths from la…

Festivals and seasons in Waldorf education celebrate nature's cycles. They help kids connect emotionally, build community, and appreciate th…

Foundations in Personal Finance is a financial literacy program by Ramsey Solutions for high school students. It focuses on practical money …

Getting Started with Latin is a beginner-friendly program that introduces classical Latin. It’s designed for anyone, from kids to adults, wi…

Scratch Programming is a visual coding language where kids use blocks instead of text to create games, animations, and more. It's designed t…

God's Design for Science is a science curriculum for grades 1-8 from a young-earth creationist perspective. It combines solid science with b…

Heart of Dakota is a Christian homeschooling curriculum created by sisters Carrie and Julie. It offers ready-to-use lesson plans across vari…

High school diploma requirements are the courses and credits students must finish to graduate. For homeschoolers, these are mainly set by st…

The Hillsdale 1776 Curriculum is a free K-12 program for American history and civics from Hillsdale College. It includes lesson plans, asses…

Hoffman Academy is a video-based piano curriculum for kids and homeschool families. It offers over 300 free lessons covering music education…

Homeschool groups focus on social connections and support for parents, while co-ops involve shared teaching responsibilities among families.…

Homeschool Panda is a cloud-based platform designed for homeschooling families. It offers tools for lesson planning, record-keeping, and an …

Homeschool Tracker is an online platform designed for homeschool families. It helps you manage lessons, track assignments, and generate impo…

Homeschool-friendly colleges are schools that actively welcome homeschool applicants. They accept parent-issued diplomas and have clear poli…

Homeschooling with Dyslexia is a resource platform designed to help families educate children with dyslexia. Founded by a seasoned tutor, it…

Hooked on Phonics is a reading program designed for kids aged 3-8. It uses a phonics-based approach to teach reading by breaking words into …

Independent reading is when students read on their own, choosing what they like. It’s all about personal choice and enjoyment, not assignmen…

Horizons Math is a homeschool math curriculum by Alpha Omega Publications. It uses a spiral approach to teach math concepts gradually from K…

Song School Spanish is a Spanish curriculum for kids in kindergarten to third grade. It uses songs and activities to teach basic vocabulary …

James Madison High School (JMHS) is an accredited online high school based in Georgia. It offers flexible diploma programs for students of a…

An online homeschool community is a group of homeschooling families that connects through digital platforms. These communities offer support…

K12 (Stride) is a major online education provider in the U.S., offering virtual public schools, private academies, and curriculum for homesc…

Khan Academy is a nonprofit platform that offers free education through videos, exercises, and personalized learning. It aims to help studen…

Learning Abled Kids is a website created to support parents who homeschool kids with learning disabilities. It offers guidance on teaching s…

Learning trays are organized activities on trays for young kids to explore on their own. Each tray has all the materials needed for a specif…

Life of Fred is a math curriculum for homeschoolers that teaches math concepts through engaging stories. Created by Dr. Stanley Schmidt, it …

Live online classes, or synchronous learning, are real-time virtual classrooms where homeschool students connect with certified instructors.…

Living history is a teaching method that brings historical events to life through reenactments, immersive experiences, and engaging literatu…

Mango Languages is an online platform that helps users learn over 70 languages through conversation-based lessons. It's ideal for homeschool…

Master Books is a Christian curriculum publisher that has been helping homeschool families since 1975. Their materials integrate a biblical …

Memoria Press is a family-owned publishing company that creates classical Christian curriculum materials for homeschooling and private schoo…

Monarch (Alpha Omega) is an online curriculum for grades 3-12 that integrates Bible studies into core subjects. It simplifies homeschool man…

Moving Beyond the Page (MBTP) is a homeschool curriculum aimed at advanced learners. It combines quality literature with hands-on activities…

Music in Our Homeschool is an online platform that offers music education for homeschool families. It features self-paced video courses crea…

Nancy Larson Science is a hands-on curriculum for grades K-5. It offers scripted lessons and all necessary materials, making science teachin…

The New Hampshire Education Freedom Account (EFA) is a program that gives families state funds for education costs outside public schools. I…

The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading is a phonics-based program designed for parents to teach reading without prior experience. I…

Recipe for Reading is a phonics program designed to help struggling readers through a structured, multisensory approach. Developed in the 19…

Revolution Prep is an online tutoring company founded in 2002, specializing in SAT/ACT prep. They employ trained tutors rather than freelanc…

Science Shepherd is a Christian science curriculum for homeschoolers. Created by Dr. Scott Hardin, it combines videos, textbooks, and lab wo…

Service Academy Prep helps students prepare for admission to U.S. military academies. This includes strong academics, athletics, leadership,…

Seton Home Study School is a Catholic homeschool program founded in 1982. It offers complete curriculum packages for grades PreK-12, along w…

Shormann Math is a homeschool math curriculum for middle and high school students. It features video lessons, interactive homework, and focu…

Simply Charlotte Mason is a curriculum company offering resources based on Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy. Founded by experienced …

Skillshare is an online platform that offers over 32,000 video courses. It's ideal for homeschool families looking for affordable electives …

Step Up for Students is a nonprofit in Florida that provides scholarships for educational choice. It helps families access funds for homesch…

Study.com is an online learning platform that offers video lessons for students from 3rd grade to college. It’s great for homeschool familie…

Supervised Instruction is a type of homeschooling where a qualified professional oversees the learning process. This model helps ensure educ…

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is a phonics-based program designed to help children learn to read. It uses a structured approa…

Educational travel turns trips into learning experiences. It's not just about visiting a place; it's about making connections to what studen…

The Great Courses is an online platform offering video lectures by top-notch professors. It’s perfect for students seeking engaging, high-qu…

The Mystery of History is a unique history curriculum blending biblical events and secular history. It spans creation to modern times across…

A read-aloud is when a skilled reader, often a parent or teacher, reads a text out loud to children. This practice helps kids enjoy stories …

Thurber's Educational Assessments was a testing service that helped homeschool families meet state requirements. They offered tests like the…

Trail Guide to Learning (TGL) is a literature-based curriculum for grades K-8, covering subjects like history, geography, science, and langu…

TruthQuest History is a homeschool curriculum created by Michelle Miller. It focuses on history through a Christian lens, using guides that …

'Spreading the Feast' is a concept from Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy. It highlights the importance of offering a wide variety of…

'The S Word' is a term used in homeschooling circles to refer to socialization. It humorously highlights the frequent concern about how home…

Abeka is a Christian educational publisher linked to Pensacola Christian College. Since 1972, it has provided K-12 curriculum materials that…

Above-level testing lets gifted students take tests meant for older grades. This helps find their true skill level, guiding educational choi…

An Academic Co-op is a group of homeschooling families that come together to share teaching responsibilities. Parents teach subjects they lo…

Accommodations are changes that help students with disabilities access the same learning as others. They adjust how students learn without a…

ACE Scholarships connect families with financial help for private schooling. They offer partial tuition support based on financial need, mak…

An achievement test checks what your child has learned in subjects like reading and math. It compares their knowledge to national standards,…

Address Change Notification is the requirement for homeschooling families to update their address with education authorities when they move.…

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program offering college-level courses and exams for high school students. It allows students to earn college c…

'Ahead (The Hope)' refers to the idea that homeschoolers often perform above their grade level. It's about the belief that tailored educatio…

An All-in-One Curriculum is a complete educational package covering all subjects for a school year. It includes everything needed, like work…

Alpha Omega Publications (AOP) is a publisher that offers Bible-based educational materials for homeschooling. They provide various formats,…

Amendment filing is the process of updating your homeschool registration when changes occur after your initial Notice of Intent. This may in…

American History is the study of the United States, starting from Native American cultures to modern events. It's taught at various educatio…

Analytical Grammar is a structured grammar program focusing on sentence diagramming. It emphasizes understanding grammar in depth rather tha…

Annual Assessment is a yearly check some states require to ensure homeschooled students are learning well. This can include tests, portfolio…

Annual Notification is a yearly document that homeschool families send to their school district to confirm they are continuing to homeschool…

AP Exams are standardized tests that assess college-level knowledge in various subjects. They can earn students college credit or advanced p…

An apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document for international use. It’s crucial for homeschoolers when their …

An apprenticeship is a hands-on training program that combines work experience with classroom learning. Participants earn while they learn, …

Aptitude tests measure natural talents in areas like reasoning, comprehension, and pattern recognition. They help predict what your student …

Arkansas LEARNS is a significant education reform that includes the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. This program helps families pay…

Assistive Technology (AT) refers to tools that help individuals with disabilities improve their daily lives and academic performance. This i…

Asynchronous learning allows students to study at their own pace without needing to be in a live class. They can access materials like video…

Atelier Art is a unique art education approach that combines traditional training with modern techniques. It’s popular in homeschooling, off…

Atmosphere (CM) is one of the three key ways to educate children while respecting their individuality. It emphasizes the influence of the ho…

Attendance Exemption allows families to homeschool, meeting state education laws. It's not automatic; families must follow their state's rul…

An Attendance Log is a record that tracks when learning occurs in homeschooling. It helps families meet state requirements and provides docu…

Authentic assessment is a way to evaluate students by having them perform tasks that show their knowledge and skills. Instead of traditional…

