Getting Started

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with homeschooling:

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  • Action: Visit your state’s Department of Education website or the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) to understand the legal requirements for homeschooling in your area.
  • Tip: In Tennessee, for example, parents can homeschool under three options: Independent Home School, Church-Related School (CRS), or Category III Distance-Learning School.

  • Options:
    • Traditional: Mimics a school environment.
    • Unschooling: Student-led learning based on interests.
    • Charlotte Mason: Focus on literature, nature, and the arts.
    • Unit Studies: Integrates multiple subjects around a central theme.
    • Online Programs: Virtual schools or structured online curriculums.
  • Tip: Consider your child’s learning style and your teaching preferences.

  • Costs May Include:
    • Curriculum or resources
    • Supplies (notebooks, art materials, science kits)
    • Field trips or extracurricular activities
    • Online subscriptions or tutoring
  • Tip: Look for free resources online or community programs to save money.
  • Pre-Packaged Curriculum: Companies like Abeka, Time4Learning, or The Good and the Beautiful offer structured materials.
  • Custom Curriculum: Mix and match resources, such as Khan Academy for math or free printables for younger kids.
  • Local Support: Some states, like Tennessee, allow you to register through a Church-Related School that provides curriculum guidance.
  • Create a Dedicated Space: Set up a table, desk, or comfortable reading nook.
  • Organize Supplies: Keep books, craft supplies, and digital tools in one place.
  • Schedule: Build a daily or weekly routine, even if it’s flexible.
  • Action: File the necessary paperwork with your local school district or state, depending on the law.
  • Example in Tennessee: Submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool, including your chosen homeschool option and child’s grade level.
  • Find Groups: Local co-ops, online communities, or Facebook groups for homeschooling parents.
  • Benefits: Share resources, plan field trips, and exchange advice.
  • For Each Child: Define what you want them to achieve by the end of the school year (e.g., reading level, math skills).
  • Tip: Use benchmarks from your state or curriculum guides to track progress.
  • Options:
    • Sports leagues
    • Music or art classes
    • Volunteer work
    • Community events
  • Tip: Use activities to encourage socialization and skill-building.
  • Action: Review your child’s progress and your teaching methods monthly or quarterly.
  • Tip: Don’t be afraid to switch curriculums or methods if something isn’t working.
  • What to Track: Attendance, grades, samples of work, and any legal documents.
  • Why It’s Important: Proof of progress may be required, especially for standardized testing or college applications.
  • Embrace Flexibility: Homeschooling lets you tailor education to fit your family’s lifestyle.
  • Build Memories: Incorporate fun activities, explore new interests, and celebrate milestones together.

By following these processes, you can create a homeschooling environment that supports your child’s learning while also building a balanced, manageable daily routine for yourself.

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