Frequently Asked Questions

You may find it helpful to visit the Mississippi Home Educators Association FAQ page.

 

Questions about EAGLE

Is EAGLE associated with a particular denomination?

No. EAGLE has a diverse group of members.

 

Will someone at EAGLE homeschool my child?

No, EAGLE does not offer that. 

 

Does EAGLE offer tutoring services?

No, our association does not offer tutoring services.

 

Do I have to agree with everything on the statement of faith?

No, we just ask that if you teach or work with the EAGLE students, that you do not teach against anything on our statement of faith. That is why teachers must sign a form regarding this understanding.

 

Does EAGLE offer transcript credits or a diploma after certain requirements are fulfilled?

No. We only hold a graduation ceremony. The diplomas are conferred by the parents (who are the educators) to the child. EAGLE does not offer an accredited education of any sort. Our classes are for enrichment only, and are not to be considered integral to any student's home education. It is up to the parent to decide what subjects go on the transcript, based on what the student has completed at home.

 

How do I sign my child up for EAGLE sports?
Become a member of EAGLE and contact the coach responsible for the sport. You must also sign the liability waiver, and sign both the Student's and Parent's Sports Understanding and Commitment Forms. Reasonable fees are attached to the sports. You may talk to the coach about that.

 

How early can my child be involved in EAGLE?

Typically the nursery and toddlers' classes are meant for teachers' and assistants' children. Some people begin involving their oldest child with EAGLE at the age of 4. Children ages 2-3 have classes offered for their age, but these kids tend to be younger siblings of older students involved in EAGLE classes. However, remember that enrichment class staff and teachers get first choice of classes for their children. So, the best way to ensure your child gets into classes is to volunteer to teach one.

 

How do I get to know those in EAGLE?

Get involved! Attend the activities. Offer to teach. Assist in a class. Volunteer to serve. EAGLE is simply comprised of parents just like you.

 

Questions for those leaving public education

Do I have to follow the public school calendar?

No. Still, be familiar with the laws of your state regarding homeschooling.

 

Does my curriculum need to be Common Core?

No.

 

Can I homeschool my child and still have them play public school sports?

Mississippi: No. To further understand the reason for this, you may want to talk to a MHEA board member.

Tennessee: Yes. This is possible. It is best to contact your local school district for more information about this.

 

What about socialization?

Socialization has been a common concern of many parents. However, the fear that homeschoolers are isolated has decreased as the homeschooling movement has grown tremendously over the past few decades. Most students are actively involved in church activities, sports, organizations, arts, lessons, and/or civics. EAGLE also creates many group activities. Homeschoolers are typically well-adjusted to interacting with all age groups and not just their peer group only. The homeschool population has had great success in turning out adults that are both college ready and highly sought-after in the work force. View more at HSLDA.

 

What about giving my child grades?

Grades are a method of communication between teacher and parent about how the child is performing in school. If you are the teacher, then you should already know your child's strengths and weaknesses by being with them daily and checking their work and helping them correct errors. Calculating grades is a matter of personal preference. They are useful in creating a transcript for 9th-12th grades if your child plans on attending college.

 

Am I able to withdraw my child during the public school year?

Yes, this is possible.

 

General Questions

What subjects do I need to cover?

Preschool through 8th grade: Click here. Many curriculums also provide a scope and sequence that helps make you familiar with what is expected of each grade level. You may could also research your state's framework for public school students.

High school: If your child plans on attending college, you should be familiar with that college's credit requirements.

Also, this topic is addressed mid-page on this link.

 

How do I choose my curriculum?

We have a page on our site about this. Many other homeschool sites discuss this as well. One good source is this HSLDA page.

 

What about testing?

No testing is required for the state of Mississippi. You must arrange testing for your own student if you want this. EAGLE also offers yearly standardized testing for students through 3rd through 8th grade. Fees apply.

 

What about creating a transcript?

There is a transcript template available on this site. Templates are also on this HSLDA site. You should find a tutorial there, as well as on plenty of other sites.

 

Are homeschoolers able to go to college?

Absolutely. Most community, private colleges, and public universities accept homeschoolers gladly. Generally, colleges will accept a student's ACT along with a transcript from the parents and do not require a GED or diploma from an accredited institution. If a college suggests that your child's homeschool diploma is insufficient and a GED is needed, it would be best to contact the HSLDA for advice.

 

What if I don't have a college degree? A high school diploma?

According to HSLDA, "Research and practical experience show that it is dedication and hard work, not special training, that produce outstanding educational results in a homeschool setting."

 

Also from HSLDA: "No one is an expert in everything! But don’t underestimate yourself. You are training your child to be an independent learner, so be a good example and learn right along with him! Teaching your child to tackle a subject and stick with it until the material is learned is a great experience for life. Well-respected publishers of high school-level curriculum do most of the work for you. Teacher guides, CDs, videos, lesson plans, tests, and quizzes are available from most publishers."

 

My child is not yet school age, but I plan to homeschool them. What can I do to get ready?

Try to get to know a seasoned homeschool mother. She will likely have a lot of reasonable advice. You can perhaps attend a homeschool conference the spring or summer before you plan to start homeschooling. There are many beneficial classes offered at homeschool conferences and an exhibit hall with curriculum. But still, this is not necessary. Remember, you don't have to buy an expensive curriculum set for any age, but especially for the first few years. Some classic reading material you may enjoy is Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt and The Three R's by Ruth Beechick. You may pick reading material on the web to explain different styles of home education like classical, unit study, Charlotte Mason method (living books), and more. Most of all, plan to never compare your family to any other family. You may find homeschool blogs to be sources of very beneficial information and ideas, but do not let them overwhelm you. God has made YOU the parent of your child. Your job is to please Him with what you have been given.

 

How do I get my preschool child ready to homeschool?

Read to them. Help them love books and Bible stories. Model good character and train them accordingly. You are already home educating them by letting them play, spending time with them, and talking with them. You don't have to push formal education and reading before they are ready. Most homeschool mothers will also say that young boys especially may not display readiness as early as we (eager) parents prefer.

 

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."    --Mr. Rogers