Homeschooled kids are a class apart from kids that have attended regular schools. Not in that, they are better or worse than their counterparts – their experiences are wholly different. So if you’re a parent who is looking to homeschool their kids, how do you fit in?

There is space for everyone in the world of homeschooling, but as a parent, there’s a lot you need to be aware of before you get into the process.

Of course, the very first thing is to identify your reason for deviance from normal schooling. Many kids often struggle in school due to bullies, or because of a learning disability. What’s worse is a combination of the two that causes children to become reserved and uncomfortable – neither of which are ideal learning environments.

Here are some homeschooling communities that you will find, both online and in real life, that prefer to give their children an alternative experience.

Children with learning disabilities/special needs
Traditional school programs are often standardized to the point that they simply cannot provide for students that require slightly more attention. Learning/mental disabilities range on a spectrum, and children that fall on the higher end often require round-the-clock care and attention, besides also needing personalized methods of teaching. These factors also affect the level of comfort the child feels, therefore, parents who employ online homeschool programs are better able to tend to their kids, while also giving them the individual instruction and support needed for them to learn.

Logistical problems
This is a far more common occurrence than you might think. Everything from the kind of lifestyle your family follows, to your geographical proximity to a brick and mortar school, and any military jobs the family is involved in – all pose challenges to traditional schooling. This can also be extended to include those learning trade crafts, like art, from their families. An easily accessible Internet and online homeschooling programs bridge this monumental gap and provide education to all.

Alternative learning abilities
By now, it is a well-known fact that not all kids stand to benefit from the rote memorization and desk learning that traditional schools by definition provide. Earlier, these deviances might have been seen as disabilities, but now we see them for what they are. If you find that your kid is a visual-spatial or a more hands-on student, you can tailor online homeschool programs to meet that need.

These are by no means all the many homeschooling communities. There are many more that you may fit in, or not. The idea is that you’re making the best possible decision for your child.