My Homeschooling Journey: How I Found the Right Program for My Son

Chee Chee Dumas

🎒 My Homeschooling Journey: How I Found the Right Program for My Son

When I first considered homeschooling my son, I knew I was entering a whole new world—one filled with choices, research, and lots of prayers for guidance. I wasn’t just looking for any program. I wanted something that fits our lifestyle, offers flexibility, and still upholds academic excellence.

Here’s how I found the right homeschool for us, and why I’m excited to begin this beautiful journey with my son.

🌟 My First Stop: Homeschool Global

Like many parents, I started with a popular name—Homeschool Global. They offer a US curriculum and have a professional system in place. I even attended their orientation at BGC and was welcomed warmly by their school advisors. They offered new parents helpful consultations, and I left the session feeling optimistic.

But before I could proceed with enrollment, I found out that Bible studies are integrated not just as a subject but across other subjects as well. While I respect that approach, I realized I preferred a more secular learning experience for my son at this stage. So, I took a pause.

🌐 Next Discovery: Better Together

I later discovered a program called homeschoolingbettertogether. They also offer a US curriculum and have a much lower accreditation fee, which is great for budget-conscious families.

However, one major downside was the difficulty in getting a consultation appointment. I value communication when it comes to educational planning, and I found it a bit frustrating not to speak directly to a school advisor. Also, they don’t have a physical hub nearby—which made it harder for me to fully grasp their learning environment.

🏡 Coming Full Circle: Homeschool Asia Pacific (HAP)

Funny enough, the very first homeschool I ever reached out to was Homeschool Asia Pacific (HAP). But at that time, I set it aside because their hub was located in Ayala Alabang—quite far from our home.

Eventually, I revisited HAP and dug deeper into their program. That’s when I realized: This is the homeschool that feels right.

They offer both DepEd accreditation and a US curriculum through The Stanton Academy, located in Austin, Texas. Their curriculum is comprehensive, flexible, and—most importantly—respects our family’s values and goals.

📚 What We Got for Kinder

After officially enrolling under the US accreditation, I received all the materials and modules I needed for Kindergarten:

Core Subjects: Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Values Education
Electives: Computer, PE, Music and Arts, Livelihood, and a Foreign Language

Everything was clearly laid out and designed to be parent-friendly. It gave me the confidence to guide my son through his early education.

💡 How We’re Making It Work

PE: We plan to go to Kidzoona once a week, so he can interact with other kids and enjoy physical activities in a fun setting.
Computer Class: My husband, who works in IT, is in charge of this one!
Foreign Language: I’ll be teaching him Filipino to strengthen his connection with our culture.

💸 Enrollment Cost & Accreditation Options

HAP offers three options:

DepEd Only Accreditation
US Only Accreditation (The Stanton Academy)
Dual Accreditation (DepEd + US)

Advantage of the US Homeschool Program

You can start anytime of the year. You can finish as fast as you can. You are not pressured because there is no deadline to finish a level. The Curriculum is according to US standards. Your transcript can be authenticated in the US. You can access the lessons anytime anywhere.

The Philippine Homeschool Program – How it Works

Everything is done at home. Parents or tutors if the parents cannot- they will conduct the teaching. First timers will be guided by via a start – up manual and needed online consultation. Grades are based on the quizzes and tests. Lessons and test are from downloadable and / or printed lessons. The student answers the quizzes and test at home. The answered tests and quizzes shall be sent to us via courier for submission and checking by the school. Final grades will be computed by the school based on the scores in the book activities and tests.

We chose the US option, which costs ₱74,500 if paid in full. There are installment options; Down payment: ₱35,000, monthly: P5,875 per month for 8 months (inclusive of Tax) but they end up costing more. We opted for the one-time payment, which I believe was worth it for the peace of mind and complete materials. Fees Inclusive of Textbooks already

Requirements: For new students: PSA copy of Birth Certificate and 2 x 2 ID picture; Signed contract; older students: Latest Report Card; Form 137

⭐ Celebrity Families Who Chose HAP

Did you know that some well-known Filipino celebrity families chose to homeschool with HAP too?

🎓 Jillian Ward – US Program
🎓 Darren Espanto – US Program
🎓 Kyle Echarri – US Program
🎓 Mika Gorospi– US Program
🎓 Bailey May– US Program

It’s comforting to know we’re walking the same path as these inspiring families who also prioritize tailored, home-based education.

💭 Why I Chose Homeschooling

Homeschooling isn’t just about convenience or avoiding traffic—it’s about being present during these foundational years of my son’s life. I want to be his first teacher, cheerleader, and guide.

With homeschooling, we get to go at his own pace, cater to his learning style, and bring joy into every lesson. Whether it’s counting cookies for Math or exploring leaves in the garden for Science, learning becomes a lifestyle.

🌐 Want to Know More?

If you’re curious about homeschooling or want to check out HAP for your child, visit their website here:
👉 Homeschool Asia Pacific (HAP) and The Stanton Academy for US Accrediataion or you can visit their facebookpage here

Also check out Kidzoona Philippines for your child’s weekly play and social activity time.

✨ Final Thoughts

Homeschooling is not an easy road, but it’s one filled with growth, love, and discovery—for both parent and child. I hope sharing my story helps you, especially if you’re still figuring out where to start.

Feel free to reach out or drop a comment if you have any questions. I’m cheering you on, mama!

With love,
Chee Chee
👩‍🏫📚💻
Follow more stories like this on Chee Chee’s Corner

CHEE CHEE'S CORNER