Have you ever wished you could just load up the family and set out on an adventure, only to have your dreams thwarted by rigid schedules? While every parent would love to give their child a chance to broaden their horizons, expand their learning environment, and experience unique extracurricular activities, traditional schools, and office-bound jobs just don’t offer much flexibility.
For these and many other reasons, families across the United States embrace the opportunities homeschooling presents when they're able.
Unlike public or private schools, homeschooling families enjoy a flexible schedule, a completely unique and curated school environment, and opportunities to provide their children with hands-on learning traditional school students simply don’t get.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of homeschooling, specifically the benefits of homeschooling on the Outer Banks, read on for some first-hand insights from local parents.
In this blog, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions, provide great ideas for things to do with your homeschooler when you visit the Outer Banks and connect you to resources so you can learn more about homeschooling on the Outer Banks.
Key Details of Homeschooling on the Outer Banks
What ages/grades can attend homeschool on the Outer Banks?
In North Carolina, you can homeschool at any age, meaning you can create a curriculum and program that works for your child from pre-k through high school.
How does Homeschooling on the Outer Banks compare to other areas?
Homeschooling on the Outer Banks offers kids the opportunity to learn about nature and history in ways they wouldn’t be able to in a traditional school setting. It also lets them spend more time outdoors than private schools or public schools allow.
Whether you’re spending a day at the Wright Brothers National Memorial learning about the first flight or studying marine biology along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this aspect of homeschooling is one of the biggest benefits. In fact, the only thing that could make the homeschooling experience better on the Outer Banks would be having even more resources.
Daily Life and Routine for Homeschoolers
When asked about their daily routine and how homeschooling on the Outer Banks benefits their family, one local parent said, “Our daily routine has varied over the years as our kids have aged. In the younger years, we would start the day outside exploring in nature to get energy out before completing bookwork. Currently, with upper elementary and middle schoolers at my house, we usually start our schooling immediately after breakfast, break for lunch and finish up early afternoon before getting outdoors for physical activity.”
This freedom to create the type of home education program your child needs can help them positively relate to learning and look forward to their school time each day.
Furthering that point, parents also said, “We love the flexibility! Our school days are not governed by inclement weather or a pandemic. We are able to continue our progress in school despite those external circumstances… We are also able to take breaks for activities or trips that provide our kids with life experiences they may not otherwise get to participate in, and we can take our schooling on the road when we see fit.”
Homeschooling Curriculum and Learning Programs
What kind of curriculums and learning programs are available for homeschoolers on the Outer Banks?
There are many curriculum options available, from online homeschooling to boxed sets. Because every child learns differently, families often find it helpful to combine various resources to create a personalized educational plan. This can include online classes for certain subjects and traditional textbooks for others. The goal is to find the mix that works best for your specific child.
Is Homeschooling on the Outer Banks accredited?
You can choose a curriculum that meets all the standards of traditional school. Our source said, “We currently use a curriculum that is advanced and well known for setting kids up with a solid educational foundation. Once our kids start high school, we will utilize an online transcript program in combination with courses that meet the state standards. This way, our kids will be able to seamlessly transition into a college program.”
Extracurricular Activities and Socialization
How are subjects like art, PE, and music handled?
One of the best benefits of homeschooling on the Outer Banks is that it often involves collaborative learning. Families join co-op groups where they can share resources and offer their own personal strengths. These groups offer a variety of subjects, such as art, PE, astronomy, STEM, music, geology, home economics, and more. This setup helps parents who may not have expertise in every area, providing kids with a more diverse and enriching learning experience.
What extracurricular activities are available for homeschoolers on the Outer Banks?
Local parks programs offer sports for children up to age 12 on Hatteras Island and up to age 15 in the northern areas of the OBX. Music programs are popular in the area, and several school clubs also welcome homeschoolers.
In high school, dual enrollment programs allow homeschoolers to join traditional high school clubs and sports teams, providing kids with plenty of socialization and key pieces of the traditional school experience.
Homeschooling on Vacation to the Outer Banks
When asked about the best ways to continue a student’s learning while visiting the Outer Banks, one local parent said, “I would suggest looking up "Outer Banks Homeschooling" on Facebook and asking questions about what activities are open to visitors for the week of their vacation. Parents are wonderful at sharing information and responding quickly. Another option is to stop by one of the National Park Offices to find out what educational activities they are offering that week.”
You can create a unique lesson plan from a field trip to the Graveyard of the Atlantic or do a biology or zoology unit on the wild horses in Corolla. Additionally, local libraries, museums, and historical sites like Roanoke Island Festival Park are all great resources for your homeschooled students to experience during your Outer Banks vacation.
Tips for Families Considering Homeschooling
Q/A from local OBX Parents
What advice would you give to families thinking about homeschooling on the OBX?
“Find a group of homeschool parents that you can meet up with and swap ideas with! Having a solid community is important for a successful and fun homeschool journey.”
What do you wish you’d known before you started homeschooling?
“I wish someone would have told me that you do not have to recreate the public school classroom at home. If you want to recreate it, then why not send your kids to school? The beauty of homeschool is creating a unique experience for your child that they would not experience otherwise.”
How has homeschooling impacted your family dynamic and lifestyle?
“Homeschooling has provided us with the freedom to be flexible and travel more during the winters! Both which are important to our family.”
Links to Local OBX Homeschooling Resources
- Homeschooling in the Outer Banks
- Outer Banks Homeschool Alliance
- Dare County Libraries
- Educational Activities Outer Banks
Discover the Benefits of Homeschooling on the Outer Banks on Your Next Vacation
Featured Property: WL853, Out of Office OBX
School’s back in session, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until spring break to get away! Enjoy all the benefits of homeschooling on the Outer Banks when you plan an epic vacation today!
If you have homeschooled children or if you’re just interested in giving your kids some educational and fun activities during your stay, the Outer Banks is full of exciting opportunities for learning and adventure.
At Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales, we have the perfect vacation rental for you and your student(s). With plenty of space to learn and relax, you’re guaranteed to spark a new curiosity as you discover all the incredible things waiting on our shores.
Take a look at our complete inventory of Outer Banks vacation rentals and Hatteras Island homes and find your ideal spot! When you’re ready to book, remember to do it directly with Brindley Beach for the best rates and service. Our team of locals is ready to assist you with anything you need throughout the entire process.
We hope to see you soon!