Automaticity is when a learner can perform a skill effortlessly without thinking about each step. It allows for faster learning and deeper u…

Balanced Literacy is a teaching approach that combines various reading strategies, including read-alouds, guided reading, and word study. It…

Barton Reading is a one-on-one tutoring program created by Susan Barton for students with dyslexia or language-related learning issues. It i…

Base Ten Blocks are teaching tools that help kids grasp the decimal system. They come in different sizes, showing how numbers group together…

Behaviorism is a learning theory focused on how we acquire behaviors through our environment. It emphasizes observable actions and learning …

Behind (The Fear) refers to the worry that homeschooled kids aren't learning at the same pace as their peers in traditional schools. This an…

Benchmark assessments are regular checks during the school year to see how students are learning. They help parents adjust teaching methods …

BJU Press Testing offers standardized assessments for homeschool families, providing recognized tests like the Iowa Assessments and Stanford…

Block Scheduling (Waldorf) is a teaching method where students focus on one main subject for 3-4 weeks. This approach allows deep understand…

Block scheduling is a way of organizing your homeschool day into longer sessions focused on fewer subjects. This method allows for deeper le…

Bloom's Taxonomy is a system that classifies educational goals. It helps educators focus on higher-level thinking skills, from remembering f…

Bob Books are a series of simple, phonics-based books designed to help young kids learn to read. Created by Bobby Lynn Maslen in 1976, they …

A book list is a record of all the textbooks and materials you use for homeschooling. It's important for meeting state requirements and keep…

Boxed curriculum is a complete package of educational materials from one publisher. It includes everything needed for a school year, like st…

Brain Balance offers programs to help kids with learning and developmental challenges. It focuses on strengthening connections in the brain …

Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding, or BFSU, is a three-volume science curriculum for grades K-8. Created by Dr. Bernard J. Ne…

Car schooling is a method where families use travel time to teach and learn. Instead of wasting drive time, they engage in educational activ…

Career and Technical Education (CTE) prepares students for jobs through hands-on training and academic learning. It includes practical skill…

The Carnegie Unit is a standard that measures educational time. It usually equals 120-180 hours of study for one subject, helping schools an…

Catch-Up Time is the buffer built into homeschool schedules to handle unexpected interruptions. This approach allows families to stay on tra…

Cathy Duffy Reviews is a trusted resource for homeschoolers. Since 1984, Cathy Duffy has provided honest evaluations of educational material…

Certified Teacher Evaluation is a process where a qualified teacher reviews a homeschool student's work and progress. It's an alternative to…

Child-led learning is an educational approach where children's interests guide their learning. It combines their natural curiosity with pare…

Christian curriculum is an educational approach that integrates faith with learning. It uses Scripture as a foundation across all subjects, …

Christian Light Education (CLE) is a Christian homeschool curriculum from a Mennonite organization. It features workbooks called LightUnits …

Chronological history is a way of teaching that organizes events and cultures in the order they happened. It helps students understand when …

Church School is a type of homeschooling where families enroll their kids in a church-affiliated program. Parents teach at home but get supp…

A Church-Related School is a type of educational institution linked to a church or religious group. It helps families who homeschool by prov…

Circle Time in Waldorf education is a daily gathering where teachers and students engage in songs, movement, and verses. It creates a rhythm…

Class rank is a way to measure a student's academic performance compared to peers in the same grade. For homeschoolers, it often doesn't app…

Classical education is an approach that draws from ancient Greek and Roman learning methods. It focuses on three stages—Grammar, Logic, and …

ClassWallet is a digital wallet platform designed to help families manage their education funding. It allows users to browse approved vendor…

CLEP Tests are exams that let you earn college credits by demonstrating knowledge in specific subjects. There are 34 tests available, coveri…

Co-op membership fees are costs families pay to join a homeschool co-op. These fees support shared resources, teaching, and community activi…

CogAT, or the Cognitive Abilities Test, measures how students think and solve problems. It focuses on reasoning skills rather than what they…

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) helps us understand how our brains handle information. It explains why some teaching methods are more effective …

College application requirements are the materials colleges need to review your application. For homeschoolers, this includes transcripts, t…

Combined grades refer to teaching siblings of different ages together instead of using separate lessons for each child. This method allows f…

A commonplace book is a personal collection of quotes, ideas, and pieces of wisdom that you create while reading. It's a way to actively eng…

Community service involves volunteering to help others without pay. For homeschoolers, it includes both formal and informal activities that …

Composer Study is a focused approach where students spend 10-12 weeks exploring one composer's music. It's about developing a love for class…

A composite score is a single number that summarizes performance across subjects on standardized tests. It helps colleges quickly compare st…

Compulsory attendance age is the range of ages set by each state for mandatory education. This includes when education must start and when i…

Compulsory Education Law requires children to receive formal education at certain ages. Parents are responsible for ensuring their children …

Concurrent enrollment lets high school students earn college credits while still in high school. This usually involves taking community coll…

Connections Academy is an online public school that offers a structured curriculum with state-certified teachers. It's not traditional homes…

Constructivism is a learning theory where children build their own knowledge through experiences and interactions. It's all about active par…

Consumer Math is a practical course that teaches essential financial skills like budgeting, understanding credit, and making informed purcha…

Control of Error is a Montessori principle where children learn from their mistakes through immediate feedback from materials. This encourag…

Copywork is a homeschooling method where students copy text from good literature. It helps improve handwriting, spelling, and grammar while …

Core academic requirements are the key subjects needed for high school graduation. They include English, math, science, and social studies, …

Core course requirements are the classes colleges expect students to complete before applying. They help ensure students are ready for colle…

Corporate scholarships are funding opportunities provided by businesses. They can be for students in certain fields, employees’ children, or…

Correspondence School is an educational option where students learn independently, often through mailed or online materials. It provides a s…

Cottage schools combine the teaching power of qualified instructors with parents. Students learn in small groups, usually 1-3 days a week, w…

Couch School is a homeschooling method where families learn together on the couch. It focuses on reading, discussions, and shared experience…

A counselor recommendation is a letter that gives colleges a look at a student's academic and personal growth. For homeschoolers, this lette…

A course description details what a student learns in a course. It includes content, methods, materials, and evaluation. It's crucial for ho…

Course weighting is a method used to calculate GPAs by giving extra points for advanced courses like AP or honors. This lets students achiev…

A cover school, also known as an umbrella school, helps homeschooling families meet state legal requirements. They handle administrative tas…

A Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) is a special savings account for education costs. Contributions grow tax-free, and you can withd…

Credit by Exam (CBE) allows students to earn college credit by passing standardized tests instead of taking long courses. It's a great fit f…

A credit hour, or Carnegie Unit, measures student learning based on instructional time. For high school, one credit typically means 120-150 …

The Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE) is a nonprofit group focused on improving homeschool policies from a child-centered angl…

A Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT) checks if a student has learned specific skills or knowledge. Unlike other tests that rank students, CRTs …

CTC Math is an online math program offering over 1,400 short video lessons for grades K-12. It's designed for self-paced learning, allowing …

Cuisenaire Rods are colorful, rectangular rods used to teach math concepts through hands-on learning. They range from 1 to 10 centimeters in…

A cumulative record is a complete educational portfolio for your student. It includes grades, test scores, attendance, and more throughout t…

A curriculum hopper is a parent who frequently changes their homeschool materials, often switching subjects multiple times in a year. While …

A curriculum map is a yearly overview of what you'll teach in homeschooling. It helps you see the big picture, including topics, timelines, …

Curriculum Notification is the process of informing your state about your homeschooling plans. It includes details about what you'll teach a…

Daily Grams is a series of 180 worksheets designed for grammar review. It's meant for students who already know the basics and need practice…

Delight-Directed Learning is a blend of structured curriculum and unschooling. It encourages kids to explore their genuine interests while e…

Denison Algebra is a math curriculum aimed at students who find math challenging. It's designed to build confidence and understanding throug…

Deschooling is the period families go through when moving from traditional school to homeschooling. It allows kids to reset their approach t…

Developmental milestones are key skills that most children typically achieve at certain ages. They include motor skills, language, and socia…

Diagnostic assessments are tools used to evaluate a student's current understanding before teaching starts. They help identify knowledge gap…

Dianne Craft Learning focuses on helping children with learning challenges using a unique approach. It combines brain exercises, right-brain…

Dictation is a method where students write from memory after studying a passage. It helps them learn spelling, grammar, and punctuation thro…

A digital portfolio is an online collection of a student's work, including samples, photos, and assessments. It's a modern way to keep homes…

Direct Instruction (DI) is a teaching method created by Siegfried Engelmann in the 1960s. It focuses on clear, scripted lessons that aim to …

Discipline in the Charlotte Mason Method isn’t about punishment. It focuses on creating good habits that help kids learn and grow. This appr…

DIVE Math provides video lessons for Saxon Math textbooks, helping homeschool families teach math effectively. Shormann Math is an alternati…

A Drop-Off Co-op is a type of homeschool program where parents can leave their kids with paid instructors for classes. This usually happens …

Dual credit lets high school students earn college credits while meeting graduation requirements. It counts for both high school and college…

