How to Start Homeschooling for Beginners

Today, I want to address a very important—and increasingly common—question that I’ve been hearing lately:

How do I get started homeschooling?

What a blessing it is to see so many families considering their very own homeschool adventure.

For a while now I’ve wanted to create a hub of sorts that walks you through how to begin homeschooling and answers your questions.

So consider this your invitation to Homeschool 101 class.

How Exactly Does Homeschooling Work? Steps to Success

Beyond stating the obvious—that to homeschool is to simply educate your child at home—what else is there to know?

First, a note of encouragement:

Learning how to homeschool isn’t as intimidating as it may seem.

Second:

Homeschool is not public school at home.

There is no need to burden yourself with “replicating” a public classroom within your living room.

As you will soon see, home education provides the freedom to educate your children your way.

That said, there are a few basic requirements you have to follow depending on which state you live in, which we’ll cover in detail in a bit.

If I had to organize the topic of “how to begin homeschooling” into a list, it would look something like this:

Look up homeschooling laws in your state
Decide on an approach/style/homeschool method
Research and choose your curriculum
Create a homeschool plan/schedule
Set up your homeschool space
Get connected, find support
Tweak and adjust as needed

Now let’s break down each of the steps above and discuss tips, ideas, and helpful hints for each.

Grab your printable checklist PDF below for easy remembering!

Free “Getting Started” Homeschool Checklist!

Make it easy to go through the steps with a printable list.

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Step 1: Check Your State’s Homeschool Laws

One of the first questions that pops into every parent’s mind is how to register for homeschool.

Since homeschooling is not regulated at the federal level, it’s up to the states to determine what is and is not permitted. As such, home education requirements vary according to each state’s homeschool laws.

So the first step toward educating your child at home is to look up your state’s requirements.

At the end of this post, you’ll find links to sites with extensive information on state-specific homeschool laws.

For many states, all that’s required is a simple intent to homeschool form.

Other states require testing and even mandate which subjects must be taught.

While you’ll find more detailed information in the state-specific section at the end of this post, here is a quick look at free vs highly regulated states.

States with the least regulations for homeschooling:

Alaska
Connecticut
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Michigan
Missouri
New Jersey
Oklahoma
Texas

States with the most regulations for homeschooling:

Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
New York
Rhode Island
Vermont

Don’t forget to check the bottom of this post for links to resources in your state that will walk you through how to apply for homeschooling where you live.

Step 2: Choose a Homeschool Method That Suits Your Family Best

Getting Started Step 2: Choose Your Homeschool Method

Next, it’s time to research and decide what homeschooling method suits you and your children best.

As long as you’re within the bounds of your state’s laws, how you go about homeschooling is completely up to you.

Each style has its own set of pros and cons, and only you can decide which is “best.”

Let’s look at a few of the most common homeschool styles.

Traditional, All-In-One Setup

Traditional homeschooling is one of the more popular methods.

It’s an excellent choice for families who are new to homeschooling as it offers more of a “done for you” approach.

The term “all in one” actually refers to a curriculum choice that includes everything you need to get started homeschooling.

Picture going to a store or website, selecting your student’s grade level, and purchasing their boxed curriculum that includes all the core subjects for that grade.

If there was such a thing as a homeschool kit, this would be it.

You can see why it’s such a desirable option for beginner homeschoolers.

Eclectic, Mix & Match Style

The more eclectic style of homeschooling would be to pick and choose from “here and there” to customize your curriculum.

The eclectic homeschool method allows parents to tailor their child’s education to his or her personality.

You still typically cover the same subjects as an all-in-one boxed curriculum, but you choose math from one company, language arts from another, and so on.

This mix-and-match homeschool style is great for customizing lessons to align with your child’s strengths and weaknesses—which only you know best.

Classical

Classical-style homeschooling is the term used for home education that focuses heavily on logic and reasoning.

For overview’s sake, it can be broken down into three stages—grammar, logic, and rhetoric.

Since children soak up information like a sponge, the classical homeschool focuses heavily on grammar during the early years.

Lessons in spelling, math facts, grammar rules, and the like take center stage. During this phase, teaching is about learning facts, building upon them, and then repetition.

Logic is the next stage, which tends to happen naturally as children are curious and crave answers surrounding cause and effect.

Parent teachers focus on developing their child’s abstract thought.

For example, students are encouraged to uncover why certain historical events happened the way they did (as opposed to just memorizing dates).

High school is considered the rhetoric stage when students take what they’ve learned and start applying it to life—like using math skills to create a budget.

Online or Virtual Homeschool

When the pandemic forced kids away from school, many families opted for online or virtual homeschool.

