How to Start Homeschooling in 2025
Homeschooling has grown by over 60% since 2020 and still, many parents are choosing to begin homeschooling today in 2025. If you too are considering homeschooling, whether for academic excellence, flexibility, or personalized learning, taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but I am going to walk you through how to be successful at it.
As a parent who’s helped many families transition to homeschooling, I’m here to guide you through every aspect of getting started. From understanding legal requirements, to choosing the right curriculum, this comprehensive guide will give you the confidence to begin your homeschooling journey!
Understanding Legal Requirements for Homeschooling
- State-specific homeschooling laws and regulations and what you need to know
- Required documentation and paperwork for your local school district
- Different homeschool options (umbrella schools, independent homeschooling, virtual public schools)
- Record-keeping requirements and attendance tracking
- Standardized testing requirements in your state
When I first began homeschooling, I honestly thought it would be pretty straightforward, but I quickly learned there’s way more to it than just sitting down and teaching the lesson. Homeschool requirements is one of those things I had to research and learn about. Once I familiarized myself with the state regulations, I could then focus more of my attention on curriculum and teaching.
Every state has their own unique set of requirements, and what works in Florida might not work in New York. So let’s break down what you typically need to think about, regardless of where you live. First, you’ve got to figure out which homeschooling option fits your situation. You’ve basically got three main choices).
Independent homeschooling is what most homeschool families choose, because you’re in charge of everything, curriculum and all. Then there’s the umbrella school route, where you work under an existing private school and virtual public schools are technically public school at home, but they’re sometimes lumped in with homeschooling options. There a few other less-common options, (like unschooling or deschooling for instance), but these are the most coming main choices.
Now, about that paperwork… Most states want some kind of documentation that you’re actually teaching your kids. Even though you may, or may not ever have to report it, you want to future-proof our homeschool, being being prepared for any circumstance that could occur.
Having an intent to homeschool form, curriculum plans, and progress reports is a great staring point. You’ll also want to create a dedicated folder (digital or physical) for each school year. This way if your local superintendent randomly requests attendance records from three months ago, you’ll be covered.
Speaking of attendance, I recommend you track that too! Even though your classroom might be the kitchen table, some states require you to log a certain number of instruction days or hours. I use a simple spreadsheet system now, but I started with chicken scratch on a wall calendar, then moved to a year planner notebook, before realizing the spreadsheets were easier for me (you can print and file these also). Learn from my mistake and try set up a proper system, that works best for you from day one!
One thing that catches many parents off guard is standardized testing requirements. Some states require yearly testing, others every few years, and some don’t require it at all. But here’s my advice… even if your state doesn’t require testing, consider doing it anyway. It can help identify any learning gaps and give you peace of mind that you’re on the right track.
One of the most crucial piece of advice I can shares to get connected with your local homeschool support group.
They can help you stay up-to-date on current requirements if you’re new to homeschooling and can support you through the process. Plus, they’ve usually got some pretty creative solutions for balancing homeschool while keeping your sanity intact.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to maintain academic records regardless of your state’s specific requirements. I recommend keeping samples of work, grades (if you give them), and a basic outline of what you’ve covered each year. Future-you will appreciate having these records when it’s time for college applications, or if you ever need to transfer back to traditional school for any reason.
Remember, while all this legal stuff might seem overwhelming, thousands of families navigate it successfully every year and you can too. Take it step by step, start with your state’s education department website, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. The last thing you want is to get so caught up in the regulations, that you forget the joy of actually teaching your kids!
Creating Your Homeschool Framework
- Assessing your child’s learning style and educational needs
- Setting realistic academic goals and milestones
- Developing a daily schedule that works for your family
- Choosing between structured and flexible learning approaches
- Building a support network of other homeschool families
Let’s talk about setting those academic goals. A common mistake many homeschool families make is trying to recreate traditional school at home. Instead of saying “we need to finish this textbook by June,” try breaking things down into skill-based milestones. For example, “Master letter sounds” or “Write a five-paragraph essay independently.” This will give you something to work toward without confining you into a rigid timeline.
When it comes to daily schedules, I’ve learned that flexibility is your best friend. Sure, some structure helps since most kids do better knowing what to expect, but here’s what worked for me…do core subjects during your child’s best hours (for some kids that’s 8 AM, for others it might be after lunch), and build in plenty of buffer time. Life happens, and some days you’ll spend two hours on a science experiment that was supposed to take 30 minutes because your kid got super interested, but that’s not falling behind, that’s authentic learning!
One thing that really surprised me about successful homeschooling families? They don’t all follow the same approach. Some thrive with a structured curriculum where everything’s planned out. Others do better with a more relaxed, interest-led approach. The key is being honest about what works for YOUR family. If trying to stick to a rigid schedule is making everyone miserable, it’s okay to loosen things up. In fact, that’s probably your best bet int that situation.
Here’s a practical tip that saved my sanity: create a basic weekly template rather than a strict hour-by-hour schedule. Maybe Mondays are for new concepts, Wednesdays for field trips or hands-on projects, and Fridays for review and catch-up. This gives you structure without feeling like you’re chained to the clock.
