Best Homeschooling Teachers & Tutors in the NYC Metro Area

At Themba Tutors, we value the advantages of homeschooling and strive to incorporate additional features that enrich students’ educational journeys. In conjunction with the flexibility and personalized guidance inherent in homeschooling, we provide the following:

✔️ Full Accreditation Support:

We recognize the significance of fulfilling accreditation requirements. Our program offers live assistance to help families navigate the accreditation process seamlessly.

✔️ Individualized Live Instruction:

Our proficient tutors deliver daily live lessons in subjects like English, English language arts, math, science, and social studies. This ensures that students engage in interactive and captivating learning experiences.

✔️ Tailored Instruction:

We acknowledge that every student has unique learning needs. Through our personalized placement services, we ensure that students are placed at the appropriate instructional level based on their abilities.

✔️ Access to our Knowledgeable Learning Specialists:

This ensures personalized guidance and support from subject experts. They provide one-on-one instruction, effective studying strategies, and tailored assistance to meet individual learning needs. Our specialists adapt their approach to cater to diverse learning styles, helping students deepen their understanding and overcome challenges.

✔️ Support for Learning Variances:

We firmly believe in fostering an inclusive learning environment. Our program accommodates students with diverse learning differences, guaranteeing equal opportunities for success for all learners.

Personal Attention

Class size can be an issue for students who have difficulty focusing. Many students need personal one on one attention to grasp a concept fully. In a thirty-student class, during a standard forty-minute lesson, one teacher can only hope to spend an average of two minutes on any one student.

With home tutoring,  students will receive undivided attention from an experienced homeschool tutor. Having a Themba tutor to teach your child will provide your family with a massive advantage. Our teachers are learning specialists too. Learning specialists have more training than regular education teachers. A lot of ground can be covered over one session compared to one hour of large group learning.

Qualified and Experienced Tutors

Typically, parents will teach their children themselves, but this method has its limits. Contrary to popular belief, it is not easy to be a good teacher, particularly your child! Although you may be knowledgeable in a field of study, teaching it is a different story.

Themba Tutors include our homeschool tutors’ bios on our website.  Feel free to speak to our staff for free on the phone!

Exam Preparation

There are certain times of the year when tutoring is worth the investment.  We provide a variety of exam preparation. Please reach out to us if you need your child tutored for a particular exam.

All Ages and Learning Differences

Themba Tutors caters to students of all ages, from early childhood to high school. Whether your child is the next Einstein or  Maria-Anna “Nannerl” Mozart or has learning/attentional differences, our experienced staff is equipped to provide individualized attention and support tailored to your family’s specific needs.

Budget Flexibility

We understand that budgeting plays a vital role in homeschooling. At Themba Tutors, we offer flexible budget options to accommodate your financial situation. To partner with us, we require at least 3 hours of tutoring per week, except for holidays. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, and we work with you to find an option that suits your needs.

Location

We travel to you in the NYC metro area and are available for remote support for all time zones!

Step 1: Know Your Homeschooling Laws

Understanding the homeschooling laws in your state is crucial for a smooth homeschooling journey. Each state has its own specific requirements, so it’s essential that we comply with the laws in your state. Our team of experts will design the homeschooling experience your family needs with confidence and care!  

Step 2: Choose a Homeschooling Method

When it comes to homeschooling, select the right way to meet your family’s educational needs. There are many homeschooling methods available, each with its own unique approach. Let’s explore a few popular ones:

1. Traditional Method: This method follows a structured curriculum similar to that of traditional schools, with set subjects and grade levels. It provides a familiar and organized learning environment for both the student and parent.
2. Unit Studies Method: This approach revolves around organizing lessons and activities around specific topics or themes. It allows for an integrated and holistic approach to learning, connecting various subjects to deepen understanding.
3. Unschooling Method: Unschooling promotes self-directed learning, allowing children to pursue their interests and passions. It encourages exploration, experiential learning, and individualized education plans tailored to each child’s unique learning style
4. A Mish-mash of methods! In addition to the more defined homeschooling methods mentioned above, some families opt for a mish-mash or eclectic approach, combining various elements from different methods to suit their children’s learning needs. This flexible approach allows families to tailor their homeschooling experience by cherry-picking aspects from different methodologies. It might involve integrating project-based learning, democratic education principles, and online learning platforms to create a well-rounded and personalized educational experience.
5. Project-Based Learning (PBL): Project-Based Learning is an immersive method that centers around hands-on projects to drive learning. Students engage in in-depth projects that require them to explore real-world problems, conduct research, collaborate with peers, and present their findings. This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Families adopting this method often design projects aligned with their children’s interests, helping them cultivate a love for learning and a sense of accomplishment.
6. Democratic Education: Democratic education emphasizes the active participation of students in shaping their learning experiences. It involves giving students a say in decision-making processes, curriculum design, and even the rules of the learning environment. This method nurtures autonomy, responsibility, and a sense of community. Families following democratic education principles might involve their children in setting learning goals, choosing subjects, and planning activities, fostering a sense of ownership over their education.
7. Online Learning: In the digital age, online learning has gained prominence as a homeschooling method. Online platforms offer a wide range of courses, resources, and interactive tools that cater to various learning styles. Families can leverage online resources to supplement their curriculum, access specialized courses, and facilitate remote learning. Online learning provides flexibility in scheduling and allows students to explore subjects that might not be available through traditional methods.