Unlike the homeschooling methods already discussed, this method typically uses prerecorded videos or even live-streamed classes.

It’s important to note that there is a difference between “online school” at home and a homeschool program that simply incorporates online video lessons.

On the one hand, online public or private school has state-certified teachers, licensed school counselors, assessments, and more.

The student works according to the school’s schedule and rules.

Then you have what can truly be called “homeschool” where parents are in charge, but their curriculum choice involves some online or video lessons.

Charlotte Mason Method

The Charlotte Mason homeschool method is best suited for parents who seek to educate beyond textbooks.

As the pioneer of a style of teaching not limited to academics and books, Charlotte Mason believed that “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.“

By that, she believed that children absorb what they are surrounded by at home and thrive under the discipline of good habits.

The method focuses heavily on teaching through “living” ideas that engage students as opposed to memorizing dry facts.

Other factors of the Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method include:

Using narration to assess a child’s understanding of what they read
Short lessons (10-15 minutes) that are gradually lengthened
Going on nature walks to experience and explore the land
Journaling and copywriting to practice grammar and develop writing habits
Time spent outside daily, regardless of the weather
Appreciation and participation in art classes weekly
Free time to pursue creative passions

Unschooling (Also Known As Deschooling)

Unschooling is based on the idea that children do not need formal education; they can learn independently.

Some families choose to “deschool” temporarily as they transition from public school to the homeschool setting.

Instead of a structured curriculum, children are led by their curiosity.

Although this style can lead to more formal homeschooling later, it is based—at least initially—on what the child wants to learn.

For parents, their primary role is to provide an environment in which their child can learn freely.

This might include providing:

People for their children to speak with—friends, mentors, professionals
Places for their children to visit—museums, formal work settings, historic sights
Interactions with the world around them—nature, travel, places of business

Step 3: Select a Curriculum

Getting Started Step 3: Select Your Homeschool Curriculum

Now that you know the different homeschooling methods, who they are best suited for, and some of their benefits, it’s time to select a curriculum.

There is no one-size-fits-all curriculum.

You’ll start with your values and the subjects you want to teach then go from there.

As you decide the best fit for your children, it may help to try the following:

Talk to seasoned homeschoolers.
Go to homeschooling conferences, flip through books, and talk with publishers.
Ask questions on platforms like Facebook.
Read reviews online or on YouTube.

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What Subjects Do I Need to Teach for Homeschool?

While we’re on the topic of curriculum, I want to quickly address a question that’s often asked alongside it.

The subjects that must be taught are largely dependent on your state’s regulations.

For instance, homeschooling in Maryland requires parents to follow state-mandated subjects, while Utah does not.

So first and foremost, you need to check your state’s requirements.

We have a section with state-specific resources to help get you started at the bottom of this article.

It may seem intimidating to start building your curriculum, but it really is straightforward, and most states provide a lot of freedom in this area.

You’ll start by selecting broad subjects like math, history, language arts, and science.

From there, you can add anything you like—biblical worldview, American literature, art, geography, and the list goes on.

Consider the subjects mandated by your state as the basics then build from there.

Step 4: Create a Homeschool Plan and Schedule

Getting Started Step 4: Create a Homeschool Plan or Schedule

This is the step that many new homeschool families get stuck on.

But one small realization can make a big difference:

You do not need to recreate “public school” at home.

Consider it more of a routine than a strict, school-style schedule.

Homeschool work should work seamlessly into your day—not overrun it entirely.

Here are a few pointers:

Work in time blocks.
Leave a margin for life to happen (you can’t plan for everything).
You don’t have to cover every subject every day.
Schedule bookwork around siblings (like naptimes, extracurriculars, etc).

How Many Hours a Day Are Recommended for Homeschooling?

Time spent homeschooling is another area that states can regulate but not all do.

On average, it’s the number of days—not hours—that is mandated.

If the state has any requirements at all, it is typically that students complete 180 days of lessons per year.

Back to the point that homeschool is not public school at home…

It’s important to note that a typical homeschool day does not match the average public school schedule.

In fact, it is completely normal for younger age groups to only need about 2 hours of formal school work per day.

Also, keep in mind that everyday activities like cooking, drawing with chalk on the driveway, and watching historical documentaries with the family are educational.

If your state requires you to keep a timesheet or record, you can include time spent doing such activities.

Step 5: Set Up Your Homeschool Learning Environment

Getting Started Step 5: Set Up Your Homeschool Classroom

There’s no mistaking what is supposed to happen in a traditional classroom. The environment is conducive to learning.

There’s a big desk at the front of the classroom surrounded by several smaller desks for students.

