There are certainly a variety of reasons to homeschool your kids. Perhaps you don't like how your local public schools are run. Perhaps the curriculum they use is not acceptable to you? Sometimes it's the family bonds. Maybe you don't like the public schools but aren't well off enough to afford private school. Perhaps you need a religious curriculum. It's important that you not overlook your choices. How can you decide which curriculum is best for your kids? Keep reading for some of the most popular options on the market today.

Before you start buying up lesson plans and enrolling your kids in online classes, make sure you understand the federal regulations that govern K-12 education. While a lot of the regulations are left up to the states, there are some federal rules that you need to follow. It is important that you understand these regulations so you can be sure that your curriculum meets the requirements. Information on the current regulations can be obtained through your local board of education or the Department of Education.

Homeschooled kids are still required to take standardized tests that are sent out by the government and state. Each year, the brick and mortar schools set aside days for the students to take these tests. You will need to check with your local school board if you want to proctor these tests at home yourself. Sometimes, schools set aside days and require all homeschooled kids to come in and take the tests on those days.

Your local school board will be able to help you figure out how to approach the yearly standardized tests that your kids are required to take.

Choosing your homeschool curriculum requires considering many factors. How your kids learn best is, obviously, at the top of the list.

The strengths and weaknesses of your teaching style also need to be considered. As you put together your curriculum every year, you luckily have the freedom to play up your strengths. You don't have to force yourselves to stick to strict curriculum practices or units and you will be able to play to everyone's strengths while working through your weaknesses. Homeschooling is no longer just for religious people. These days parents from all walks of life and belief systems now choose homeschooling over public schools. Homeschooling decisions are not hard ones to make. Actually doing the work however can be more difficult. Your choices are nearly limitless. You will need to do some research and get your kids input too. You will then find the curriculum that will work best for you and your kids.