How to start homeschooling
How to Start Homeschooling: A Beginner’s Guide for Parents
If you're considering homeschooling, you're not alone. More families than ever are choosing to homeschool—and for good reason. Homeschooling offers flexibility, personalized learning, and the chance to build strong family bonds. But getting started can feel overwhelming, especially if you have multiple children, but also with all the options out there.
Whether you're pulling your child out of public school or starting fresh from kindergarten, this guide walks you through the basics of how to start homeschooling confidently.
1. Know Your Why
Before diving in, ask yourself why you want to homeschool. Is it for more flexibility? A better fit for your child’s learning style? Concerns about the school environment? Your “why” will help guide your decisions and keep you grounded when things get tough (because they will sometimes!).
2. **Understand Your State Laws**
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 U.S. states, but the laws vary widely. Some states require you to notify the school district, submit lesson plans, or keep detailed records. Others are more hands-off. We live in Colorado and unfortunately there are not many resorces/ benefits for homeschooling families. We have family in Arizona that homeschool and they get a ton of financial help/ support. But it is a good idea to spend a little time researching what you will need to do depending on the state you live in.
I am currently looking at registering under an “ Umbrella School” I can talk more about this in another post if you guys would like!
👉 Check your state’s homeschooling laws through the [Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)](https://hslda.org/legal) or your local department of education.
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3. Choose a Homeschooling Style
There’s no one-size-fits-all in homeschooling. I have learned that some curriculums are just not a good fit! Or they are a great fit for one of your kids but not the other. and that is OK!!! All kids are different and grasp new concepts differently. That is one of the things I love the most about being able to homeschool our kids. I am able to really learn how their brains work and what they need to really become the best versions of themselves!
Start simple—your style can evolve as you get more comfortable.
4. Pick Your Curriculum
There are all-in-one packages or individual subject-based resources. Some families go curriculum-free and create their own lessons from books, life experiences, and online tools. I definitely appreciate the fact I can purchase a curriculum that has everything we need for the entire year. That was especially helpful the first few years when I truly had no idea what I was doing or how to structure our days/ a full year of homeschooling! Now that I have a a little more experience and know what works and what doesn’t ( this will continue to change though!) I am able to piece together our curriculum based off of subject. I personally really like The Good and the Beautiful Math, but not as much with language arts.
5. Set Up a Learning Space
You don’t need a classroom, but a dedicated space helps keep things organized. A small desk, a shelf for books, and access to supplies go a long way. But don’t be afraid to take learning to the couch, kitchen, or outdoors.
6. Create a Routine (But Stay Flexible)
You don’t need to replicate a 7-hour school day. Many homeschoolers finish core academics in just a few hours. Focus on consistency over strict schedules. Find a rhythm that works for your family, whether it’s morning lessons or afternoon projects. This has been my biggest struggle as life is always changing! Pregnancies, postpartum, juggling toddlers, and sicknesses! I wish I would have been better at this from the very start. To be very honest this is something I am still trying to figure out
7. Find Your Community
Homeschooling doesn’t mean doing it alone, and your kids can’t make friends. Look for local or online homeschool groups, co-ops, and meet-ups. They’re great for socialization, support, and swapping ideas (plus they keep you sane!). I am very fortunate to have family very close by that also chooses to homeschool. We get together all the time and it has been such a blessing. Being able to talk about the challenges we are facing, or the things that we are currently really loving is so amazing! If you don’t have that, you can always reach out to me by sending an email and I would love to be that person for you!
8. Relax, Reflect, and Adjust
The beauty of homeschooling is its flexibility. If something isn’t working—change it. If you feel overwhelmed, take a break. Trust your instincts, give yourself grace, and remember: learning happens in all kinds of ways.
Final Thoughts
Starting homeschooling can feel like a leap into the unknown, but with some research, planning, and patience, you’ll find your groove. If I can do it, so can you! You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be present. Your child’s education will thank you for it.
Thank you for reading and I hope this was a tiny bit helpful in making the decision to start homeschooling!
-LeAnna Wakehm
