How to Start Homeschooling: A Complete Guide for New Parents

Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family?

Every year, hundreds of thousands of families make the decision to homeschool. Some are driven by a desire for more individualized instruction. Others want to incorporate their values into daily learning. Many parents simply look at their child and think, "I can do better than what they are getting right now."

Whatever your reason, know this: homeschooling is legal in all 50 US states. Millions of families are doing it right now, and the resources available to new homeschoolers have never been better.

Common reasons parents choose homeschooling:

• Personalized pace - Your child can move faster in subjects they excel at and take more time where they need it
• Flexible schedule - Travel, family obligations, and real-world learning do not have to compete with a rigid school calendar
• Safety and environment - You control the learning environment, the influences, and the social dynamics
• Special needs - Children with learning differences, giftedness, or health concerns often thrive with one-on-one instruction
• Values and worldview - You choose what and how your child learns, aligned with your family's beliefs
• Academic quality - Research consistently shows homeschooled students perform at or above grade level on standardized tests

If any of these resonate with you, homeschooling is worth serious consideration. The rest of this guide will show you exactly how to get started.

Step 1: Learn Your State's Laws

This is the single most important first step. Every state has different homeschool laws, and the requirements range from almost nothing (Texas, Alaska, Idaho) to detailed annual reporting (New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont).

Before you do anything else, you need to understand what your specific state requires. Key questions to answer:

• Do you need to notify anyone? - Some states require a notice of intent, declaration, or affidavit filed with the school district or state. Others require nothing at all.
• Are there attendance requirements? - Many states mandate a minimum number of school days (commonly 170-180) or instructional hours per year.
• What subjects must you teach? - Some states list specific required subjects. Others give you complete freedom.
• Are evaluations or testing required? - Some states require annual standardized testing, portfolio reviews, or professional evaluations. Others have no assessment requirements.
• Do you need specific qualifications? - Most states have no parent qualification requirements. A few require a high school diploma or GED.

You can also read our detailed state guides for comprehensive breakdowns of your state's laws, deadlines, and compliance paths. We cover all 50 states.

Step 2: Notify Your State (If Required)

Once you know your state's laws, the next step is filing whatever paperwork your state requires. This is typically called a notice of intent, declaration of intent, or affidavit, depending on your state.

Here is a general breakdown by regulation level:

• Low-regulation states (Texas, Alaska, Idaho, etc.) - Often require no notice at all. You simply start homeschooling.
• Moderate-regulation states (Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, etc.) - Typically require a one-time or annual notice filed with your local school district or state education department.
• High-regulation states (New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, etc.) - Require detailed notices, instruction plans, and sometimes approval before you begin.

If your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, you will also need to formally withdraw them. Contact the school office and request a withdrawal form. Do not simply stop sending your child to school without notifying the school - this can trigger truancy concerns.

Step 3: Choose Your Curriculum

One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is the freedom to teach in a way that works for your child. There is no single "right" approach. Here are the most common methods:

Traditional / Textbook

Structured, grade-level textbooks and workbooks - similar to what public schools use. Companies like Abeka, Saxon Math, and BJU Press offer complete packaged curricula. This approach works well for parents who want clear structure and daily lesson plans.

Charlotte Mason

Emphasizes "living books" (high-quality literature instead of dry textbooks), nature study, narration, and short focused lessons. Named after the 19th-century British educator, this method builds a love of learning through rich, engaging content.

Classical

Based on the "trivium" - three stages of learning (grammar, logic, rhetoric). Heavy emphasis on language, history, and logical thinking. Programs like Classical Conversations and Well-Trained Mind are popular in this category.

Unschooling / Interest-Led

Child-directed learning where the student's interests drive the curriculum. The parent provides resources and opportunities, but the child chooses what to study. This approach requires trust in the learning process and a willingness to let go of traditional structure.

Eclectic

Most homeschool families end up here - mixing and matching from different approaches. You might use a traditional math curriculum, Charlotte Mason for literature, and interest-led learning for science. There are no rules. Use what works.

Our advice for first-year homeschoolers: Do not overthink this. Pick something simple and affordable, try it for a few months, and adjust. Most experienced homeschool families have changed their approach at least once. You will figure out what works for your child by doing it, not by researching endlessly.

Step 4: Set Up Record-Keeping

Record-keeping is where many new homeschoolers stumble - not because it is hard, but because they do not start early enough. Most states require some combination of attendance logs, work samples, and evaluation records. Even states with minimal requirements expect you to have something if questions arise.

Here is what you should track from day one:

Attendance Log

A simple record of which days your child did school work. This can be as basic as marking days on a calendar. Some states require specific hours, so check your state's rules. Even if your state does not require attendance tracking, it is a best practice to log it.

Work Samples

Save examples of your child's work throughout the year - worksheets, essays, art projects, science experiments, book reports. You do not need to save everything, but having a representative collection from each subject area shows consistent educational progress.

Curriculum and Materials List

Keep a list of the textbooks, workbooks, online programs, and other materials you use. This is required in some states and helpful in all of them.

Evaluation Records

If your state requires standardized testing or professional evaluations, save the results. If your state requires portfolio reviews, keep the evaluator's letter on file. These records are your proof of compliance.