Also consider building in evaluation periods every few months. Take some time to assess what’s working and what isn’t. Are your kids meeting those milestones we talked about? Is everyone still enjoying the process? Sometimes the framework that worked beautifully in September needs tweaking by January, and that’s totally normal and common.
Remember, your homeschool framework should feel like a comfy pair of jeans, not a straight jacket. It needs to be structured enough to keep you moving forward but flexible enough to accommodate real life. And most importantly, it should be designed around your family’s unique rhythm and needs, not someone else’s idea of what homeschooling should look like.
Selecting the Right Curriculum and Resources
- Popular homeschool curriculum options and comparison
- Core subject requirements and planning
- Supplementary materials and educational resources
- Online learning platforms and virtual tools
- Budget-friendly curriculum alternatives and free resources
The thing about homeschool curriculum that nobody tells you upfront? The most expensive option isn’t always the best fit. I learned this lesson after purchasing a very expensive math program, only to discover that hands-on learning (especially for early learners) was completely sufficient and a better approach for my son. I always say your curriculum should match three things: your teaching style, your kid’s learning style, and (this is crucial) your family’s real-life schedule.
Let’s break down core subjects first. For math, you’ve got options ranging from traditional textbook approaches like Saxon Math to more conceptual programs like Math-U-See. Language arts might mean using something structured like Institute for Excellence in Writing or taking a more natural approach through a literature-based learning like Charlotte Mason. Science and history? That’s where it gets really fun. You can mix hands-on experiments with textbook learning or dive into unit studies that connect everything together.
Here’s a pro tip that’s saved many families some serious cash: you don’t need to buy everything new or all at once. Start with your core subjects and add supplementary materials as you go. Although we currently favor The Good and The Beautiful Curriculum (price varies with free options), I’ve seen amazing results from families who used Khan Academy (totally free!) for math practice or leveraged their local library’s resources for literature and history.
One trend I’m particularly excited about is the rise of quality online learning platforms. While you don’t want your kids glued to screens all day, tools like Outschool for live classes or Mystery Science for engaging science lessons can really enhance your curriculum. Just remember that these should supplement your core learning, not replace it entirely.
A mistake I see way too often is trying to replicate school at home with separate textbooks for every single subject. Instead, consider unit studies or integrated learning approaches. For example, studying ancient Egypt can cover history, literature, art, and even math. This approach often leads to deeper understanding and more engaged learners.
Budget concerns? I totally get it.
Here are some money-saving strategies that actually work:
- Buy used curriculum through homeschool consignment sales or online marketplaces
- Use digital resources like PDF workbooks (way cheaper than printed versions and sometimes free)
- Join a homeschool co-op to share resources and teaching responsibilities
- Take advantage of free trials to test curriculum before buying
- Build your own curriculum using free online resources and library books
The most valuable advice I can give about curriculum selection? Don’t be afraid to change things up if something isn’t working. Too many families stick with curriculum that’s not serving them well because they’ve already invested money in it. Think of it like this: if a pair of shoes hurts your feet, you don’t keep wearing them just because you bought them. The same goes for curriculum. It should fit your family’s needs and learning style.
Remember, successful homeschooling isn’t about finding the perfect curriculum, it’s about finding the right tools to help your children learn effectively. Sometimes that means a fancy boxed curriculum, and sometimes it means nature walks with a field guide and a notebook. The key is staying flexible and focused on what actually works for your unique situation.
Setting Up Your Homeschool Space
- Creating an effective learning environment at home
- Essential supplies and materials needed
- Organizing your homeschool materials and resources
- Incorporating technology into your homeschool setup
- Managing multiple children in different grade levels
Many new homeschool parents think they need a dedicated classroom setup with rows of desks and fancy educational posters everywhere. Spoiler alert: that’s not actually what makes a successful homeschool space!
Let’s talk about what really matters in a learning environment. Natural light is absolutely needed, as it helps with energy levels! If possible, try to position your main work area near a window, even if it’s just the kitchen table.
Speaking of tables…here’s something that might surprise you: you don’t actually need desks! What you do need is comfortable seating options. I’m a huge fan of what I call the “flexible seating approach.” Maybe your kid does math better sprawled on the floor with cushions, or perhaps they focus better standing at a counter. The key is having options.
Now let’s get real about storage, because this is where most homeschool spaces either succeed or dissolve into chaos. I learned the hard way that those beautiful Pinterest-worthy organizing systems often fall apart in real life. Instead, focus on practical solutions.
Rolling carts were trending at one point but for me personally, they have been a waste of money, only working for a short time. I don’t fancy the idea of having to lug a cart around the house. They can move around as needed and keep supplies organized by subject or child, but I’ll say a wooden shelf does the job more efficiently!
Here’s my must-have list for basic homeschool supplies:
- A good printer (I use the Epson EcoTank, as it’s most efficient for homeschool)
- Basic art supplies (but store them where you can actually reach them!)