Dual enrollment lets high schoolers take college courses while finishing high school. This can save time and money when they head to college…

Due process in education ensures fairness in decisions about special education. It's a legal pathway for parents and students to resolve dis…

Duke TIP, or the Talent Identification Program, was a program founded in 1980 at Duke University to identify and support gifted students. Al…

Dyscalculia is a learning disability that makes it hard to understand numbers and math. It's not about intelligence; it's about how the brai…

Dysgraphia is a neurological condition that makes writing difficult. It affects how kids form letters and express their thoughts on paper. T…

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading and writing. It involves difficulty with word recognition and language processing, no…

Early College lets high school students, including homeschoolers, start college courses before graduation. It usually involves structured pr…

Eclectic homeschooling is a flexible educational approach that combines various teaching methods and resources. It focuses on what works bes…

Editor in Chief is a grammar workbook series that helps students improve their skills by finding and correcting errors in various texts. It’…

An Education Freedom Account (EFA) is a state-managed account that lets parents control public education funds. Instead of going to public s…

Educational freedom means parents have the right to choose how their children are educated. This includes options like public schools, priva…

Educational neglect happens when a parent fails to provide their child with a proper education. This includes not enrolling them in school o…

Elective credits are earned through courses that students choose based on their interests. Unlike core classes, electives allow students to …

Elective requirements are the credits students need from courses beyond core subjects to graduate high school. These courses let students ex…

Elemental Science is a homeschool science curriculum designed by Paige Hudson. It covers biology, earth science, physics, and chemistry with…

An Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is a program in Arizona that gives families access to public education funds. Instead of going to a…

Encoding is how we learn and store information, while retrieval is accessing that stored information. Both processes are key to effective le…

Enrichment classes are programs that complement your core homeschool curriculum. They offer specialized instruction in areas like art, music…

An Enrollment Verification Letter is a document that proves your child is actively learning. It's often needed for things like driver's perm…

Equivalency Requirement refers to state laws that mandate homeschool instruction to be similar to public school education. This can involve …

An ESA audit checks how you use your Education Savings Account to make sure you're spending on approved educational expenses. It helps keep …

An ESA balance shows the money available in your Education Savings Account for educational expenses. It changes with state deposits and your…

ESA compliance refers to the rules and requirements for using your Education Savings Account funds. This includes making purchases from appr…

ESA disqualified expenses are purchases that you can't use ESA funds for, even if you think they are educational. These typically include en…

ESA receipt requirements are rules set by your state for documenting purchases made with an Education Savings Account. You need to keep rece…

ESA reimbursement lets families use their Education Savings Account funds by paying out-of-pocket for educational expenses and then getting …

ESA renewal is the annual process that allows families to keep participating in the Education Savings Account program. Unlike the initial ap…

ESA Rollover lets families keep unspent education funds for future use, unlike typical school budgets. It helps you save for high school, sp…

ESA-approved vendors are registered with your state's ESA program. They provide educational goods or services for families using ESA funds, …

ESA-eligible expenses are the educational products and services your state allows you to buy with public education funds for homeschooling. …

Eurythmy is a movement art developed by Rudolf Steiner and his wife. It turns speech and music into physical movement, helping students expr…

An excused absence is when a student misses school with permission or a valid reason. In homeschooling, parents manage this, but they still …

Explicit instruction is a direct teaching method where a teacher clearly explains concepts and skills. It involves modeling, guided practice…

Explode the Code is a phonics program designed to teach kids how to read. It's based on research and uses a structured method that works wel…

Extracurricular activities are pursuits outside the main school curriculum. For homeschoolers, these include sports, arts, and community inv…

Extrinsic motivation is when you do something for an outside reward or to avoid a negative outcome, rather than for personal enjoyment. Comm…

Family-style learning is a homeschooling approach where families teach multiple children together. Everyone learns the same topic, but tasks…

Feast Books are high-quality, engaging books used in Charlotte Mason's educational approach. They cover various subjects and aim to inspire …

FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. It’s a law that protects student education records and gives parents certain…

Financial Peace Junior, now called Financial Peace Kids, is a financial literacy program by Dave Ramsey. It teaches kids about money through…

Fine arts credits are academic credits earned through courses in creative fields like art, music, theater, and dance. They often help studen…

Fine motor skills are the small movements involving hands and fingers, essential for tasks like writing and buttoning clothes. These skills …

First Language Lessons is a homeschool grammar curriculum designed by Jessie Wise. It teaches grammar using poetry and stories, and is suita…

Fix It! Grammar is a grammar curriculum that teaches through engaging stories. Students correct errors in context, helping them understand a…

A fixed mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence are unchangeable. People with this mindset often avoid challenges and focus on…

Flow state is when you're fully immersed in an activity, losing track of time and self-consciousness. It boosts engagement and learning.

Fluency in learning refers to the ability to perform skills like reading or math automatically and accurately. It allows students to focus o…

A foreign language requirement means students must study a world language for a specific time to graduate high school or get into college. F…

Forest schooling is an educational method that takes learning outdoors. Kids engage in nature, exploring, building, and observing wildlife w…

Form Drawing is an art practice where students draw shapes and patterns freehand. It helps develop fine motor skills, concentration, and pre…

Formative assessment is a way to check how well students understand concepts during their learning process. It helps identify what they're g…

Gifted education focuses on teaching methods and materials that cater to children with exceptional abilities. It's about customizing learnin…

Gifted screening is a formal evaluation to see if a child is intellectually gifted. It usually involves standardized tests by trained profes…

GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a number that summarizes your academic performance based on letter grades. It helps colleges quickly see how…

Grade acceleration is a way for students to learn at their own pace, focusing on their abilities instead of their age. It includes various s…

A Grade Equivalent (GE) score compares your child's test results to national averages. It shows the grade level and the month of school, hel…

Grade level in education usually refers to a set curriculum for specific ages. In homeschooling, it can be more flexible, focusing on each c…

Grade Level Police refers to the pressure some homeschool families feel to meet traditional school standards. This pressure can come from ou…

A grade report is a formal document that summarizes a student's academic performance over a specific period. It includes subjects, grades, a…

Grade retention means a student repeats the same grade instead of advancing. In homeschooling, this concept is flexible. Parents adjust the …

Graduation requirements are the academic standards and coursework needed for a high school diploma. For homeschoolers, parents set these req…

Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind is a structured curriculum designed for students in grades 5-12. It focuses on grammar, punctuation, and s…

Grammar instruction teaches the rules of language. It helps kids communicate clearly and effectively through speaking and writing. Good gram…

The Great Books approach focuses on reading key texts that have shaped our world. Instead of textbooks, students engage directly with origin…

Gross motor skills involve big movements using large muscle groups, like those in your arms and legs. They are key for activities like walki…

A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can improve through effort and learning. This mindset contrasts with a fixed …

A Growth Score measures how much a student learns over time, rather than just their current achievement. It's useful for tracking individual…

Guided reading is a tailored approach to help students improve their reading skills. A teacher works with small groups to provide targeted s…

Habit training is a method from Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy. It focuses on building good habits early in children, making behav…

Handicrafts are practical skills that involve creating useful and beautiful items by hand. They go beyond typical arts and crafts, focusing …

Hands-On Science is an active learning approach where students engage in experiments instead of just reading. This method helps kids discove…

Handwork is a key part of Waldorf education, focusing on crafting with natural materials to boost cognitive growth. It starts with simple ta…

Henle Latin is a structured, four-year Latin course designed by Robert J. Henle. It emphasizes grammar first, helping students master the la…

Hewitt Homeschooling Testing offers support for homeschoolers through its PASS test. This test helps assess student progress based on abilit…

High-regulation states have strict rules for homeschooling. Families must meet requirements like notifying officials, submitting curricula, …

Home Economics Curriculum teaches practical life skills like cooking, budgeting, and home management. It's focused on real-world abilities n…

Home school transcripts are official records of your high school courses, grades, and credits. They’re created by parents and show a student…

A Home Study Program is a parent-led education option done at home. It meets state attendance rules. Parents choose the curriculum and teach…

Home visit rights are legal protections for homeschool parents against uninvited visits from school officials. Generally, parents can refuse…

Homeschool burnout is a state of chronic exhaustion affecting both parents and students. It happens when the stress of homeschooling becomes…

A homeschool co-op is a group of families who come together to teach their kids. Parents share their skills, teaching different subjects bas…

A homeschool diploma is a certification that shows a student has completed their high school education at home. Unlike traditional diplomas,…

A homeschool diploma is a certificate given to students when they finish their high school education at home. It's recognized just like dipl…

A homeschool evaluator is an education professional who reviews your child's work and progress in homeschooling. They provide feedback throu…

A homeschool field trip is an outing that takes learning beyond the home classroom. It allows students to experience real-world applications…

Homeschool filing deadlines are specific dates when families must submit important documents to comply with state laws. These can include no…

A homeschool graduation certificate is an official document showing that a student has completed high school requirements set by their homes…

Homeschool Legal Advantage (HLA) is a legal resource for homeschoolers. It helps families facing legal challenges related to homeschooling a…

Homeschool Mom Life is more than just teaching. It’s a complete lifestyle that includes being a teacher, planner, and family manager. This j…

