4 Benefits of Homeschooling Year-Round

Every homeschool family is an individual unit. We have our own styles, methods, schedules and priorities. We also have our own calendars. Some follow the traditional school calendar. Some mark their year from January 1 to December 31. We all do what works for our own families. Our family follows a year-round schedule broken up into three terms. Each term is 12 weeks followed by a 4-week break. It works for us. Below are 10 benefits I've found in year-round homeschool.

Consistency: Short breaks mean we do not spend time reviewing material. We can move forward continually.

Flexibility: Even though we have scheduled "breaks", there is more leeway with our time. If we miss a day here or a week there, it's ok. We have 365 days to accomplish 180 days (the legal requirement for attendance in Florida) of material.

Less 'burnout': Since we only do formal lessons for three months at a time, rather than 9 months, the children don't suffer burnout. It's just three little months and then they have a month off for rest and relaxation while I get the next term prepared. We also use those "off" months for lots of outdoor activities, nature studies, hiking, museums (which by the way..count towards our 180 days also!). They are always learning but it's done differently during our breaks.

Opportunities to do other things: If we want to take a field trip or spend a week camping. It's OK. We can do that. If I want the kids to go to co-ops weekly and take monthly classes at the zoo or whatever else may strike our fancy, we can do it. I know that we can break from the plans with the knowledge that we can still complete them. No rush.

Can you think of any other benefits to a year-round homeschool schedule? Please share your thoughts in the comments.


Happy Homeschooling!