How to Start Homeschooling: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
If you’re thinking about homeschooling but feel overwhelmed, confused, or unsure where to begin—you’re not alone.
Most families don’t struggle with wanting to homeschool.
They struggle with knowing where to start.
This blog breaks the process down into clear, manageable steps, so you can move forward with confidence (without trying to figure everything out at once).
Step 1: Check Your State’s Homeschool Laws
Before choosing curriculum or buying supplies, you need to understand the legal requirements where you live.
Homeschool laws vary by state and may include:
Filing a notice of intent
Keeping attendance records
Submitting evaluations or portfolios
Following specific subject requirements
👉 Start here:
Search “homeschool laws in [your state]” and confirm information through your state’s department of education.
Step 2: Decide Why You’re Homeschooling
You don’t need a perfect philosophy—but clarity helps.
Ask yourself:
What isn’t working right now?
What do I want learning to feel like?
What matters most for my family this season?
Common reasons families homeschool:
Flexibility
Academic customization
Mental health or learning differences
Family time
Values-based education
There’s no “right” reason here.
Step 3: Choose a Homeschool Style (Loosely)
You don’t need to lock this in forever, but understanding your options helps narrow choices.
Popular homeschool approaches:
Traditional – similar to school-at-home
Eclectic – mix of styles (most common!)
Charlotte Mason – literature-based, gentle
Classical – structured, history-focused
Unschooling – child-led learning
Unit Studies – theme-based learning
✨ Most families naturally blend methods over time.
Step 4: Pick Curriculum (Don’t Overthink This)
Curriculum is where many new homeschoolers get stuck.
Start simple:
Focus on core subjects first
Choose curriculum that matches your teaching comfort, not just your child’s learning style
Remember: curriculum is a tool, not a contract
You can always:
Switch mid-year
Supplement
Simplify
Homeschool success comes from consistency—not perfection.
Step 5: Create a Simple Schedule
You do not need to homeschool for 6–8 hours a day.
Many families complete core academics in:
2–4 hours per day
4 days per week
With flexibility for life, appointments, and interests
Start with:
A loose daily rhythm
A few anchor activities (math, reading, writing, etc.)
Breaks built in
Your schedule should serve your family—not control it.
Step 6: Set Up a Basic Learning Space
You don’t need a dedicated homeschool room.
You do need:
A place to store materials
A surface to work on
Many families use:
The kitchen table
A rolling cart
A shared family space
Keep it simple. You can always expand later.
Step 7: Plan for Socialization
Homeschooling doesn’t mean isolation.
Socialization can include:
Co-ops
Sports
Clubs
Library programs
Field trips
Community classes
Step 8: Give Yourself a Transition Period
If you’re pulling a child from school, allow time to decompress.
This “deschooling” phase helps:
Reset expectations
Reduce burnout
Rebuild curiosity
Learning doesn’t stop during this time—it just looks different.
Step 9: Track What Matters (and Ignore the Rest)
You don’t need:
Perfect portfolios
Pinterest-worthy plans
Daily worksheets for every subject
You do need:
Progress
Engagement
A system that works long-term
Homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint.
Step 10: Remember — You Can Do This
You don’t need:
❌ A teaching degree
❌ A perfect plan
❌ A fully mapped-out year
You do need:
✔ Commitment
✔ Flexibility
✔ Willingness to adjust
Thousands of families start homeschooling every year without having it all figured out. You’re allowed to learn as you go. Learn more in my Beginner’s Guide to Homeschool.