A homeschool portfolio is a collection of your child's work that shows what they've learned and how they've progressed. It's organized to re…

A homeschool progress report is a summary of what your student is learning and how they are progressing. It's different from report cards an…

A homeschool report card summarizes a student's performance across subjects during a specific time. You create it, deciding on the format an…

Homeschool scholarships are financial aid options available for homeschooled students. They can include state-funded programs and college sc…

A homeschool supplement is extra documentation colleges ask for from homeschooled applicants. It helps them assess your academic readiness f…

A homeschool support group is a community of families educating their kids at home. These groups provide social interaction, resources, and …

A homeschool transcript is an official record for high school students, summarizing courses, grades, and GPA. It's created by parents and ac…

An honors course is a high school class that offers more depth and challenge than regular courses. In homeschooling, parents define what mak…

An Honors Designation indicates a course is more challenging than standard high school classes. In homeschooling, parents define what counts…

Horizontal alignment is the coordination of curriculum content across various subjects that students learn at the same time. This approach h…

A hybrid curriculum combines different teaching methods and materials in homeschooling. Instead of sticking to one boxed program, you mix re…

Hybrid schools mix traditional classroom learning with home education. Students usually attend classes in person 2-3 days a week and do assi…

An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a legal document created for students with disabilities. It outlines specific goals and service…

Implicit instruction is a teaching method where students learn by discovering patterns and concepts on their own. It emphasizes learning thr…

Independent curriculum, also known as eclectic or à la carte homeschooling, allows you to choose your own educational resources for each sub…

Independent homeschooling means you teach your child at home without an organization in between. You follow your state's laws directly and h…

Independent workers are homeschool students who can learn with little help from parents. They take charge of their studies, seek help when n…

Instructional days are the minimum days students need academic instruction each year. This varies by state and is crucial for homeschool com…

Instructional hours are the time spent on active learning during your homeschool day. They focus on educational activities without distracti…

An instructional time log is a record used by homeschool families to track educational hours. It helps you meet state requirements and plan …

Interest-Led Learning is an educational approach that focuses on your child's natural interests and curiosities. Instead of sticking to a st…

Intrinsic motivation is when students learn for personal satisfaction or genuine interest. They engage in activities because they find them …

Iowa Students First is Iowa's Education Savings Account (ESA) program. It helps families with funding when they choose private education ove…

Jacob's Math is a high school math curriculum created by Harold R. Jacobs. It uses fun methods, like cartoons and puzzles, to help students …

Jay Wile Science is a K-12 curriculum created by Dr. Jay L. Wile. It offers engaging science lessons that integrate Christian faith, perfect…

Kindergarten readiness means your child is prepared for school. This includes not just knowing letters and numbers, but also being socially …

Kolbe Academy is a Catholic homeschool and online program based in Napa, California. It serves over 2,000 students each year, focusing on cl…

Kumon is a self-learning program created in 1958 by Toru Kumon. It uses daily worksheets and allows students to learn at their own pace, foc…

Lab science includes courses with hands-on experiments, unlike just lectures. Key subjects are biology, chemistry, and physics, but others c…

A late filing penalty happens when you miss deadlines for homeschooling documents. This can lead to truancy issues, but the specifics depend…

Latin study involves learning an ancient language that has shaped Western education for centuries. It's not just about speaking; it helps wi…

Learning differences are brain-based variations that affect how individuals process information. They are not linked to intelligence or effo…

A learning disability is a brain condition that makes it hard to learn in a typical way. It affects specific academic skills, like reading o…

A learning journal is a tool for homeschoolers that helps track daily learning and document progress. It allows students to write, draw, and…

A Learning Management System (LMS) is software that helps organize and manage educational content. It's great for homeschool families to tra…

Learning objectives are clear, focused statements that outline what students should achieve after a lesson or course. They help guide teachi…

A learning progression outlines the path students take as they understand a subject, from basic ideas to advanced skills. It helps you see w…

Learning Styles (VARK) is a model that identifies four ways people prefer to learn: Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic. It helps …

Lesson plans are guides that outline what you'll teach during specific time frames. They help you organize lessons and meet state education …

Letter of the Week (LOTW) is a teaching method where kids learn one letter each week for 26 weeks. It includes activities based on a theme r…

'Life' is a key idea in Charlotte Mason education. It stresses that kids need engaging, real ideas to nurture their minds, just like their b…

Life Skills Education teaches practical skills for daily life. This includes managing money, cooking meals, and handling emergencies. It hel…

Lifepac is a K-12 homeschool curriculum by Alpha Omega Publications. It combines textbooks and workbooks into monthly worktexts, allowing st…

A Light Day is a homeschool day with fewer academic demands. Families focus on shorter lessons or hands-on activities, making learning enjoy…

Lindamood-Bell is an educational company that focuses on helping struggling readers by developing their underlying cognitive skills. Founded…

Lingua Latina per se Illustrata is a Latin textbook series designed to teach Latin through immersive reading. It helps students understand t…

A Literature-Based Curriculum focuses on teaching through entire books written by passionate authors. It encourages deep understanding and e…

Living books are engaging literary works that make learning exciting. They are written by passionate authors, unlike textbooks, making subje…

Living Science is an educational approach that combines engaging literature, hands-on experiments, and nature study. It helps children explo…

Logic of English is a structured literacy program that simplifies English spelling and reading. It uses a proven method to help students, es…

Loop scheduling is a flexible homeschooling method where you rotate through subjects instead of sticking to a strict daily schedule. It allo…

Low-regulation states allow parents to homeschool with minimal rules. This means less oversight and more freedom in choosing how to educate …

Masterly Inactivity is the practice of stepping back when kids can handle tasks on their own. It's about trusting their abilities while stil…

Mastery learning is an educational approach that ensures students fully understand content before moving on. It allows for flexible pacing, …

A mastery-based curriculum allows students to progress by demonstrating understanding of a topic. Unlike time-based systems, students must m…

Math drills are focused practice sessions where kids repeatedly work on basic math skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and di…

Math facts fluency is the ability to quickly and accurately recall basic math facts. It involves understanding numbers and having strategies…

Math manipulatives are hands-on tools that help students learn math concepts through physical interaction. They can be anything from special…

Memory work is the practice of memorizing important information through repetition. It's a key part of classical education, especially for y…

Mental math is the ability to perform arithmetic calculations in your head without using paper or a calculator. It focuses on understanding …

Metacognition is being aware of and controlling your own thinking. It involves knowing how you learn and managing your learning strategies. …

A military scholarship is financial aid from the U.S. military for students who commit to serving. It’s available for active members, vetera…

Minimum Score Requirements are the lowest scores that homeschooled students need to achieve on standardized tests. These requirements differ…

Moderate-regulation states require homeschool families to show educational progress. This usually involves testing or evaluations, balancing…

Modifications are changes made to the learning goals for students. Unlike accommodations, which adjust how students learn, modifications cha…

A Morning Basket is a dedicated time at the start of your homeschool day where families come together to learn various subjects. It includes…

Mother Culture is the idea that mothers should prioritize their own learning and personal growth. It emphasizes that when moms nurture thems…

Multi-Age Learning is an approach where students of different ages learn together. It allows older students to teach younger ones, enriching…

Multi-Level Teaching is an approach that helps teachers support different learners in the same lesson. It allows students of varying ages an…

Multiple Intelligences Theory, created by Howard Gardner, suggests that intelligence isn't just one thing. Instead, it includes different ty…

Multisensory reading instruction uses sight, sound, touch, and movement together to help improve reading skills. It’s especially beneficial …

My Father's World (MFW) is a homeschool curriculum that combines a Biblical worldview with various educational methods. It emphasizes shared…

MySchoolBucks is a digital payment platform for parents to manage school-related payments online. It’s mainly used for traditional K-12 scho…

NAIA eligibility is a set of rules that determines if student-athletes can participate in sports at NAIA colleges. For homeschoolers, there …

Narration is the practice of retelling information in your own words. It's a key technique in Charlotte Mason education that helps kids unde…

National Challenged Homeschoolers, or NATHHAN, is a nonprofit Christian group. They help families homeschooling children with disabilities o…

Nature Study is learning about science through direct experiences with the natural world. It's about observation and connection, rather than…

NCAA eligibility refers to the academic and status requirements student-athletes must meet to compete in college sports. For homeschoolers, …

A needs-based scholarship helps students who need financial support to pay for education. It looks at family income and assets to determine …

NHERI, or the National Home Education Research Institute, is the main source for research on homeschooling in the U.S. Founded in 1990, it p…

A no-notice state is one where homeschooling families don't have to inform any government about their decision to homeschool. This allows pa…

A non-public school is any school not run by the government. This includes private schools, religious schools, and homeschools. Each state h…

A norm-referenced test (NRT) compares a student's performance to a group of peers. It shows how well a student did relative to others, not i…

Notebooking is a method where students record what they learn using their own words and drawings. It helps them engage with the material and…

Notification-only states are those where parents just need to inform local authorities that they're homeschooling. There’s little government…

Novare Science is a Christian educational publisher that offers rigorous science curricula for grades 6-12. Founded by John D. Mays, it focu…

