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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

At Smart Start Homeschooling, we understand that choosing the right educational path for your child is a big decision — and you likely have questions. Here are some of the most common inquiries we receive from parents exploring homeschooling for early years learners.

Smart Start Homeschooling

Homeschooling is an educational approach where children learn outside of traditional school settings, typically in their home environment under parent or tutor guidance. In Kenya, homeschooling is recognized under the Alternative Provision of Basic Education and Training (APBET) guidelines. At Smart Start, we provide structured educational programs, learning materials, expert guidance, and regular assessments to ensure your child receives a comprehensive early education that meets or exceeds national educational standards.

Yes, homeschooling is legal in Kenya. The Ministry of Education recognizes alternative education approaches, including homeschooling, under the Alternative Provision of Basic Education and Training (APBET) guidelines. Smart Start Homeschooling ensures all our programs comply with relevant educational regulations and standards.

For early years education (ages 3-7), formal credentials are not typically required. However, Smart Start provides comprehensive documentation of your child’s learning journey, including detailed portfolios, skill assessments, and progress reports. These records are designed to facilitate smooth transitions to traditional schools or continued homeschooling when the time comes.

Research consistently shows that homeschooled children typically perform as well as or better than their traditionally schooled peers on standardized assessments. At Smart Start, our learners often demonstrate advanced academic readiness, with particularly strong performance in reading, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This success stems from the personalized attention, customized pacing, and interest-driven learning that homeschooling provides.

This is perhaps the most common concern about homeschooling, yet research shows homeschooled children typically develop strong social skills through diverse, authentic social experiences. At Smart Start, we facilitate regular socialization through:

  • Weekly group learning sessions with other homeschooled children
  • Monthly field trips and community events
  • Interest-based clubs and activities
  • Family networking events
  • Community service projects
  • Sports and recreational activities These opportunities allow children to interact with diverse age groups in real-world contexts, often providing more meaningful socialization than age-segregated classrooms.

Smart Start specializes exclusively in early years education for children ages 3-7. We focus on this crucial developmental stage because we believe that a strong foundation in these formative years sets children up for lifelong success in learning and development.

While we align with the core objectives of the Kenyan Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), our approach is more comprehensive and flexible. We ensure children master all essential concepts outlined in the national curriculum while having the freedom to explore topics more deeply and advance at their own pace. Our curriculum incorporates international best practices in early childhood education while maintaining strong connections to Kenyan culture and values.

Our holistic curriculum covers:

  • Language and Literacy (English, Kiswahili, and native languages)
  • Mathematics and Numerical Reasoning
  • Science and Discovery
  • Social Studies and Cultural Awareness
  • Creative Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Drama)
  • Physical Development and Movement
  • Character Education and Values
  • Digital Literacy and Technology
  • Life Skills and Practical Knowledge
  • Environmental Awareness Beyond academic subjects, we emphasize the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

While each child’s schedule is personalized to their needs, a typical day includes:

  • Morning meeting and goal-setting (15-30 minutes)
  • Core skills development in literacy and numeracy (45-60 minutes)
  • Creative exploration and project work (45-60 minutes)
  • Physical activity and outdoor time (45-60 minutes)
  • Lunch and rest period
  • Interest-driven learning and specialized activities (45-60 minutes)
  • Story time and reflection (30 minutes)
  • Free play and unstructured learning time (varying duration) Schedules are flexible and adapted to each child’s attention span, energy levels, and learning style, with plenty of breaks and transitions between activities.

Personalization is at the heart of our approach. We begin with a comprehensive assessment of each child’s learning style, strengths, interests, and areas for growth. This information shapes every aspect of their learning plan, including:

  • Teaching methods and approaches
  • Learning materials and resources
  • Pacing and sequencing of concepts
  • Environmental adjustments
  • Balance of structured and unstructured learning time For children with specific learning differences or special needs, we create additional accommodations and can bring in specialized support as needed.

Our full-time homeschooling program includes:

  • Regular in-person sessions with our educators (at your home or our centers)
  • Physical learning materials and manipulatives
  • In-person group learning experiences and field trips
  • Face-to-face parent coaching and support

Our digital homeschooling program includes:

  • Virtual sessions with our educators via video conferencing
  • Digital learning resources with some physical materials shipped to your home
  • Online group learning experiences
  • Virtual parent coaching and support
  • Access to our digital learning platform 24/7

Both programs follow the same educational philosophy and approach, with the digital option providing greater flexibility for families living outside Nairobi and Mombasa or those with variable schedules.

Yes, our personalized approach makes us well-equipped to support diverse learning needs. We conduct thorough assessments to understand each child’s specific requirements and can create appropriate accommodations and modifications. For children with diagnosed learning differences or special needs, we collaborate with specialists to ensure they receive optimal support. However, we evaluate each situation individually to ensure we can provide appropriate services, as some specialized needs may require additional support beyond our standard programs.

Parent involvement varies based on your selected program and preferences. We offer three main approaches:

  • Parent-Led Model: Parents as primary educators with our curriculum, materials, and regular guidance (highest parent involvement)
  • Partnership Model: Shared teaching responsibility between parents and our educators (moderate parent involvement)
  • Tutor-Led Model: Our educators provide most direct instruction with parents in a supportive role (lower parent involvement)

All models include regular parent coaching, progress updates, and guidance for supporting your child’s learning journey. Even in our tutor-led model, some parent engagement is essential for optimal results.

For young children (ages 3-7), formal learning typically occupies 2-4 hours per day, depending on your child’s age, attention span, and the specific program you choose. This time is usually broken into short, focused learning sessions rather than continuous study. If you opt for more parent-led approaches, your direct involvement will be higher. With tutor-led models, your time commitment focuses more on reinforcement and extension activities between sessions with our educators.

While a dedicated learning space is beneficial, elaborate setups aren’t necessary. Essential elements include:

  • A quiet area with minimal distractions for focused work
  • Accessible storage for learning materials
  • Good lighting and comfortable seating
  • Some wall space for displaying work and reference materials
  • Access to water and bathroom facilities Our home environment specialists can help you optimize your existing space, regardless of size or resources, to create an effective learning environment. Many families successfully homeschool in apartments or shared living spaces with some thoughtful organization.
GoK
Cambridge Assessment
Montessori National Curriculum
KICD
CBC
Smart Start Homeschooling