- Whiteboard or chalkboard (even a small one helps tremendously)
- Filing system for completed work and important documents
- Containers for manipulatives and hands-on learning materials
When it comes to technology integration, you don’t need the latest and greatest everything, but having at least one reliable computer or tablet is pretty essential these days. This will also be helpful for creating a schedule and online activities and supplemental resources ready to access.
Managing multiple kids at different levels? This used to make my head spin until I figured out some tricks. One of my favorite strategies is creating individual work boxes for each child. These contain everything they need for independent work, letting you focus on one child while others work autonomously. And here’s a fun game-changing tip: set up “subject stations” around your space where kids can rotate through activities without bumping into each other.
One of biggest mistake I see families make is trying to keep everything education-related in one spot. In reality, learning happens everywhere, so utilize all the opportunities around the home! This approach keeps kids moving and engaged throughout the day.
Now let’s talk about visual clutter, because it’s a real issue that can affect learning. While educational posters and charts can be helpful, too many can be overwhelming. Instead of covering every wall with information, try rotating materials based on what you’re currently studying. Use clipboards or removable hooks to make it easy to swap things out, and try to keep it minimal.
Here’s a secret that transformed how I help families set up their spaces: think in terms of activities rather than subjects. Instead of creating a “math area” or “reading corner,” consider what types of activities your kids will be doing, like focused work, group projects, artistic expression, quiet reading. Then design your space to support these different modes of learning.
Remember, your homeschool space will evolve as your family’s needs change. Don’t feel like you have to get it perfect right away. Start with the basics, see what works, and adjust as you go. The best learning environment is one that actually gets used, it doesn’t need look Instagram or Pinterest-perfect!
Maintaining Academic Progress and Socialization
- Methods for tracking and evaluating progress
- Incorporating extracurricular activities and field trips
- Finding homeschool co-ops and community groups
- Addressing socialization concerns and opportunities
- Preparing for college admissions and future transitions
The number of times I’ve heard that dreaded socialization question: “But what about their social skills?” is far more than I cared to! After years of homeschooling and helping other families, I’ve learned that socialization usually ends up being the least of our worries. These kids are often even more socially confident than their peers!
Here’s something that surprised me about socialization: home schooled kids often develop better social skills because they interact with people of all ages, not just their peers. I’ve watched homeschoolers confidently chat with adults at museum programs, mentor younger kids at co-op meetings, and navigate complex social situations with ease. The secret? They’re getting real-world social experiences instead of being confined to age-segregated groups.
Building a support network turned out to be way more crucial than I expected. There’s this myth that homeschooling is a lonely endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by looking for local homeschool co-ops or even informal meet-up groups.
These connections aren’t just for the kids, they’re your lifeline when you need curriculum advice or just someone who gets what you’re going through. Plus, many families share resources or take turns teaching different subjects, which can be a huge help. Speaking of real-world experience, field trips are your secret weapon! Think farmers markets for economics lessons, local government meetings for civics, nature centers for science.
Now we’ll get into academic progress first, because this is where I see a lot of families get stuck. I remember when I first started, I was obsessed with formal assessments and endless checklists. But here’s what actually works: keeping a simple portfolio of work samples, taking regular photos of projects, and maintaining a basic learning journal. One clever mom I connected with started a “growth folder” where she’d put a writing sample and math assessment at the beginning of each month. By the end of the year, the progress was crystal clear!
For evaluating progress, you don’t need fancy testing systems (though they can be helpful). Instead, focus on mastery of concepts. Can your kid explain what they’ve learned to someone else? Are they applying knowledge in real-world situations?
When it comes to extracurricular activities, I like to think they’re not just “extra,” but essential! Sports teams, music lessons, Scout groups, and co-ops offer amazing opportunities for both skill-building and socializing. Many museums and science centers offer special programs just for homeschoolers at reduced rates.
I’ll just address college preparation concern head-on. Here’s the truth: colleges are increasingly homeschool-friendly, contrary to what some may think. Preparing your homeschool student for college is not as difficult as it may seem. The key is maintaining good documentation and pursuing a well-rounded education. Start keeping detailed records early, especially in high school and research your proffered college application process ahead of time.
Here’s a practical tracking tip: create a simple monthly overview sheet where you note major accomplishments, challenges, and interests. This helps you spot patterns and adjust your approach as needed, and it’s amazing documentation for college applications later!
For those concerned about future transitions, flexibility is the greatest skill we can teach our kids. I’ve seen homeschoolers successfully transition to traditional school, college, and careers because they’ve learned how to learn. They know how to manage their time, pursue their interests, and adapt to new situations.
Remember, academic progress and socialization aren’t separate goals. They’re interconnected parts of raising well-rounded humans. Focus on creating opportunities for both learning and connection, and you’ll be amazed at how naturally everything falls into place.
Conclusion
Starting your homeschooling journey doesn’t have to be intimidating! By understanding legal requirements, choosing the right curriculum, and creating a supportive learning environment, you’re well on your way to providing your child with a quality education at home. If you’re still unsure about getting started, explore my beginner-friendly homeschool ebooks and videos to inspire you and walk you further through the process.
Remember, flexibility is key, and it’s okay to adjust your approach as you learn what works best for your family. Good luck in your homeschool journey!