Number sense is a child's ability to work with numbers flexibly. It’s about understanding how numbers relate to each other instead of just m…

Oak Meadow is a secular homeschool curriculum from preschool to 12th grade, founded in 1975. It combines Waldorf educational principles with…

Occupational therapy (OT) supports children in everyday activities like self-care, play, and learning. It helps with skills like fine motor …

Ohio EdChoice is a scholarship program that gives state-funded vouchers to students. These vouchers help cover tuition at certain private sc…

Online curriculum refers to digital educational programs designed for home learning. They include video lessons, interactive activities, and…

Open-and-Go Curriculum is a ready-to-use education program that provides a full year's worth of lessons, materials, and supplies straight fr…

Orthographic mapping is the process your brain uses to recognize words instantly. It connects sounds to letters, allowing for fluent reading…

Pajama School is a fun term used in the homeschool community. It means starting school in your pajamas, highlighting the relaxed and flexibl…

Paper Tutoring is a 24/7 online tutoring platform that offers live chat help and essay reviews. It's mainly available through school distric…

Parent qualifications for homeschooling are the requirements a parent must meet to legally educate their kids at home. Many states have mini…

A Parent-Participation Co-op is a group where families work together to educate their kids. Parents are involved in teaching, planning, or h…

Parental rights in education mean parents have the main authority over their children's education. This legal principle is backed by the U.S…

A Parochial School Exemption lets families educate their kids at home while being linked to a religious or private school. This option usual…

Percentile rank shows how a student's score compares to others who took the same test. For example, scoring in the 80th percentile means you…

Performance assessment is a way to evaluate learning by having students demonstrate what they know through projects, presentations, or real …

A personalized diploma is a custom certificate that shows a student has completed high school. For homeschoolers, it's tailored to reflect t…

Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in spoken words. It’s a key skill for reading that develops before phonics, …

Phonics is a teaching method that helps kids connect letters with sounds. This way, they can decode words instead of just memorizing them. I…

Phonological awareness is the ability to hear and work with sounds in spoken language. It includes recognizing words, syllables, and individ…

Physical Education credits show that your student has completed structured activities and health education. They’re important for college ap…

A physical portfolio is a tangible collection of your child's work, including papers and art, organized in a binder or box. It's a great way…

Piaget's Stages of Development outline how children's thinking evolves from birth to adolescence. It includes four key stages: sensorimotor,…

Picture Study is a method of art appreciation where children closely observe great paintings. Instead of memorizing facts, they build a pers…

Play-based learning is a teaching method that uses play as the main way kids learn. It's about hands-on experiences and exploration, not jus…

Portfolio assessment is a way to track your child's learning by looking at their actual work. Instead of tests, it focuses on their progress…

A portfolio review is when a qualified professional evaluates your homeschool work. It's an official way to check your child’s academic prog…

Portfolio-based admissions let homeschoolers present their work to colleges. Instead of just grades, students submit projects, art, and othe…

Pre-K homeschool is learning at home for kids aged 3 to 5, before kindergarten. It focuses on play and exploration, without the pressure of …

Primary sources are original documents or objects from a specific time. They give firsthand accounts of history, unlike secondary sources th…

Private School Exemption allows families in some states to homeschool without strict regulations. It treats home education like a private sc…

A proctored exam is a supervised test where an individual monitors you to prevent cheating. This ensures fairness and verifies identity duri…

Prodigies Music is a music education program created by Mr. Rob. It teaches kids to read, play, and understand music using colors, numbers, …

A professional evaluation is a review process to confirm that homeschooling is effective. It involves assessing a child's progress through t…

Progress assessment is how you measure your child's growth in homeschooling. It's about understanding if your child is learning effectively,…

Progress Demonstration is the way you show your homeschool is meeting state education requirements. It proves your kids are learning and can…

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational method where students learn by exploring real-world questions and challenges. Instead of trad…

Proof of Enrollment (POE) is a document that verifies a child's enrollment in a homeschooling program. It's often needed for things like dri…

A qualified tutor is someone who gives private lessons to students under specific state laws. This is different from traditional homeschooli…

Radical acceleration is when students move through their education much faster than usual. This means graduating high school or starting col…

Readiness skills are the abilities that help kids succeed at school. They include social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. They’re…

Readiness Theory suggests that kids learn best when lessons match their developmental stage. Rather than rushing into academics based on age…

A reading log is a record of books your child reads. It tracks titles, authors, and can include dates and reflections. It's flexible and hel…

Recitation is the practice of repeating information aloud from memory, often in front of an audience. It helps students build confidence and…

Record confidentiality in homeschooling refers to who can access your child's educational records, how they're stored, and when they can be …

Relaxed homeschooling is a flexible learning approach that emphasizes shorter lessons and interest-led exploration. It allows families to cr…

A religious exemption allows parents to keep their kids out of school due to sincere religious beliefs against compulsory schooling. It's no…

Renewal filing is the yearly paperwork that homeschooling families submit to confirm they will continue homeschooling. It often requires pro…

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a method that helps identify and support students facing academic or behavioral challenges. It focuses on …

Retrieval practice is a learning technique where you pull information from your memory instead of just rereading materials. It helps strengt…

In homeschooling, 'rhythm' refers to a flexible flow of activities based on natural energy levels, while 'routine' is a consistent sequence …

RightStart Math is a math curriculum for grades K-8 created by Dr. Joan Cotter. It focuses on visual learning and mental math using tools li…

Rod and Staff is a conservative Mennonite publisher based in Kentucky. They create Bible-based textbooks for grades 1-10, focusing on rigoro…

A Rolling Start in homeschooling means you can begin your educational journey at any time during the year. It allows families to start mid-y…

Rosetta Stone is a language learning software that helps you learn new languages using immersive methods. It’s been popular for over 30 year…

ROTC, or Reserve Officers' Training Corps, is a program that helps students train to become military officers while pursuing a college degre…

A rubric is a tool that outlines what's expected in a student's work. It breaks down quality levels, helping both parents and students under…

SAT Subject Tests were standardized exams that measured knowledge in specific subjects. They allowed students to highlight strengths beyond …

A Satellite Program (PSP) allows families to homeschool while being enrolled in a private school. This setup provides legal support, record-…

Saxon Math is a structured math curriculum designed for homeschoolers. It focuses on step-by-step learning and constant review to help stude…

Scaffolding is an instructional method that helps children learn by providing support when needed and gradually removing it as they gain ski…

Schema Theory explains how our brains create mental frameworks, called schemas, to help us understand and organize new information. These sc…

A school code is a unique identification number used by colleges and testing organizations to match student records. Homeschoolers mainly de…

School days requirements are laws set by states that determine the minimum instructional time for homeschoolers. They may include a specific…

School readiness means a child has the skills and support needed for formal education. It includes social, emotional, cognitive, and physica…

A school voucher is a government-funded program that lets parents use public education money for private schooling. Instead of schools getti…

School-at-Home is a structured homeschool approach where parents replicate a traditional classroom at home. It involves scheduled lessons, t…

SchoolMint is a platform that helps schools manage student enrollment from applications to registration. It’s mostly for PreK-12 schools and…

Scope and Sequence is a tool for planning your homeschool curriculum. It outlines what you'll teach and the order of topics. This helps ensu…

Seat time is the practice of giving academic credit based on the amount of time students spend in class, rather than their actual learning. …

Second breakfast is a light meal taken mid-morning during homeschooling. It captures the freedom homeschoolers have to eat when they’re hung…

A secular curriculum teaches academic subjects without any religious influence. It focuses on facts and evidence, allowing families to teach…

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) explores what drives human motivation. It focuses on the balance between external rewards and internal satis…

A self-paced curriculum lets students decide when and how fast to learn. They can spend more time on tough topics and breeze through what th…

Self-reported courses allow students to input their own academic details into college applications. This method helps streamline the process…

A semester credit is a unit that measures academic work in high school. One full credit equals a year-long course, while a semester course i…

Sensitive periods are crucial times in child development when kids are especially eager to learn certain things. During these times, their b…

Sensorial activities are hands-on exercises that help kids improve their senses. They focus on one quality at a time, like color or texture,…

A sensory diet is a personalized plan of activities that gives a person the sensory input they need to function better. It's not about food;…

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is when the brain has trouble organizing and responding to sensory information. This includes inputs from …

Sequential Spelling is a spelling program that focuses on word families. Instead of memorizing, students learn through patterns using a mult…

Shiny Curriculum Syndrome is when homeschool parents feel drawn to new educational materials. This often leads to constantly switching curri…

Short Lessons are brief, focused teaching sessions designed to match a child's attention span. They help maintain concentration and enhance …

Shurley English is a grammar and composition curriculum for grades K-8. It uses catchy jingles and a questioning method to help students und…

Sight words are commonly used words that kids can recognize quickly without sounding them out. Mastering these words helps kids read more sm…

Singapore Math Bar Models are visual tools that help students represent math problems using simple rectangular diagrams. They make it easier…

Singapore Math is a teaching method that focuses on deep understanding of math concepts rather than memorization. It uses visual aids and pr…

Skill progression is about developing learning based on skills rather than grades. It focuses on what each student has mastered and what the…