On the walls are posters and other learning tools. Behind the teacher’s desk is a whiteboard.

Preparing a similar setup at home isn’t necessary, but it is important to create a comfortable learning environment.

How that looks will differ from family to family.

It helps to keep things organized so students can easily find their crayons, scissors, notebooks, rulers, etc.

Bins and totes are helpful for holding books, supplies, and more.

You’ll also want some sort of sit-down writing space, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be a desk and chair.

It could be a dining room table or even a kitchen island.

Step 6: Connect with Other Homeschoolers for Q & A

Getting Started Step 6: Connect with Other Homeschoolers

The benefits of homeschooling are undeniable, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t obstacles to work through.

A lot can be learned from connecting with other homeschool families. It’s always valuable to learn from others who have been where you are now.

Let’s look at a few avenues of information you can turn to as you start your homeschool journey.

Homeschool Co-Ops

A homeschool co-op is simply a group of people that work together to educate their children.

How these co-ops are carried out can vary widely.

Participating in a homeschool co-op can be as simple as meeting once a month to complete a science project.

Some co-ops, on the other hand, are more structured and follow an entire curriculum together.

Joining a homeschool co-op is completely up to you. They are not required or regulated. Co-ops just offer the opportunity for homeschool families to come together and fellowship.

Homeschool Support Groups Online

I have my bones to pick with social media, but platforms like Facebook do provide an avenue for like-minded people to find each other.

There are also various homeschool forums online you can join to find inspiration and bounce ideas off of each other.

I’ve found great groups by searching my topic keyword and the name of my city, county, or state.

For instance, if you live in Chicago, try searching for “homeschool Chicago” or “homeschool Illinois” to find homeschool support groups that may be valuable to you.

Local Homeschool Meet-Ups

Once you begin networking with other homeschoolers, you’ll probably find local groups where families get together for field trips, fun activities, and more.

If you can’t find one, consider starting one of your own!

Building a local community of homeschool friends can help alleviate the isolation some new homeschooling families feel.

Homeschool Conventions

I love homeschool conventions. I even created a planner to help you make the most of them (you can get it here if you’re interested).

The workshops alone are an invaluable source of inspiration, education, and often personal growth as a homeschool parent.

On top of that, homeschool conventions are also a fantastic way to get your hands on curriculum, flip through the pages, and see what may be a good fit for your students.

Step 7: Adjust Your Plan as Much (and as Often) as Needed

Getting Started Step 7: Adjust Your Homeschool Plan As Needed

One of the many benefits of homeschooling is its flexibility and freedom to do what you deem best for your family.

That means you can adjust your plan as often as needed.

Sometimes, the curriculum you choose turns out not to be what you thought it was. That’s okay!

You are not locked into any textbook or publisher.

Beyond curriculum, perhaps you find that your schedule or way of doing things just isn’t working.

Again, that is perfectly understandable and even expected when you first start homeschooling.

Just brainstorm a new plan and try it out until you find your groove.

Frequently Asked Questions for Beginner Homeschoolers

Do I Need Certain Qualifications to Homeschool?

This is a legitimate question as some parents don’t feel qualified to teach because they don’t have a college degree in child education.

The truth is—no one can teach your child better than you can.

At least 36 states currently agree that parents are qualified to teach their children and don’t need certifications to do so.

Parents are a child’s most influential teacher already and are innately suited to teach because of their unique relationship with their child.

Besides all the points above, many curriculum options have all the lessons and teaching resources built-in.

Some of them are even “open and go,” meaning there’s no lesson planning needed on your part.

If you still feel uncertain, keep in mind that there are video lessons available for practically any subject.

If you reach a subject that you don’t feel qualified to teach, consider outsourcing that subject using a virtual platform or prerecorded video lessons from a teacher who specializes in the topic.

How Do I Register My Child to Homeschool?

Registration is state-specific. Feel free to scroll to the state section at the end of this post to find your state’s resources.

For many states, it simply involves submitting an intent to homeschool form to your local county’s school attendance officer (also referred to as a truancy officer).

How Much Does Homeschooling Cost?

The cost for homeschooling depends on several factors.

If I had to pinpoint an average cost for homeschooling per child, I’d imagine it would be in the range of $500-$1,500 per year.

As you can see, that’s a pretty wide spread.

A few factors that contribute to the price of homeschooling include the curriculum, books, school supplies, and extracurricular activities.

There is so much variation in each one of those categories, so it’s easy to see how costs can differ significantly from one family to another.

If you’re looking for some ways to save on homeschooling materials, here are a few ideas:

Look for free educational events.
Research stores that offer homeschool discounts.
Take advantage of materials at your local library.
Buy used textbooks.
Utilize free online resources.

