Starting your Homeschooling Journey: How to Start homeschooling

So you’ve decided to homeschool? Here are some tips that will help you in starting your homeschooling journey. 

Starting your Homeschooling Journey: How to Start homeschooling

So, you’ve decided to homeschool. First of all—congratulations! Whether this decision came after months of research or was made quickly due to changes in your family’s circumstances or dissatisfaction with your local school district, you’re stepping into a journey that countless families across the United States have chosen as a great option for educating their children.

Maybe the curriculum in your public school system didn’t align with your values. Maybe your child has special needs that weren’t being met, or you wanted more flexibility, less peer pressure, or simply more time together as a family. Perhaps your child’s learning styles didn’t fit within traditional schooling. Whatever your reason, your child’s education is now fully in your hands—and while that can feel overwhelming, it’s also incredibly empowering.

As a homeschool parent in my fourth year, I want to share some of the most helpful resources, tips, and personal experience that I believe will guide new homeschoolers through the first year of this rewarding journey. You can absolutely do this—and I’ll show you how.

Step 1: Learn Your State’s Homeschool Laws

The first thing you must do before you print out a worksheet or buy a homeschool curriculum is research your state’s homeschool laws. Each state has specific requirements that outline how you must notify authorities, what kind of attendance records to keep, and how many hours of instruction are required per school year.

For example, Texas is a low regulation state, while New York has one of the most stringent homeschool statutes in the country. You might be required to submit an education plan, maintain a homeschool portfolio, or provide test results at the end of the year. Some states require oversight from the local superintendent or state board of education, while others simply ask for notification and leave it at that.

A great place to start is the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)—they offer detailed information for every state and are a powerful advocate for homeschooling families.

Step 2: Research and Connect with a Support Network

Homeschooling can feel isolating—especially for new homeschooling parents—so one of the best things you can do is find a support network. Whether it’s local homeschool groups, Facebook communities, or co-ops that meet weekly for extracurricular activities, you’ll find encouragement, practical advice, and a sense of community.

Ask questions. Veteran homeschoolers are typically more than willing to help you troubleshoot curriculum choices, compare teaching methods, or figure out what to do if your homeschool schedule isn’t going as planned. There is no one-size-fits-all homeschool style—and that’s one of the benefits of homeschooling. You get to create what works best for your family’s needs.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Many others have walked this road before, and they are more than happy to share what worked (and what didn’t) for them.

Step 3: Choose the Right Curriculum

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a homeschool parent is selecting the right curriculum. And here’s where things can get tricky.

When I started homeschooling, I bought an entire complete curriculum from one company, thinking it would cover all subject areas. By the middle of the year, I realized that not all of it was a good fit for my children. Some parts worked wonderfully, while others fell flat. That’s when I learned I could mix and match—pairing a language arts program from one publisher with a social studies unit from another. You don’t have to stick to one brand or style.

Popular approaches include the Charlotte Mason method, classical education, unit studies, unschooling, and online-based learning. Some parents opt for online classes or online courses, while others prefer hands-on activities at the kitchen table. If your child is coming from a private school or public school, it may take time to “de-school” and adjust to learning at their own pace.

Keep in mind that each of your children may learn differently. One child might thrive with workbooks, while another prefers project-based learning or videos. Pay attention to your child’s learning styles and learning preferences—these should help guide your curriculum choices.

Also, think about how much time commitment you can manage. Do you want open-and-go lessons? Or are you comfortable creating your own lesson plans?

And remember: there’s no perfect curriculum. There’s only what’s best for your child, your goals, and your season of life.

Step 4: Create a Flexible Daily Rhythm

A common question from new homeschoolers is: “What does a typical homeschool day look like?”

The answer is—it depends! Some families start at 8 AM with a structured timetable. Others begin later and weave learning into daily life.

One of the best ways to create a successful homeschool experience is by building a daily rhythm rather than a strict schedule. This can include hours of instruction in the morning, independent reading in the afternoon, and nature walks or field trips as part of your routine.

Remember: homeschooling doesn’t have to mirror traditional schooling. Learning at home might mean math happens while baking cookies or social studies is explored at a museum. Flexibility is a gift—use it!

Step 5: Think Beyond the Books

Homeschooling is about so much more than textbooks. Take advantage of the world around you.

Your local library is a treasure trove of free resources. Museums, zoos, historical sites, and even grocery stores can become learning labs. Many families plan weekly field trips or join co-ops for group science labs, drama, and PE.

Also consider adding extracurricular activities like music lessons, coding classes, art, or martial arts. These opportunities give kids time to develop skills, make friends, and experience growth outside the classroom.

Step 6: Track Progress and Stay Compliant

Even if your state doesn’t require it, it’s a good idea to track your child’s work and keep some form of attendance records. This helps you stay organized and shows progress if ever needed.

Some families use a homeschool portfolio with photos, writing samples, test scores, and records of online learning or projects completed. Others use apps or planners to log lessons and goals.

If you’re in a state with state standards or testing requirements, make sure your homeschool program aligns with what’s required for your child’s grade level. Don’t stress if you’re not exactly in line with public school pacing—many homeschoolers go at their own pace, whether faster or slower.

Step 7: Know That It Will Evolve

Homeschooling is not static. It grows as your kids grow—and as you grow more confident.

In your first year, you might try a few different things before settling into a groove. That’s normal. You’ll experiment with routines, test out different curriculums, and learn what works for your family.

The most important thing is not to compare your homeschool journey to anyone else’s. Some families thrive with rigid structure; others thrive with spontaneity. Some kids do better in the morning; others need time to ease into the day.

Your homeschool will look different from your neighbor’s, your sister’s, and your favorite Instagram influencer’s—and that’s okay.

Make Homeschooling fun

Don’t be scared to make homeschooling fun. Remember you’re not replicating school at home but making it something unique for your family.Pick a name for your homeschool . Here are some tips for finding some homeschool names.

Final Thoughts for New Homeschooling Parents

Starting your homeschool journey can feel overwhelming, but take it one step at a time. Use simple steps to build a foundation: know your state’s laws, gather helpful resources, join a homeschool community, and build your schedule around your child’s education needs.

The homeschooling family has so much freedom—freedom to customize, to grow, to pivot when necessary. Whether you’re educating through books, online resources, or even with a private tutor, the path you choose is one full of possibilities.

By tuning into your children’s needs, focusing on progress over perfection, and leaning into the incredible network of support around you, you can craft an education that will serve them deeply and meaningfully.

So here’s to the beginning of something amazing. You’ve got this.

Do you homeschool? Share your experience below—especially what helped you most when getting started. Your story may be just what a new parent needs to hear today.

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