A skills checklist is a list that shows the skills students should learn, organized by subject and difficulty. It helps track what kids can …

Sonlight is a homeschool curriculum that focuses on quality literature instead of traditional textbooks. Founded in 1990, it integrates hist…

Spaced repetition is a learning technique that helps you remember information by reviewing it at set intervals. This method improves long-te…

Spanish for Children is a curriculum designed to teach Spanish to young learners in homeschool settings. It includes different approaches, f…

Special needs homeschooling is when families educate children with disabilities or learning differences at home. This method allows for pers…

A Special Needs Scholarship is a government-funded program that helps families with children who have disabilities pay for education outside…

SPED Homeschool is a nonprofit that helps families educate children with diverse learning needs. Founded in 2017 by a dedicated homeschool m…

Speech therapy helps people improve communication skills. Licensed professionals, called speech-language pathologists (SLPs), assess and tre…

Speech-to-Text (STT) is technology that converts spoken words into written text. It's great for students who struggle with writing, allowing…

Spelling Power is a spelling curriculum designed for students aged 8 through high school. It focuses on mastering 5,000 commonly used words …

Spelling rules are guidelines that help us write words correctly in English. They show patterns that make spelling easier, rather than just …

Spelling You See is a spelling program designed by Dr. Karen Holinga. It teaches spelling through visual patterns rather than memorization. …

Spiral Learning is an educational method where students revisit concepts over time. Each revisit adds more complexity, helping to deepen und…

Squirrel School is a playful term in homeschooling. It describes moments when lessons get sidetracked by distractions or new interests. Insp…

A standardized test requirement is a law that says homeschooled students must take specific tests to show academic progress. These tests can…

Standardized testing checks how well students perform on the same questions. For homeschoolers, these tests often cover reading, math, and o…

A stanine score is a way to show test results on a scale from 1 to 9. It groups scores to make them easier to understand, with 5 being avera…

State Homeschool Organizations are nonprofit groups focused on supporting homeschooling families. They offer legal guidance, community conne…

STEAM education stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It combines these fields into engaging projects, emphasi…

STEM education combines Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It focuses on critical thinking and real-world problem-solving, p…

Structured homeschooling is a method of home education that follows set curricula with clear goals. It includes organized lesson plans, sche…

Structured Literacy is a teaching method focused on systematic, explicit instruction in reading and language. It's especially useful for stu…

A Student Addition Notification is a formal notice you file when you add a child to your homeschool program. It keeps official records updat…

Subject acceleration lets students advance in specific subjects while staying with their same-age peers for others. This helps kids who are …

A subtest score is the result of a specific part of a standardized test. It helps measure distinct skills like reading or math, giving a cle…

Summative assessment is a way to evaluate what a student has learned after completing a course or unit. It provides a final overview of thei…

Summer slide refers to the drop in academic skills that happens when students take long breaks from learning. It affects kids of all backgro…

Sylvan Learning is a leading tutoring service founded in 1979, offering personalized education support for K-12 students. They help with sub…

Synchronous learning means teaching and learning happen at the same time. Students join live classes, ask questions, and get instant feedbac…

Talent Search Programs help identify gifted students who score in the 95th percentile or above on tests. They provide advanced learning oppo…

Tapestry of Grace is a classical Christian homeschooling curriculum that organizes learning around a four-year history cycle. It allows kids…

A Tax Credit Scholarship allows donors to fund educational scholarships through approved organizations. In return, they get state tax credit…

A teacher-intensive curriculum is a homeschool approach where parents actively teach their children during lessons. This method focuses on d…

A teaching certificate is a credential from a state education department showing that someone meets certain teaching standards. It isn’t req…

Teaching rotation is a system in homeschool co-ops where parents take turns teaching subjects on a set schedule. This method helps distribut…

Teaching to the Test means focusing education on passing standardized tests instead of fostering deep understanding. It often leads to a nar…

A term schedule breaks your homeschool year into set time periods—usually 6 to 12 weeks. This allows families to focus on specific subjects,…

A Test Administrator oversees standardized tests for homeschool students. They handle scheduling, materials, and testing conditions, ensurin…

Test score submission is when homeschooling families must report standardized test results to education authorities. This ensures students a…

A testing window is the timeframe for when standardized testing must happen for homeschool compliance. It varies by state, allowing families…

Text-to-Speech (TTS) is technology that turns written text into spoken words. It uses software to read text aloud in a human-like voice, mak…

A textbook curriculum uses printed materials like textbooks and workbooks to teach subjects in a clear, step-by-step way. It's structured an…

'Done By Lunch' means finishing formal lessons by noon or 1 PM in homeschooling. This method focuses on efficiency, allowing more time for p…

The 180-day requirement is a rule in many states that mandates homeschool families provide at least 180 instructional days each year. This r…

A 529 Plan is a tax-advantaged savings account for education expenses. It's sponsored by states and lets money grow tax-free. Withdrawals fo…

The Absorbent Mind is a term by Maria Montessori that describes how young children effortlessly learn and grow. This learning phase lasts fr…

The ACT, or American College Testing, is a standardized test used for college admissions. It measures skills in English, math, reading, and …

The Arizona Empowerment Scholarship is a program that provides state education funds to families for approved educational expenses. Parents …

Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) is a leading math education program for advanced learners. It focuses on deep understanding through challengin…

The bachelor's degree requirement refers to specific educational qualifications needed to homeschool in some states. While most states don’t…

The California Achievement Test (CAT) assesses student skills in reading, language arts, math, and spelling for grades K-12. It's widely acc…

The Century Book, or Book of Centuries, is a timeline tool for students to record historical events and figures across centuries. It helps c…

The Certified Teacher Requirement is a common myth. In reality, most states don’t require parents to be certified teachers to homeschool the…

The Charlotte Mason Institute (CMI) supports homeschooling families using Charlotte Mason's educational approach. It offers a full curriculu…

The Charlotte Mason Method is a homeschooling approach that values children as individuals. It focuses on rich literature, short lessons, an…

The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a two-hour exam created as an alternative to the SAT and ACT. It focuses on verbal reasoning, grammar, wr…

The Classical Conversations Cycle is a three-year rotating program that helps homeschool families study history, science, and more. Each cyc…

The CLEP Exam lets students earn college credits through tests instead of attending classes. With 34 exams available, it's a great option fo…

The Coalition Application is a college application platform that helps students apply to over 160 colleges, including Ivy League schools, wi…

A college application essay, or personal statement, is a key part of most undergraduate applications. It tells your personal story in your v…

The College Preparatory Track is a curriculum designed for students preparing for college. It includes core subjects at a level that’s more …

The Common Application is a popular platform for college admissions in the U.S. It allows students to submit one application to multiple col…

A course syllabus is a guide for an academic course. It outlines what will be taught, when it will be covered, and sets expectations for bot…

A Curriculum Junkie is a parent who loves researching and collecting educational materials for homeschooling. They often have many resources…

A Curriculum List outlines the subjects you’ll teach and the materials you’ll use in your homeschool. It’s a simple overview and doesn’t dic…

A Declaration of Intent is a formal notice to education authorities that you're homeschooling your child. It's essential to avoid truancy is…

The DSST Exam lets you earn college credit for knowledge you already have. It's a great option for homeschoolers, covering various subjects …

An ESA application lets families request state-funded education dollars for things like homeschool expenses. Once approved, funds go into a …

An ESA Marketplace is an online shopping site for Education Savings Account (ESA) holders. Here, you can find pre-approved educational produ…

The File Crate System is an organizational method for homeschooling. It saves time by allowing parents to plan and sort materials for each w…

The Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) is a school choice program that helps families pay for private school or homeschooling. It …

The Florida Step Up Scholarship is a program that offers financial support for families to choose private schools, homeschool, or receive tu…

A four-day school week means fitting learning into just four days, leaving one day for activities, projects, or relaxation. It's a flexible …

The Four-Year History Cycle is a teaching method where students study world history over four years. This cycle repeats throughout their K-1…

A Four-Year Plan is a roadmap for your homeschooler's high school journey. It outlines courses, credits, and activities from freshman to sen…

A Gap Year is a break between high school and college. It usually lasts six months to a year and focuses on experiences outside traditional …

The GED is a high school equivalency test for those who didn't finish traditional high school. It allows individuals to show their knowledge…

The Grammar Stage is a crucial learning period in classical education for kids aged 4-11. It focuses on memorizing basic facts and vocabular…

A history spine is a key text that organizes your history lessons. It provides a timeline and basic content, helping your family dive deeper…

The Home School Foundation, now known as HSLDA Compassion, helps families in financial trouble with homeschooling costs. Founded in 1994, it…

A homeschool affidavit is a legal document that parents sign to notify education authorities that they will educate their children at home. …

A homeschool binder system is an organizational tool using three-ring binders to keep all your homeschooling materials together. It helps yo…

A homeschool enrollment form is the official paperwork to register your homeschool with local authorities. It confirms your child is learnin…

The HSLDA Transcript Service is an online subscription that helps homeschool families create professional high school transcripts. It includ…

The Indiana Choice Scholarship is a school voucher program that helps families pay for private school. It offers state funding to eligible s…

