Ready to start homeschooling but don’t know where to begin? You can start the process today with just a few key actions. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to do.
You don’t need everything perfect from day one. Start simple and build as you learn what works for your family.
Step 1: Check Homeschooling Laws and Requirements
Before anything else, understand what’s legally required in your state. Visit your state’s education department website and bookmark it for future use. This takes less than an hour but ensures you’re following your state’s regulations from the start.
Once you’ve found your state’s website, research the following:
- Notification requirements
- Required attendance days (usually 180)
- Mandatory subjects
- Testing or assessment requirements
- Record-keeping obligations
State regulations vary widely, so make sure you note immediate notification requirements and check if registration is required before you withdraw your child from public school.
Step 2: Notify School and Withdraw Your Child
Important: Again, some states require homeschool registration before withdrawal. Check your requirements first. It’s also a good idea to request academic records, test scores, and immunization records beforehand.
Once you’re ready, use this letter template or write your own.
[Your Name and Address]
[Date]
[Principal’s Name]
[School Name and Address]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
Please accept this as formal notification that we are withdrawing our child, [Child’s Full Name], from [School Name] effective [Date]. We will be homeschooling in accordance with [state] homeschool laws.
Please remove their name from enrollment records and forward cumulative records to our attention.
Thank you,
[Your signature and printed name]
When delivering, it’s often a good idea to do so in person or by certified mail. However you go about it, save a copy of the letter for your records.
Now that the process has been officially started, it’s time to focus on all the opportunities ahead!
Step 3: Register for Homeschool (If Required)
If your state requires registration, this can often be completed online at your state’s education department website. While some states require a notice of intent and detailed curriculum plans, others only require notification, so it’s always a good idea to review the specific requirements.
In addition to setting reminders for annual renewals and keeping copies, we recommend using certified mail for proof when registering with your state.
How to Register:
- Gather information: Child’s name, birth date, grade level, your contact info, and start date.
- Complete forms: Notice of Intent (most common), Affidavit of Compliance, or Private School Registration.
- Submit documentation: File with the school district or the state education department.
Step 4: Choose Your Homeschooling Approach and Curriculum
Don’t get overwhelmed. Start simple and adjust as you learn what works. Does your child crave structure or independent study? If they’re old enough, including them in the process can help boost confidence in their lessons.
Free options like your local library, K12 Learning Hub, and Khan Academy can be a great way to experiment with lessons at home as you and your child discover their learning preferences. Regardless of your source, make sure to start with core subjects like math, reading, social studies, and science. Art and PE do count toward the hourly requirements, but core subject focus will help more in the long run. Focus on consistency over perfection and know that you don’t have to buy everything all at once.
Step 5: Set Up Your Homeschool Space and Materials
Since homeschool can be done anywhere, choosing a comfortable, organized space is a must. Making sure your child has a space separate from where they play is a good way to keep their attention on their lessons. You can also use storage bins, rolling containers, or even cardboard boxes to keep all their supplies together and organized. While setting up, thrift stores and buy/sell groups on social media can be great ways to get used furniture if your child needs a desk or a suitable work surface.
Must-have supplies (under $50):
- Pencils, erasers, markers
- Notebooks and paper
- Small whiteboard and markers
- Ruler, calculator, scissors, glue
- Storage bins (one per child)
Step 6: Plan a Simple Schedule
The key is to stay flexible and not stress about keeping to a timeline right away. Here’s a simple schedule you can use to get started!
Basic daily structure:
- Morning routine (30 min): Get dressed, breakfast, tidy space
- Core learning (2–4 hours by age): Math, reading, writing
- Lunch break (1 hour): Meal, free play, read-aloud
- Afternoon activities (1–2 hours): Art, PE, life skills
Weekly framework:
- Monday: Math + Reading + Science
- Tuesday: Math + Reading + Art
- Wednesday: Math + Reading + PE
- Thursday: Math + Reading + Social Studies
- Friday: Review + fun activities
Time expectations can and should be adjusted to your child’s age. Be willing to change plans if they aren’t working, take regular breaks, and remember the goal is to build a routine of learning so they can make a bit of progress every day.
Step 7: Find Support and Community
You don’t have to homeschool alone; there are tons of resources you can use. Connecting with local families, community centers, and online homeschool groups is just one way you can share and compare your child’s curriculum. Building a network of support is essential when you need advice or encouragement throughout the homeschool journey.
Whether you join a local social media group or find an experienced homeschool mentor, relying on outside experience is normal and expected when tackling your child’s education.
Last Step: Start Homeschooling With Confidence
You now have everything needed to begin. Remember to start simple, stay flexible, and focus on progress instead of perfection. Make learning fun—not just for your child, but for yourself! Here are the steps we’ve covered:
- Today: Research state laws, write withdrawal letter, choose curriculum
- Tomorrow: Set up learning space, join online communities, submit withdrawal
- This week: Complete registration, plan first week’s schedule, find local groups
You know your child better than anyone. Trust your instincts and don’t let doubt hold you back. Talk to other families to learn about how they make homeschool work. Every expert homeschooler started exactly where you are now.
Welcome to the homeschooling community. You’ve got this!