If you prefer paper records, that works too. Use a binder with dividers for each subject, a printed calendar for attendance, and plastic sleeves for work samples. The key is having a system - any system - from the start.

Our Binder Checklist Builder can generate a printable checklist of exactly what should go in your compliance binder based on your state.

Step 5: Plan Your School Year

How many days do you need to school? When do you start? When do you take breaks? The answers depend on your state and your family.

Attendance Requirements

Most states that specify a number require between 170 and 180 school days per year. Some states measure in hours instead (for example, 900 hours for elementary and 990 for secondary in New York and Pennsylvania). A few states, like Florida under the Home Education path, have no minimum at all.

Building Your Calendar

You do not have to follow the public school calendar. Many homeschool families:

• Start in August or September, but some begin year-round schooling
• Take shorter summer breaks and longer breaks during the year
• School four days a week instead of five (and make up the difference with longer days or a longer year)
• Take advantage of off-season travel and field trips
• Adjust the schedule around holidays, family events, and the child's energy levels

Practical tip: Build in buffer days. If your state requires 180 days and you plan exactly 180, one sick week will put you behind. Aim for 185-190 planned days so you have breathing room.

Step 6: Connect with Your Community

Homeschooling does not mean schooling alone. One of the best things you can do as a new homeschool parent is connect with others who are already doing it. They have answers to questions you have not thought to ask yet.

Homeschool Co-ops

A co-op is a group of homeschool families who meet regularly (usually weekly) to share teaching responsibilities, take group classes, and socialize. Some co-ops are organized by subject, where different parents teach the areas they are strongest in. Others focus on enrichment activities like art, music, PE, or science labs.

Local Support Groups

Most areas have at least one local homeschool support group. These groups share resources, organize field trips, host social events, and provide a network of families who understand the homeschool lifestyle. Search Facebook Groups, Meetup, or your state's homeschool association website to find groups near you.

State Homeschool Organizations

Every state has at least one statewide homeschool organization. These groups track legislative changes, provide legal support, host annual conventions, and offer member resources. They are an invaluable resource, especially for understanding your state's specific legal landscape.

Online Communities

If you are in a rural area or just prefer online connection, there are thriving homeschool communities on Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, and homeschool-specific forums. These can be great for curriculum recommendations, troubleshooting, and encouragement.

Common Mistakes New Homeschoolers Make

We have seen these mistakes come up again and again. Avoiding them will save you stress, headaches, and potential compliance issues.

1. Not filing paperwork on time. This is the number one mistake. If your state requires a notice of intent, declaration, or affidavit, file it on time. Late filings can trigger truancy concerns and create problems if you need to interact with your school district later. Know your deadline and mark it on your calendar.
2. Not tracking attendance from the start. It is much harder to reconstruct 6 months of attendance records from memory than to mark a calendar each day. Start logging on day one, even if your state does not technically require it.
3. Not keeping work samples. At evaluation time, you need evidence that education happened. If you spent the year teaching but did not save any work, you have nothing to show. Save at least a few samples per subject per month.
4. Not understanding evaluation requirements. Some states require annual standardized testing. Others require portfolio reviews by certified teachers. Some require both. A few require nothing. Know what your state expects and plan for it early - do not scramble in May.
5. Trying to replicate public school at home. You do not need to sit at a desk from 8 AM to 3 PM. One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is flexibility. One-on-one instruction is far more efficient than classroom teaching. Most homeschool families find that 2-4 hours of focused instruction per day covers the same ground as a full school day.
6. Buying too much curriculum up front. Do not spend $1,000 on curriculum before your first day. Start with the basics, try things out, and invest more once you know what works for your child. Many excellent resources are free or inexpensive.
7. Not formally withdrawing from school. If your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, you must formally withdraw them. Simply not showing up can result in truancy reports and legal complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is homeschooling legal?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia. Each state has its own regulations - some require almost nothing, while others have detailed reporting requirements. But in every state, you have the legal right to educate your children at home.

Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool?

No. The vast majority of states have no education requirements for the teaching parent. A handful of states require a high school diploma or GED. No state requires a teaching license or college degree. You know your child better than anyone, and that matters more than a credential.

How much does homeschooling cost?

It depends entirely on your approach. At the low end, you can homeschool effectively for under $500 per year using free online curricula (Khan Academy, Easy Peasy, Ambleside Online), library books, and printable worksheets. A mid-range budget of $500-$2,000 covers a full packaged curriculum. At the high end, specialized programs, co-op fees, and extracurricular activities can push costs higher. Many states also offer education savings accounts, tax credits, or scholarship programs that help offset expenses.

What about socialization?

This is the most common question new homeschool parents face, and the short answer is: homeschooled kids are fine. Research consistently shows that homeschooled children are well-adjusted socially. Between co-ops, sports leagues, music lessons, church groups, scouting, community classes, and neighborhood friendships, homeschooled kids often have more diverse social interactions than their traditionally schooled peers - and across a wider age range.

How do I know if my child is on track?

Several tools are available. Many states require annual standardized testing (like the Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test, or CAT), which gives you an objective benchmark. Portfolio reviews by certified teachers provide professional assessment of your child's progress. Even without formal requirements, you can administer practice tests, compare work to grade-level standards, and track progress over time. Blue Folder helps you collect and organize this evidence throughout the year, so you are always prepared for evaluations.