The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) is a writing program started in 1994. It focuses on teaching writing in a structured way, help…

The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) measures how well students grasp core subjects. It covers grades K-8 and assesses reading, math, and mo…

The Kaufman Test (KTEA) is an individual achievement test that assesses reading, math, writing, and language skills. It helps identify learn…

The Lab Science Requirement means students must complete science courses that include hands-on experiments. This applies to state graduation…

A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a document that parents send to their school district or state to announce their choice to homeschool their chil…

A Living Books Curriculum focuses on engaging, narrative-driven books written by passionate authors. It aims to spark curiosity and deep und…

The Logic Stage is the middle phase of classical education, focusing on critical thinking and analysis. Students ages 10-14 learn to ask 'wh…

A Main Lesson Book is a personal notebook used by students to record their learning through writing and illustrations. It captures their edu…

The MAP Growth Test, developed by NWEA, measures student progress from kindergarten to 12th grade. It's an adaptive test that adjusts questi…

A Mastery Checklist is a tool used in homeschooling to track specific skills or learning goals. It helps parents see what their child has ma…

The middle school transition is a pivotal time for homeschoolers, usually covering grades 6-8. It involves shifting from direct parent-led l…

The Montessori Method is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. It focuses on children's natural curiosity and their abi…

The Moore Formula, created by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore, is a research-supported approach to education. It emphasizes waiting until ages…

The Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) is a framework that helps identify students who struggle and provides varying levels of support. It i…

The National Center for Home Education (NCHE) is part of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). It focuses on federal policies a…

The National Homeschool Association Diploma is an endorsement service for homeschool graduates. It offers a way to validate diplomas but is …

The NCAA Clearinghouse, now called the NCAA Eligibility Center, checks if student-athletes meet academic and amateurism rules to compete in …

The North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship helps families pay for private school tuition. Available to all K-12 students in North Carolina, …

The Notgrass Bible Curriculum combines Bible study with history, geography, and civics. It allows homeschoolers to earn Bible credits while …

A Notice of Intent (NOI) is a formal document informing your school district or state that you plan to homeschool your child. Filing an NOI …

The Odyssey ESA Platform is a tech tool for managing education funds for families in certain states. It allows you to use state money for ap…

The OLSAT, or Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, is a standardized assessment that measures a child's ability to process and understand new in…

The Orton-Gillingham Approach is a structured way to teach reading and writing. It's multisensory, meaning it engages sight, sound, and touc…

The PASS Test is a standardized assessment made specifically for homeschooling families. Unlike traditional tests, it is untimed and adapts …

The Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT) is a one-on-one test that measures academic skills in children and young adults. It's known f…

The PreACT is a practice test designed for younger high school students in grades 8-10. It mirrors the ACT in subjects like English, Math, R…

The Prepared Environment is a specially designed space that helps children learn and grow independently. It includes child-friendly material…

A Private School Affidavit (PSA) is a form California parents file to legally homeschool. By submitting it, they declare they're running a p…

The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test by the College Board, designed to prepare students for the SAT and qualify juniors for the National Me…

The Quadrivium is a set of four mathematical subjects: arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. It builds on the Trivium and focuses on u…

The Quarter System breaks the school year into four terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Each term lasts about 9-10 weeks, making it a f…

The Reading Lesson is a program that teaches kids to read using phonetics. Created by Dr. Michael Levin and Charan Langton, it guides childr…

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy that values children's potential and creativity. It emphasizes collaborative learnin…

The Rhetoric Stage is the final part of classical education, focusing on teaching students to express their thoughts clearly and persuasivel…

The SAT is a standardized test used by colleges to assess students' readiness for higher education. It tests reading, writing, and math skil…

The Science of Reading is a collection of research over fifty years that shows how kids learn to read. It combines insights from various fie…

The Science of Relations is a key idea from Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy. It emphasizes that education is about forming connecti…

The scientific method is a way to explore questions about the world. It involves careful observation, asking questions, making predictions, …

The Semester System divides the school year into two main terms: fall and spring. Each term lasts about 15-18 weeks, offering a structured a…

The Six-Week Rotation is a year-round homeschooling method where families study for six weeks, then take a week off. This cycle helps preven…

The Socialization Question is a common concern about homeschooling, asking how kids socialize without traditional schools. It highlights wor…

The Socratic Method is a teaching style that uses questions to encourage students to think critically and find their own answers. This metho…

A Soft Start is a gentle transition at the start of the homeschool day. It allows kids to engage in low-pressure activities before diving in…

A Spiral Curriculum is an educational method where students revisit key topics multiple times, each time with more depth. This helps reinfor…

The Stanford Achievement Test, also known as Stanford 10, is a standardized test that measures student achievement in subjects like reading …

The TerraNova Test is a standardized test for K-12 students, measuring skills in reading, math, science, and more. It's accessible for homes…

The Three-Period Lesson is a Montessori teaching method that introduces vocabulary and concepts through a simple three-step process. It's de…

Torchlight is a secular, literature-based homeschool curriculum designed for kids ages 4 to 13+. It emphasizes critical thinking and inclusi…

The Trimester System splits the school year into three terms, each lasting about 12-13 weeks. It offers a different approach to learning, wi…

The Trivium is a framework for classical education that includes Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. It aligns with child development stages, help…

The Unit Study Method is a way of learning that focuses on one theme instead of separate subjects. It combines different topics, making educ…

The Vocational Track, also known as Career and Technical Education (CTE), prepares students for specific careers through hands-on training. …

The West Virginia Hope Scholarship is an Education Savings Account program that gives families access to state education funds for various e…

The Wilson Reading System (WRS) is a structured literacy program that teaches reading and spelling. It uses a multisensory approach to help …

The Woodcock-Johnson Test is an assessment tool that measures cognitive abilities and academic skills. It's given one-on-one by a trained pr…

A Work Cycle is a key part of Montessori education where kids have uninterrupted time to choose activities and explore deeply. This promotes…

The Workbox System is a method for organizing homeschooling tasks using numbered boxes. Each box holds one assignment and materials needed t…

The WRAT Test (Wide Range Achievement Test) assesses basic academic skills like reading, spelling, and math. Now in its fifth edition, it’s …

The writing process is a series of steps that helps writers develop their ideas into clear, polished pieces. It includes prewriting, draftin…

A Year-End Wrap is how homeschool families formally end their academic year. It helps create closure while meeting state regulations and pre…

The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is the gap between what a child can do alone and what they can achieve with help. It's where effectiv…

Thomas Jefferson Education (TJEd) is an educational approach inspired by historical leaders' learning methods, especially Thomas Jefferson. …

A timeline is a visual tool that shows historical events, people, and periods in order. It helps students see connections in history across …

A trade school, also known as a vocational or technical school, trains students for specific jobs in skilled trades. These programs are hand…

Traditional homeschooling, or school-at-home, mimics the structure of regular schools. Parents use set curriculums and guide their kids thro…

Transcript hours are the instructional time a homeschool student spends on each subject, which counts as academic credits. These credits hel…

A Transcript Maker is a tool for homeschool parents to create official academic transcripts for their students. These transcripts are import…

Transcript notarization means a notary public verifies your identity and signature on a homeschool transcript. This creates a legal record b…

Transfer of learning is when students apply what they've learned in one situation to different scenarios. It's a key goal of education, help…

Truancy is when a child misses school without a valid reason. In homeschooling, it means not following your state's education laws. Understa…

A Tuition Tax Credit is a tax benefit that directly reduces the amount of tax you owe. It's different from a tax deduction, which lowers you…

A Tuition Tax Deduction allows you to lower your taxable income by deducting eligible education costs. This can help reduce your tax bill, e…

Twaddle refers to silly, low-quality books that underestimate children's abilities. It includes stories with shallow plots and simple vocabu…

Twice-exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have a learning disability. This means they excel in some areas while s…

Type A homeschoolers are parents who thrive on structure and organization in their teaching. They often have detailed plans, timelines, and …

An umbrella school acts as a middleman between homeschooling families and the state. Instead of registering with a school district, you enro…

A University Model School (UMS) combines classroom learning with home education. Students attend school a few days a week and complete assig…

An unofficial transcript is a document showing a student's academic record but lacks official security features. It's often downloaded or pr…

Unschooler Lite describes families who use unschooling ideas but still have some direction. They choose lessons and goals but stay flexible …

An unweighted GPA measures academic performance on a simple 4.0 scale. Every course is equal, so an A always equals 4.0 points. This system …

Utah Fits All is Utah's universal ESA program that launched in 2024. It provides families with education funding in digital wallets for appr…

Varsity Tutors is a leading online tutoring service in the U.S. It connects students with tutors across 3,000+ subjects, helping learners fr…

Veritas Press is a homeschool curriculum provider offering classical Christian education from kindergarten to 12th grade. They focus on the …

Vertical alignment shows how learning builds from one grade to the next. It helps connect concepts, ensuring your child is ready for what's …

A video-based curriculum is a homeschooling method where teachers deliver lessons via video. This can be live or recorded, allowing students…

VideoText Algebra is an algebra curriculum designed by Tom Clark. It combines pre-algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2 into one program, focusi…

A virtual classroom is a live online teaching space where students and teachers interact in real-time. Unlike pre-recorded lessons, these cl…

Virtual Public School (VPS) is a free, online education option funded by public taxes. It allows students to learn at home under state-certi…

Visual Processing Disorder (VPD) is a condition where the brain struggles to make sense of what the eyes see. It’s not about needing glasses…

Volunteer hours are unpaid service given to nonprofits or the community. They help show student engagement beyond academics.

