Full-Time RVers Guide to Schooling

Full-time RV living is a decision that many families across the United States are choosing and loving. When you are of retirement age or you have grown children, you have many things to consider before you commit to full-time. If you are a younger family with school age children, there is still much to consider. However, I think the biggest decision that will need to be made is to figure out schooling on the road. There are several options and benefits to each choice.

Homeschooling
Homeschooling has become very popular these days even for people who are not full-timers. When you homeschool you can choose from many different programs that meet the needs of you and your family. Some homeschool programs may require monthly or quarterly meetings face to face with a teacher. If you know when those meetings will take place you can travel accordingly. I suggest taking some time to get opinions from other parents that home school their children. Make of list of things that you want out of your homeschool program and make sure you find one that fits the needs of your child and your lifestyle.

Staying Put the Public School Option
There is also the option to stay within the public school system and travel seasonally or only during breaks from school. Some families also choose to become full-timers but do not travel out of the RV Park they have chosen. There is some debate on whether living in an RV/Trailer makes you homeless, but for the sake of this blog let’s just say home is where you park. If you are living at one park you can use the address of the park as your home address to establish residency. The benefits to staying with the public school system are not as plentiful as those of your other options, but some parents just are not cut out for homeschooling and that is okay.

Road-Schooling
Road-schooling is a newer education plan that has become increasingly popular. It is the practice of going where the road takes you and learning while you go. When you make the choice to Road-School you will see plenty of benefits and a lot more freedom. Instead of teaching a curriculum based upon the standards set by each state, you teach your curriculum based upon where your travels take you. This can be an adventurous experience for everyone involved. Think of how wonderful it could be to learn about our legislative government while camping in Washington DC. What could be more exciting than teaching history at the exact spot that history took place?

When you become a Full-Time RVer be sure to look into all of your education options. Some children need more time to focus than others and may distract easily, while some children thrive in a hands on get out there a see the world kind of environment. You know your own children and what they can and can’t handle. Weigh all your options carefully and then get out there and lead the life you long to. Maybe you will learn a little something along the way. Happy Trails!