What Supplies Do I Need to Homeschool?

Supplies you need to start homeschooling

The homeschool supplies you’ll need will depend on the curriculum you choose and the age of your child.

However, some basic homeschool supplies include:

Paper
Subject notebooks
Folders
Glue
Scissors
Pencils
Pencil box
Markers
Dry erase board
Paint and brushes
Wall map
Globe
Computer (optional)
Rulers
3-ring binders
Dividers

How Does a Homeschooler Get a Diploma?

Your child should be rewarded the same as any other student for all the hard work they completed.

However, there is no universal homeschool diploma, and it’s unlikely your local high school will give you one.

The most common way to obtain a homeschool diploma is to simply print a template, fill it out with the usual information (similar to public school), and the parent signs it.

Your signature as the parent affirms that your student finished their course of study as required by your state.

Don’t worry, the vast majority of colleges and employers gladly accept parent-issued homeschool diplomas!

State-by-State Homeschool Resources

Before you start homeschooling, check your state's home education laws.

As promised, below you’ll find all 50 states with helpful links to state-specific homeschool information.

Alabama

To get started homeschooling in Alabama, check out these resources:

Alaska

To start homeschooling in Alaska, check out these resources:

Arizona

For help with homeschooling in Arizona, check out these resources:

Arkansas

To get started homeschooling in Arkansas, check out these resources:

California

For homeschooling in California, check out these resources:

Colorado

To get started homeschooling in Colorado, check out these resources:

Connecticut

For help homeschooling in Connecticut, check out these resources:

Delaware

To begin homeschooling in Delaware, check out these resources:

Florida

To get started homeschooling in Florida, check out these resources:

Georgia

For help homeschooling in Georgia, check out these resources:

Hawaii

To start homeschooling in Hawaii, check out these resources:

Idaho

To get started homeschooling in Idaho, check out these resources:

Illinois

To get started homeschooling in Illinois, check out these resources:

Indiana

For help homeschooling in Indiana, check out these resources:

Iowa

To begin homeschooling in Iowa, check out these resources:

Kansas

To get started homeschooling in Kansas, check out these resources:

Kentucky

To start homeschooling in Kentucky, check out these resources:

Louisiana

For help homeschooling in Louisiana, check out these resources:

Maine

To get started homeschooling in Maine, check out these resources:

Maryland

To get started homeschooling in Maryland, check out these resources:

Massachusetts

To begin homeschooling in Massachusetts, check out these resources:

Michigan

For help homeschooling in Michigan, check out these resources:

Minnesota

To get started homeschooling in Minnesota, check out these resources:

Mississippi

To get started homeschooling in Mississippi, check out these resources:

Missouri

For help homeschooling in Missouri, check out these resources:

Montana

To begin homeschooling in Montana, check out these resources:

Nebraska

To start homeschooling in Nebraska, check out these resources:

Nevada

To get started homeschooling in Nevada, check out these resources:

New Hampshire

To get started homeschooling in New Hampshire, check out these resources:

New Jersey

For help homeschooling in New Jersey, check out these resources:

New Mexico

To begin homeschooling in New Mexico, check out these resources:

New York

To start homeschooling in New York, check out these resources:

North Carolina

To get started homeschooling in North Carolina, check out these resources:

North Dakota

To get started homeschooling in North Dakota, check out these resources:

Ohio

To begin homeschooling in Ohio, check out these resources:

Oklahoma

To get started homeschooling in Oklahoma, check out these resources:

Oregon

To start homeschooling in Oregon, check out these resources:

Pennsylvania

To get started homeschooling in Pennsylvania, check out these resources:

Rhode Island

To begin homeschooling in Rhode Island, check out these resources:

South Carolina

To get started homeschooling in South Carolina, check out these resources:

South Dakota

For help with homeschooling in South Dakota, check out these resources:

Tennessee

To get started homeschooling in Tennessee, check out these resources:

Texas

To start homeschooling in Texas, check out these resources:

Utah

To get started homeschooling in Utah, check out these resources:

Vermont

To get started homeschooling in Vermont, check out these resources:

Virginia

To begin homeschooling in Virginia, check out these resources:

Washington

To start homeschooling in Washington, check out these resources:

West Virginia

To get started homeschooling in West Virginia, check out these resources:

Wisconsin

To get started homeschooling in Wisconsin, check out these resources:

Wyoming

To get started homeschooling in Wyoming, check out these resources:

We sincerely hope this quickstart guide to homeschooling helps you start your homeschool journey on the right foot!