Learn the Faith

Educating Our Children at Home

Advantages/Reasons

  • Socialization across age groups and with siblings
  • Strengthening of familial bonds – learning at home surrounded by a loving family encourages confidence and self-reliance
  • Flexibility to tailor curriculum to various learning styles, interests, and abilities

Beginning and Ending the School Year with Fairfax County

  • For children 6 years old by Sept. 30th until high school graduation, see Virginia Home Instruction Statute (22.1-254.1)
  • Contact Fairfax County Public School Department of Special Services (571-423-4460, www.fcps.edu/dss/osp/StudentRegistration/homeinstruction/) to obtain and submit, by August 15th, a Notification by Parent of Intent to Provide Home Instruction.
  • By the following August 1st, submit evidence of adequate educational progress. Seton Testing Department (540-636-9990) can provide standardized achievement test materials and score summaries for this step.

Helpful Resources

  • St. Cecelia Club (local music and art field trips) (see parish office for contact)
  • McLean Area Catholic Homeschoolers or "MACH" (local supportive gatherings and field trips) (see parish office for contact)
  • Home School Legal Defense Association (www.hslda.org)
  • Fairfax Home School Athletic Association (www.fhs-aa.org)
  • Immaculate Heart of Mary Conferences (www.ihmconference.org)

Getting Started and Organized

  • 101 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy
  • Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling by Mary Pride
  • Ginny’s Gems: Home Management Essentials by Ginny Seuffert
  • 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
  • Boundaries with Kids and Boundaries with Teens by Dr. John Townsend

Curriculum/Textbook Resources Used by Families in the Parish

For more information about educating your children at home, please contact [email protected].