Waldorf education, founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, focuses on nurturing children's intellectual, artistic, and emotional growth. It promo…

A Weighted GPA is a grade point average that considers the difficulty of courses. It rewards students for taking harder classes, like honors…

Whole Language is a teaching approach that believes kids learn to read naturally, much like they learn to speak. It focuses on using stories…

Wide Margin in Charlotte Mason education refers to special editions of her writings with larger margins for notes and notebooks designed wit…

Wild + Free is a modern homeschool movement inspired by the idea that childhood should be wild and free. It focuses on values like nature, s…

Winter Promise is a homeschool curriculum that focuses on themes instead of grade levels. It offers a Charlotte Mason-inspired approach with…

The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program is a state-run voucher system that helps eligible families send their kids to private or religious sch…

A withdrawal notice is a formal letter you send to a school to remove your child from enrollment. It's important for ending their school sta…

Word problems are math challenges presented in narrative form instead of equations. They help students connect math with real-life situation…

Work samples are real examples of your child's schoolwork that show their learning and progress. They can include various assignments and pr…

Workbook curriculum uses workbooks as the main teaching tool. Students follow lessons and complete exercises directly in these books. This m…

Working memory is your brain's workspace for processing information. It holds and manipulates what you're currently using, unlike long-term …

World history is the study of human civilization from ancient times to today. It covers events and cultures across the globe, helping studen…

Write Source is a writing program designed for students from kindergarten to college. It focuses on teaching writing through real-world cont…

Writing with Ease (WWE) is a writing curriculum designed for grades 1-4. It helps kids build foundational writing skills through narration, …

Writing with Skill (WWS) is a middle school writing curriculum focused on expository writing. Created by Susan Wise Bauer, it prepares stude…

Wyzant is an online platform that connects students with independent tutors for one-on-one learning. Founded in 2005, it offers a wide range…

An official transcript is a formal record of a student's high school work in homeschooling. It's considered official when sent directly from…

Homeschool privacy rights come from the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches. This means officials can't enter you…

The right to homeschool in the U.S. is based on constitutional protections for parents. These rights allow parents to direct their children'…

Unschooling is a learning method where kids learn through their interests rather than traditional classes. Parents support this by providing…

Busy bags are pre-made kits filled with activities for kids, stored in bags or containers. They let younger children engage in independent p…

Pre-recorded lessons are video lessons created in advance. They allow students to learn at their own pace, revisit tough concepts, and fit l…

Sofa subjects are relaxed learning moments that happen while reading together on the couch. They focus on reading, narration, and conversati…

A Curriculum Fair, or convention, is an event where curriculum publishers, educational vendors, and homeschooling families come together. It…

Field trip groups are informal communities where homeschool families come together to plan educational outings. They focus on fun learning e…

A homeschool tutorial blends homeschooling with private schooling. Parents enroll kids in classes led by qualified teachers, meeting weekly …

A Laminating Queen is a humorous term for parents in homeschooling who love laminating educational materials. It represents both practicalit…

A Learning Pod is a small group of kids learning together with an adult guide. It offers a flexible, social way to educate your children out…

Microschools are small, community-based learning environments for 5-20 students. They blend elements of homeschooling and private schooling,…

A Park Day is a casual meetup for homeschooling families at public parks. There’s no formal curriculum or lessons. It's all about kids playi…

A school profile is a document that helps college admissions officers understand a homeschooler's educational environment. It includes detai…

A science fair is an event where students showcase their independent research. They choose a topic, conduct experiments, and present their f…

A Socratic Seminar is a group discussion method where students explore a text together. They ask questions and share insights without a teac…

A virtual field trip is an online experience that allows students to explore real-world locations and concepts without leaving home. These t…

Afterschooling is when parents take an active role in their child's education after school hours. It's about filling gaps, pursuing interest…

An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a government-backed savings account for parents. It allows them to use state education funds for their…

An enrichment co-op is a group of homeschooling families that come together to share teaching and learning experiences. Parents teach based …

Apologia Science is a popular curriculum from Apologia Educational Ministries. It’s designed for homeschool families and covers science from…

Artistic Pursuits is an art curriculum designed for homeschoolers. It teaches kids about art elements, composition, and techniques, helping …

Beast Academy is a math program for kids ages 6-13, created by Art of Problem Solving. It focuses on problem-solving through engaging storie…

BiblioPlan is a classical Christian history curriculum for homeschoolers from grades K-12. It covers biblical, world, U.S., and church histo…

Classical Conversations is a Christian homeschooling program that focuses on a community-centered approach to learning. It combines classica…

Drive Through History is a video series that takes students to real historical sites. Hosted by Dave Stotts, it makes learning engaging and …

Easy Grammar is a grammar curriculum designed for homeschool families. Its unique prepositional approach helps students learn grammar clearl…

Education.com is an online library with resources for students from Pre-K to 8th grade. It offers worksheets, games, and lesson plans to sup…

Executive function is a set of mental skills that help you plan, focus, and manage tasks. It includes working memory, cognitive flexibility,…

Farm schooling combines traditional academics with farm activities. It uses real-life experiences like gardening and animal care to teach su…

French in Action is a video-based French course created by Yale, WGBH Boston, and Wellesley College in 1987. It uses immersive storytelling …

Gameschooling is a way to learn using tabletop games like board games and card games. This approach helps kids build academic skills and soc…

Grapevine Studies is a hands-on Bible curriculum designed for homeschool families. It uses stick figures to help kids learn biblical stories…

Homeschool.com is an online platform for homeschooling families. With over 25 years of experience, it provides curriculum reviews, resources…

HSLDA stands for Home School Legal Defense Association. It’s the largest organization in the U.S. advocating for homeschoolers, providing le…

IXL Learning is an online education platform that helps students from K-12 practice various subjects. It uses real-time adaptive learning to…

Khanmigo is an AI tutor created by Khan Academy using GPT-4 tech. It helps students learn by asking questions, guiding them to find answers …

Lapbooking is a hands-on learning method where students create interactive folders filled with mini-books and visual organizers. It helps th…

Living Math is an approach that merges math with stories, history, and real-life situations. It makes math feel relevant and engaging, helpi…

MEP Math, or the Mathematics Enhancement Programme, is a free math curriculum from the UK. It encourages students to solve math like a puzzl…

Miacademy is an online platform for homeschooling kids from kindergarten to 8th grade, with high school courses available through MiaPrep. I…

Morning Time is a gathering for families that kicks off homeschool days with shared learning. It focuses on subjects like poetry, art, and B…

My School Year is a web-based platform for homeschool families. It combines scheduling, lesson planning, grading, and record-keeping in one …

Phonics Pathways is a phonics program that teaches reading and spelling using a step-by-step approach. It's suitable for all ages, requiring…

Pimsleur is an audio language learning system created by Dr. Paul Pimsleur in the 1960s. It focuses on listening and speaking, making it a u…

Practical Life refers to activities in daily life that help children learn important skills. These include cooking, cleaning, and self-care,…

Preply is an online marketplace for tutoring. It connects learners with tutors for one-on-one lessons in various subjects and languages. Fou…

Reading Eggs is an online program that teaches kids aged 2-13 to read using phonics. It’s engaging and designed to build confidence through …

Roadschooling is a type of homeschooling that happens while traveling. Families often live in RVs or campers, using each new place as a lear…

Strewing is a method where parents place interesting items in a child's space for them to discover. It’s all about sparking curiosity withou…

Table Time is a dedicated part of your homeschool day for focused, individual academic work. Unlike group activities, it's when students wor…

Teaching Textbooks is a computer-based math curriculum made for homeschoolers. It covers grades 3 through Pre-Calculus with animated lessons…

Tot School is a playful way to teach toddlers. It focuses on learning through activities and play instead of formal lessons, making learning…

TypingClub is an online program that teaches touch typing through engaging lessons and games. It’s designed for students of all ages, making…

Worldschooling is a hands-on approach to education where families learn through travel. Instead of classrooms, the whole world serves as the…

WriteShop is a parent-led writing curriculum designed for homeschooling. It helps students build writing skills step-by-step, making it easi…

A homeschool convention is an annual event where homeschooling families gather to learn, shop for curriculum, and connect with others. It fe…

A 504 Plan is a formal document that outlines accommodations for students with disabilities. It helps them access education equally without …

Power Homeschool (Acellus) offers a parent-led homeschooling experience with video lessons and adaptive technology. It helps students learn …

Switched-On Schoolhouse was a digital curriculum for grades 3-12, focusing on subjects like Bible, math, and science. It aimed at independen…

Tutor.com is an online tutoring service that connects students with live tutors 24/7. It's perfect for homeschool families needing flexible,…

Year-round homeschooling spreads school days throughout the year instead of following a traditional school calendar. It allows for shorter b…