How To Start Homeschooling | Homeschool 101

Homeschooling has become increasingly popular over the past almost three years. If you are thinking about how to start homeschooling your kids, this article will show you how and where to begin. It will link to our Homeschool 101 Tutorials, in the order of what you need to do first.

Is Homeschool Even Possible for Us?

If you are on the fence about homeschooling, now is the time to get off! But before you think about whether homeschool is possible or not, think about your reasons to homeschool.

Here are some of our articles that will help you determine your reasons: “What Homeschool Really Is,” “Reasons to Homeschool and Love it!” and the most requested popular video on our site, from our coordinator, Tasha and her husband, on homeschool vs. Public School (a few years back).

This is important because when things get too tough, you need your REASONS to lean on. If you don’t have the support from your family and friends, like many other homeschoolers out there, just knowing why you started this journey, will keep you grounded in even the toughest of times. Your homeschool depends on your peace of mind.

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How Do I Start Homeschooling?

Keep in mind parents, that the educational choice you choose is up to you.

And there are many styles to homeschooling. But remember that Although homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, be sure to understand and follow your state’s homeschool laws. This is very important so you can keep state officials at bay.

With that being said, the first thing you want to do is get yourself a homeschool lawyer. The best place for that is the HSLDA. We love the HSLDA and their knowledge base on homeschooling. No matter what state you live in, they will be able to help you figure out the law.

Starting New?

The next sections will go over what to do if your child has already been in public or private school. However, if you are just beginning your homeschool journey new, you can skip to the Third section here.

The next thing you want to do is start filing your paperwork and pull your student(s) out of school:

First

Write a letter of intent. During this time frame, you can pull your child(ren) from school. The letter will indicate what you are doing and where your child will be learning. This will keep them from being “truant,” thus causing state officials to come to your door. This important step must be done in the manner expressed in this article.

Second

Request your students school records. This step can be done next. And whether your state requires you to keep a homeschool portfolio or not, it’s important to do it. You never know what circumstances can occur in your homeschool journey. Having this portfolio will give your family options.

Third

Decide how you want your homeschool journey to go.

It’s important to do the first two things in two separate letters, so they don’t get mixed up. Even if your student has IEP files, request them.

Where Do I Start Homeschooling?

Now that you have:

1.Reasons to homeschool

2.Homeschool legal protection

3.Filed all your required letters

You can now:

Decide your homeschool curriculum and teaching styles.  You can also determine the times you want to homeschool with schedules and planners.

With so much to choose from, you have plenty of time to decide. Even if you added a curriculum to your letter of intent, you do not have to stick with it. In going with your state’s laws, figure out what works best for you homeschool.

While you are searching, try an already preplanned, ready to teach unit study. This teaching option might work for your homeschool and you might decide to do the unit study approach over big box curriculums.

If you have a student with special needs or require a counselor, see this article

How Do I Continue Homeschooling?

The number one thing to remember on this journey, is to not get burned out. Read this article for helpful tips on preventing homeschool burnout by PSP Coordinator, Homeschool 101 Director, and Counselor- Tasha 

We hope you have enjoyed this article on how to start homeschooling. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Enjoy our other Homeschool 101 articles and look at our Private Satellite School Program, to see if it’s a fit for you. Don’t forget to subscribe to our homeschool newsletter, for homeschool articles right to your inbox and more.

Randomnestfamily Staff.

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