So, we have decided to homeschool our son. What do we do? Where do we go first? What are the requirements? What does it entail in terms of finances?

I am familiar with the idea of homeschooling having grown up with playmates who were the sons and daughters of American missionaries who helped in the mission hospital where my parents worked. I initially thought homeschooling was only for people who were constantly on the go – those who were moved or assigned from place to place like our missionary friends were.

Years later, we, again, heard of homeschooling through our Senior Pastor who’s wife had homeschooled their five childrenall the way through high school. It was but natural that we would consider The Master’s Academy as the school to which we would enroll our son.

I went online, then emailed The Master’s Academy about our intention, and they informed us that they had an orientation two weeks later. The person who contacted us informed me that my son would have to take a diagnostic exam to determine his level. A couple of weeks found me and our son on a plane for a flight to Manila at the onset of a storm called “Falcon.” As soon as we had landed, all flights were cancelled!

It was a wet three days for us in Manila, but despite the weather, our visit to TMA (The Master’s Academy) was very fruitful. The orientation convinced us that homeschooling was definitely for us and we were doing the right thing in deciding to homeschool our son. The things I learned at that orientation are found in my “What Is Homeschooling?” and “Why Homeschool?” blogs. RD took the diagnostic exam with other kids who were there, and finished in about an hour.

After the orientation, we were given a sheaf of papers consisting of: 1) The Enrollment Checklist, 2) Pre-Enrollment Form, 3) Medical Form, and 4) The Enrollment Form. These were to be filled up and submitted during enrollment.

Below is the Enrollment Checklist:

FOR NEW STUDENTS

     Preschool – Grade 1

• Duly accomplished Enrollment Form
• Photocopy of NSO Registered Birth Certificate
• Certified True Copy of Latest Report Card (if with previous school)
• Medical Certificate
• 1 copy 1×1 latest ID picture (with white background)