Should You Opt for Distance Learning or Homeschool? DoNotPay Explains the Options!
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions of families across the U.S. to change their routine, and education did not stay immune. Most schools closed due to safety reasons, and parents had to choose between two options—distance learning and homeschool education.
Choosing the right option for your child is not easy, so DoNotPay analyzes both methods and helps you make an informed decision.
What You Should Know About Distance Learning
Distance learning is what most parents and children were thrown into when the COVID-19 pandemic began. This type of learning:
- Happens outside of schools, usually at home
- Is always virtual or online because it involves using computers and other electronic devices for communication
- Is usually administered by teachers who already work for the schools or districts
- Involves the use of tools developed by a school or educational institution
- Requires using platforms like Zoom or working with online learning providers for a seamless experience
Full-Time Online School Option
Full-time online learning is different from emergency distance learning. Public schools have no tuition and are available in 33 states with more than 300,000 students attending.
Here are some relevant facts about these institutions:
- Students are taught by certified teachers specifically trained to use the required technology for the lessons
- Lessons and curriculum align with state education standards
- The schools must develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for children with specific learning needs
- Flexible schedules are a must to ensure students are not sitting in front of their computers for eight hours a day
What Is Homeschooling, and How Does It Differ From Distance Learning?
Even though homeschooling also happens at home, it is not the same as distance learning. Homeschooling rules and requirements differ across the states but typically boil down to this:
- Parents, tutors, or community members can teach their children at home. In most states, there is no need for them to be certified teachers
- Some states require homeschoolers to teach specific subjects to students, but it is not always mandatory
- Parents can usually choose the curriculum and teaching method they want to apply
- Specific states require homeschoolers to take annual standardized tests, but most don’t
- The technology used depends on the parents and chosen curriculum
Before deciding whether to homeschool or not, it is essential to research the local homeschooling rules. You probably must send a notice of intent to homeschool to your local school district if you want to start teaching at home.
This legal document informs the superintendent of your wish to take the child out of school and teach them at home.
Distance Learning vs. Homeschooling—What Is the Better Option?
Regardless of the reason for taking your child out of school, choosing a suitable alternative is tricky. Take a look at the table below for the pros and cons of distance learning and homeschooling:
| Distance Learning | Homeschooling |
|---|---|
Pros:
Cons:
| Pros:
Cons:
|
With everything mentioned in the table, the choice between homeschooling and distance learning should not be difficult. If you are willing to dedicate yourself to educating your child, they will thrive in a homeschooling environment.
DoNotPay Can Help You Create a Letter of Intent To Homeschool in a Jiffy
Teaching your child at home comes with mandatory paperwork, which is always the dullest part of the process. Creating a letter of intent to homeschool and subsequently keeping the necessary records can be tiring and time-consuming. The good news is that you don’t have to deal with it on your own. DoNotPay can generate a notice of intent with all the necessary information in a heartbeat. You should only:
- Sign up for DoNotPay
- Choose our Notice of Intent To Homeschool product
- Provide us with the essential information related to your school district
- Answer a few questions about you and your child
Once you complete the questionnaire, you can choose to:
- Have your letter of intent notarized
- Have us mail the letter on your behalf
- Download the PDF and send it yourself

DoNotPay can also tell you:
- What is required to homeschool your child
- Whether you can start homeschooling in the middle of the year
- If someone else can homeschool your child
- What the easiest states for homeschooling are
- If homeschooled students are smarter
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