Homeschool Tips: Creating a Name for Your School

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image (c) Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved

Thinking about creating a name for your homeschool? Should you? What would you use it for and why? I'm a veteran homeschooler who has been asked many questions and experienced a variety of aspects of homeschool. We named our homeschool before we even started - the day we decided to consider the option. Yes, that’s where the name “Heart ‘N Mind Homeschool” first originated. Perhaps my expertise will help you decide whether you should create a name and how to do that.

Is a Name Necessary for Homeschool?

No, it is not necessary for a home school to have a name. That is, unless you have registered your school. Otherwise, it is more of a want than a need. But it can be both fun and useful to name your home school.

Why Should We Name Our Homeschool?

Some choose to name their homeschool to make it feel like more of a school to their child. Some just do it out of fun. It could come in handy if you create school t-shirts or other uniform clothing to wear on field trips, for sports practices, and for other public events. A name for your school can also make you and the kids feel good when people ask about school. Instead of saying "Oh, we homeschool", you can say "They attend "(your school's name) homeschool".

How to Create a Good Name for Your Homeschool

When creating a name for your school, be sure it's something neutral that everyone agrees on. The name will stick with you, so put some thought into it. Are there some principles you'd like represented in the name? A motto your family lives by? A certain teaching method? Those are all things you may consider when choosing a name. The family last name is another source of inspiration. You can even make it fun by having a "school election" to choose the name. Be creative and choose a name that speaks to all family members involved.

Where Should We Display Our Homeschool's Name?

Anywhere you wish! Some may create a banner or sign for the door or doorway to their classroom. Others may put a sign in their front yard. As mentioned above, the name will fit nicely on sports or field trip uniforms. If you register your homeschool, some retailers will offer you a teacher discount if you use the school name and other pertinent info. You also may wish to create student IDs for the children. Depending on what state you live in, they may or may not be valid for anything. Either way, they can still be fun. You can order customized school supplies or even bumper stickers. There are endless ways to use your homeschool's name.


*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network