| Perhaps your child's intellect has outstripped your | | | | example, What is "Green Week;" or Who decides |
| curriculum. Perhaps you have changed jobs or | | | | which absences are excused?). Seek answers to |
| have taken on new responsibilities. Perhaps, you | | | | questions at parent events, student conferences, |
| are simply ready for the next stage in your child's | | | | and school orientations. This will make you and |
| education. Whatever the reason for choosing to | | | | your child feel more prepared and informed. |
| enter mainstream schooling, the transition can be | | | | PREPARE. Even after you have filled out the |
| harrowing. | | | | many forms, there are bound to be other loose |
| This article is packed with suggestions for | | | | ends to tie up. To prepare for your child's |
| transitioning from home school to mainstream | | | | transition to a mainstream school, call the school |
| schooling. Following the tips in this article will make | | | | and get a list of the documents needed. Make a |
| your child's entry into a new school smooth and | | | | copy of all documents and bring these |
| stress-free. | | | | copies--along with identification--to orientation. |
| GET CLASSY. Get a list of classes needed to | | | | VOLUNTEER. As you look over the school |
| enter mainstream schooling. Also, find out how | | | | calendar, note events for which you are able to |
| you need to document that your home school | | | | assist. Participating in school events will allow you |
| curriculum meets these requirements. There may | | | | to get a feel for the school. |
| be placement tests, for which your student can | | | | ASK. How rigorous are the classes? Which |
| prepare, that will help the school assign your child | | | | teachers would best suit your child's learning style? |
| to the proper classes. | | | | Seek answers from other families, especially |
| SNEAK A PEAK. Visit several schools with your | | | | those who have gone through the same |
| student. Get permission from area schools to | | | | transition. Aim for a mix of new and tenured |
| have your child sit in on classes. Consider enrolling | | | | families. Seeking testimonials will give you and |
| your student in a summer course. Gaining | | | | your child a fuller perspective. |
| familiarity in these ways will make her shift | | | | Transferring from home school to a mainstream |
| smoother. | | | | school can be both exhilarating and harrowing. If |
| LEARN. You and your child will have to learn the | | | | you follow the steps listed above, then you and |
| etiquette of mainstream schools. To do this, | | | | your child will feel more oriented and less stressed |
| consult calendars and manuals. Note questions (for | | | | on the first day of school. |