Step 3: Identify Your Plans and Goals

Before diving into homeschooling, it’s important to identify your plans and goals for your child’s education. By understanding your family’s objectives, you can choose the most suitable homeschooling method and tailor the curriculum accordingly. Consider the following factors:

1. Academic Goals: We help you determine the academic benchmarks you want your child to achieve. Whether you’re focusing on college preparation, advanced coursework, or strong developmental skills, such as mastering literacy and math, clarifying these goals with us will shape your homeschooling approach. Themba Tutors also offers academic assessments and will help you shape the type of curriculum you want your child to have.
2. Personalized Learning: Homeschooling offers the opportunity for personalized education. Consider your child’s unique learning style, strengths, and weaknesses. We can help identify areas where they may need additional support or enrichment and design a curriculum that addresses these needs. At Themba Tutors, we teach every grade level and learning profile, including students with attentional and learning differences.
3. Life Skills and Values: Education goes beyond academic subjects. Consider the life skills and values you want to instill in your child. Whether it’s critical thinking, problem-solving, empathy, or cultural awareness, integrate these aspects into your homeschooling plan. Executive function coaching is a developmental skill that we teach people of all ages. By focusing on key cognitive processes like organization, time management, task initiation, self-regulation, and goal setting, executive function coaching improves planning, prioritization, focus, and general management of daily responsibilities. The benefits go beyond school and have an effect on work performance, personal relationships, and general well-being. It helps students do better in school, feel more confident, and be more independent. As an adult, having these underlying skills as a springboard will help with job and personal success.
4. Extracurricular Activities: Homeschooling allows flexibility in scheduling, providing ample time for extracurricular pursuits. We help you determine the extracurricular activities you want your child to engage in, such as sports, the arts, music, or community service. FYI, Physical Education is a requirement! Themba Tutors will help you incorporate these activities into your homeschooling plan to foster a well-rounded education.

How many hours of homeschooling do I need?

Themba Tutors will help you find the best curriculum by creating and adjusting weekly and monthly calendars: We are flexible with the families we serve.

• Younger students typically benefit from 2–3 hours of homeschooling per day.
• Students in 4th–6th grades tend to require 3–4 hours per day.
• For 7th–9th graders, it is recommended to allocate 4-5 hours per day.
• High school students in 10th–12th grade may need an average of 7 hours per day.

Some states have a minimum requirement of hours per day and total hours of instruction per quarter. These hours can be designed and broken down into active and passive instruction, e.g., workbooks, home homework, and carry-over work.

By aligning your plans and goals with the chosen homeschooling method, we will create a customized educational experience that caters to your child’s specific needs and aspirations.

Step 4: Connect with Fellow Homeschooling Groups

Building a supportive network of fellow homeschoolers can greatly enhance your homeschooling journey. Connecting with homeschooling groups allows you to share experiences, exchange resources, and find a community of like-minded individuals. These groups often organize field trips, co-op classes, and social activities, providing valuable socialization opportunities for your child. At Themba Tutors, we understand the importance of community, and we can assist you in finding reputable homeschooling groups in your area. By joining these groups, you and your child can benefit from the collective knowledge, support, and camaraderie of the homeschooling community.

Step 5: Start Homeschooling Now 

Now that you have gained a solid understanding of the steps involved in homeschooling, it’s time to take the leap and embark on this rewarding journey. Once you sign up with Themba Tutors, we are here to support you every step of the way. Here are some key considerations as you begin your homeschooling adventure:

1. 1. Letter of Intent (LOI): At the beginning of the academic year (July 1) or within 14 days of commencing homeschooling, parents are required to submit a Letter of Intent to the superintendent of their local school district. The letter should state, “I am informing you that I will be homeschooling [child’s name] for the upcoming school year.” Additionally, you may be asked to provide your address and your child’s age to establish residency and ensure compliance with compulsory schooling requirements. Once you have submitted the letter of intent, it is advisable to obtain confirmation and notify the principal and district via email. Following the submission of the letter of intent, you will have 28 days to complete and submit the Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) form.
   2. Response from the District: Upon receiving the letter of intent, the school district has 10 business days to respond. They will provide you with a copy of the homeschooling regulations along with a standardized form for submitting the IHIP. However, parents are allowed to create their own IHIP forms, which is a common practice.

• Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP): Parents have four weeks from the date they receive the materials from the district, or until August 15 of that school year (whichever is later), to submit their IHIP. If needed, you can seek assistance from Homeschool Legal Defense in completing the IHIP forms. The IHIP can be as simple as a one-page list of resources that you intend to utilize throughout the year. Any changes or adjustments that occur during the year can be documented in the quarterly reports. Many parents include a disclaimer similar to the one I used with my own children: “In addition to the texts and workbooks listed for all subjects, we will supplement our curriculum with resources from home, the library, the internet, and other sources, as well as incorporate field trips, classes, programs, and community events as they arise. Further details will be provided in the quarterly reports.” It is important to note that the district’s role is not to evaluate or judge your teaching materials or plan. Their purpose is to acknowledge that you have a plan in place, which is often flexible in most districts. If you encounter any difficulties in this step, a convenient and cost-effective solution is to use an all-in-one homeschool workbook initially and gradually incorporate additional resources and activities throughout the year.

Start and End Dates

Determine the start and end dates for your homeschooling year. This allows you to establish a clear timeline and plan your curriculum accordingly. Remember, homeschooling offers the flexibility to adjust schedules to suit your family’s needs.

Quarterly Reports: States have suggested quarterly dates and may require an annual assessment with approved assessments, which could be substituted with a written narrative.

For New York State/New York City: 

• Students in Homeschool do not receive credits, transcripts, or high school diplomas.  New York State does not recognize virtual or online schools.  You are welcome to use an online school to meet the requirements of home schooling, including the IHIP and quarterly reports.
• IEP and special education services for home schooled students are provided by the Committees on Special Education. You may contact them directly via email. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/special-education/help/committees-on-special-education
• For students in D75 please email Kalvin Lubin at [email protected].
• This is the email for Homeschooling, for Medically Necessary Instruction, please see  https://www.homeinstructionschools.com/ or email [email protected].