QED Homeschool FAQ's
Why use a consultancy like Quality Education by Design. Can't I just find a teacher and do it myself?
You certainly can. If you are a trained teacher and have the time to conduct interviews, review weekly lesson plans, compare them to the NYS curriculum and the learning plan you've prepared for your child, and if you have time to work with your child's teacher when your child is experiencing difficulty - especially if emotional problems or learning disabilities are involved. Our clients turn to us for our experience and knowledge in this area, and we are always available to guide and support them.
What we offer in our consultancy service is oversight of and support for your child's teacher and you, assuring the curriculum is optimal, the learning plan is being followed, and your child's needs are being addressed. Beyond merely finding and placing a teacher, we are always available to both you and your child's teacher(s) throughout the school year to make sure your year works out right.
Is homeschooling legal?
Yes. Every parent has the right to provide an appropriate education for their child, and personalized schooling at home is a highly desirable alternative to a group setting.
Is there a homeschool curriculum?
Our trademark is the individual attention we provide to each of our clients. We work with the interests and abilities of our students to help them realize their highest potential, beginning with the New York State core curriculum standards and building dynamically from there. We have found our method produces a high level of student achievement and satisfaction. This individualized, academic and child-centered approach is based on establishing goals, checking for achievement, and setting new goals. Education that makes sense!
What would this look like in practice? It depends on the child. We start with finding a teacher who fits the child - not just assigning an available QED teacher. That's crucial. And it often means a specialized teacher search. For a student who is a busy actor, it could mean coordinating work schedules, school, music or dance lessons, and socialization. For a student who dislikes academics, it might be helping a student create a theoretical video game: they would need to know physics (What force is exerted by wood on the bullet, for example); geography and history (what countries and paths did drug routes take at different times in history), forensics and science: conducting saliva swab tests on family and friends, art (background and details of the game itself) and even game making and programming.
Learning is exciting. Share the excitement with us.
What about socializing and making friends?
We believe some of the most important skills learned in primary and secondary schools are interacting with others and behaving appropriately in whole-group situations. For this reason, it is vital for homeschoolers to have opportunities to socialize regularly with and learn from peers. When families decide to pursue homeschooling, we assure that non-academic and social activities are a part of the child's curriculum. Fortunately, New York City is full of opportunities for every age homeschooler to interact with peers. If your child has a particular interest or aptitude, we'll search to find the types of group activities they enjoy.
What schools have students homeschooled with QED tutors been accepted to?
- Ethical Culture Fieldston School
- Trinity
- The Dwight School
- Brearley
- Friends Seminary
- Columbia Grammar and Prep
- Professional Childrens School (PCS)
- Riverdale
- Greenwich Country Day School
- Packer Prep
- Elizabeth Irwin High School
- and growing
What about field trips and traveling?
Here you are limited only by your imagination and your budget. Many amazing trips can be planned around curricular studies; from as close by as our local Manhattan museums and historic neighborhoods to as far away as Egypt or the Galapagos Islands. Occasionally teachers are available to travel with families or may even take children to these locations on their own. All trips are supported by appropriate activities and materials to enrich the experience.
Are you a school? Are you accredited?
We are not a school and are not accredited. We assist families with the homeschool process.
Where will school take place?
Typically a family will have a quiet area/room of their home dedicated to serving as the classroom.
How many hours a day and days in a week should a child have school?
The number of required school hours is mandated by the Department of Education. Within this framework there is room for flexibility in planning.
What are the costs?
Each homeschooling program is customized, and costs vary. Expenses are comparable to (but may exceed) attending a New York City independent school. In general, older students--middle or high school-- or those receiving more services (extra-curriculars, standardized test preparation, multiple teachers) will have a more expensive overall program than younger students. The self-directed upper-grade student who is able to work independently can bring costs down considerably. Call us at 212-714-9347 or e-mail us at director@qedny.us to discuss your situation and get a price quote.
We will be happy to discuss detailed answers to the above questions and many more (such as those below) when we meet at our initial consultation. You may contact us at the email address at the bottom of the page.
What if my child has special needs?
Will my child have PE?
How do school reports get filed?
What is required of the parents?
Substitute teachers?
Can we include more than one child?
Do you have homework?
How will my child be assessed, and by whom?
What about standardized tests (like the ERB or ISEE)?