You are thinking about homeschooling or have decided to homeschool! Now what? This guide outlines all the rules and resources available to you in the Manhattan area.
Manhattan Area Homeschool Guide
Kansas Homeschool Regulations
Once you decide you will be homeschooling, you will need to contact the Kansas State Department of Education to register your homeschool. In Kansas, homeschools must be registered as a non-accredited private school. This is a very simple and required process. For more information, check out What You Need to Know About Homeschooling in Kansas.
Types, Styles and Philosophies of Homeschool
Typically when you start down the path of homeschooling, you have an idea of what you do or do not want education to look like in your home. Luckily, homeschooling is divided into multiple types, styles and philosophies so you can find the right fit for you and your family. While there are many more styles and even smaller subsections, here is a general list of the common types of homeschooling options to consider:
- Charlotte Mason
- Classical
- Hybrid Programs
- Montessori
- Nature Based
- Online/Virtual Schools
- Traditional
- Travel/Road School
- Unschooling
Curriculum
When looking at the different types of homeschooling options, you will want to factor in several things including parent commitment and curriculum type. Most curriculum can be purchased online directly from the manufacturer, online from second-hand locations such as Kansas Homeschool Buy/Sell/Trade, Homeschool Marketplace or homeschool curriculum swaps. You can find the curriculum swaps on several of the group pages listed below. In addition, talking with other like-minded parents is usually one of the best ways to learn about different curriculums.
While not a step-by-step teaching guide, you can also check out USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden’s curriculum guides for each grade levels to see what items students will be learning within the public school to help give you an idea of what to expect.
Educational Opportunities
- Christian Homes In Educational Fellowship, also know as CHIEF, is a Manhattan based Homeschool resource that provides support to Christian homeschooling families through activities such as group meetings, field trips, assistance in choosing curriculum, and coordinated efforts regarding political and legal concerns. In addition, CHIEF also offers sports leagues for homeschool families.
- Flint Hills Christian School offers a Homeschool Partnership for homeschool students between 4th-12th grades to participate in classes and extracurricular activities.
- RISE Academy is the first hybrid-homeschool in the area and focuses on a Christ-centered approach to learning. Offering the ‘best of both worlds’, RISE students meet two days in person and three at-home days with curriculum provided by RISE. Currently RISE offers options for preK through 4th grade and are located at the First Baptist Church in Manhattan.
- Ambrose Academy offers both a hybrid-homeschool model as well as a 4 day a week option for families looking for a Classical Christian School. Located in Ogden, the school offers Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade options.
Manhattan Co-Ops
A homeschool cooperative, or Co-Op, is a completely optional resource for homeschool families that offer in person classes that are typically taught by a hired teacher or by a parent of the families on a rotating basis. The purpose of co-ops is to provide support to homeschooling families.
- Located in Manhattan, Classical Conversations Co-Op serves families from children as young as 4 years of age through 17+. This global homeschool community has co-ops around the world.
- Located at Faith Manhattan Church, The Classical Orchard Co-Op serves families from infants in the nursery to the end of high school. It supports Christian homeschool families in a classically-minded educational cooperative.
- Located on the west side of Manhattan, IGNITE Co-Op serves kindergarten through 8th grade students with the option for care for younger children when their parent is helping. IGNITE provides enrichment opportunities such as PE, Art, Foreign Languages, Science Exploration as well as a positive community for elementary homeschool students and families in CHIEF.
- Located on the west side of Manhattan, Koinonia Homeschool Co-Op a place where Christian homeschoolers gather to grow in education & fellowship. They serve families from infants in the nursery to the end of high school.
Additional Resources
In addition to the finding the right curriculum and co-op, you will also want to consider additional resources you might want to support your homeschool journey.
- One of the best way to learn more about homeschool options, is to talk with families who are already homeschooling. Facebook groups such as Manhattan Area Homeschoolers Network (MAHN), Little Apple Homeschool Community and MHK Toddler Homeschooling Playgroup are all great resources.
- In addition to online groups, there are also Homeschool Conventions you can check out! Take a look at Homeschool Freedom and Kansas Home Educators.
- If you need additional resources such as Speech Therapy, for example, contact USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden, and they will help you navigate setting up services. Children under the age of 5 may be eligible for the Manhattan-Ogden’s Early Learning resources.
- Homeschool students in grades 7th through 12th may be eligible to participate in Kansas State High School Activities Association sponsored activities at their local public school! These range from traditional sports such as football, basketball and volleyball and also include teams such as debate and music. Students must meet the specific criteria to participate, which are the same as the expectations as students who attend the public school.
- Many local businesses now offer Homeschool Days. While the list is ever growing and dates/times change, you can easily find these locations on the Facebook groups outlined above in addition to checking directly with each business. Some example locations that offer homeschool days include the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Britt’s Farm.
- Be sure to check out the Manhattan Public Library, which is a huge resource for homeschooling families!
- Wamego Public Library offers The Homeschool Hub on the last Tuesday of each month. This Hub is a resource for homeschooling families to gather, learn and connect.
- Manhattan Parks & Rec, Rampage and Paragon offer a PE class designed for homeschool students.
Online Public School Options
In addition to all of the homeschool information provided, Manhattan does also offer at least two public, online school options where students complete their coursework from home from the computer. While an online program is different than homeschool, it might be a better option for some families.
