Steps to Homeschooling

A Beginner’s Guide to Starting

Your Homeschool Journey

Starting to homeschool can feel overwhelming, but it is a journey of freedom and connection. This guide breaks the process down into four manageable steps.

Step 1: Research Your Legal Obligations

Before you buy books or plan lessons, you must understand the laws in your area. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 U.S. states, but requirements vary significantly.

• Avoid Public Schools for Legal Advice: School districts are often misinformed about homeschooling laws and may confuse independent homeschooling with “public-school-at-home” programs like charter or online schools.
• Know Your Local Requirements: Depending on your state, you may need to submit a “Declaration of Intent,” conduct regular assessments, or have your learning plan approved.
• Identify Your Compulsory Age: States vary on when formal reporting must begin; for example, Washington does not require a Declaration of Intent until a child turns 8.

Legal Research Toolkit

To ensure you get accurate, neutral information, consult these resources:

Step 2: Formally Withdraw Your Child

If your child is currently enrolled in school, you must officially withdraw them to avoid truancy charges.+1

• The Process: This is usually as simple as writing a short letter stating: “I, [parent name], am withdrawing my child [child name] as of [date]”. (I have composed a sample school withdrawal letter below.
• Timing: If your state requires a notice of intent, submit it the same day you withdraw your child.
• Pro-Tip: Send your withdrawal via Certified Mail with a Return Receipt so you have legal proof of delivery.

Sample School Withdrawal Letter

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Your Email/Phone Number]

[Date]

[Principal’s Name] [School Name] [School Address]

RE: Notice of Withdrawal for [Child’s Full Name]

Dear [Principal’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am withdrawing my child, [Child’s Name], (D.O.B: [Child’s Date of Birth]), from enrollment at [School Name], effective [Last Day of Attendance/Date].

Pursuant to state law, I will be assuming full responsibility for my child’s education through a home education program.

I request that you provide me with copies of my child’s official school records, including but not limited to health records, transcripts, and any recent evaluations, for my personal files.

Thank you for your assistance in making this transition smooth for my child.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]

[Your Printed Name]

Step 3: The Deschooling Period

Before jumping into a curriculum, allow for an adjustment period called “deschooling”. This is a time for both the parent and child to move away from the public school mindset.

• How Long? Some recommend one month of deschooling for every year the parent spent in the school system.
• Focus on Connection: Use this time to bake, watch movies, play games, or visit museums just for fun. Avoid trying to make everything “educational” at first.
• Process Trauma: If a child has experienced school-related trauma, they will need extra time to process their experiences before they are ready to learn again.
• Explore Philosophies: Use this time to research different methodologies like Unschooling (child-led), Roadschooling (travel-based), Charlotte Mason, or Waldorf.

Step 4: Utilize Free Resources

You do not need to spend a lot of money to provide a high-quality education. Start with free resources to see what teaching style works best for your child. Some people like me, have found that FREE resources have been great as curriculum.

Tip: There are TONS of FREE resources out there. If you use a full curriculum, FREE resources are always great to use as a supplement or extra work in a specific area.

Full Digital Curricula:

• Khan Academy: Entirely free and secular.
• Easy Peasy and The Good and The Beautiful: Entirely free but religious.

• Worksheets & Supplements: Sites like Teachers Pay Teachers, Twinkl, Pinterest, and Education.com offer excellent free one-off resources.
• Physical Materials: Check local “Buy Nothing” groups or library sales for materials other families are finished with.
• Free Trials: Most paid curricula offer samples or trials; always use these before committing to a purchase.

Remember: There are as many ways to homeschool as there are homeschoolers. If a method or resource is not working, you always have the freedom to change it.

I hope these steps clarify what needs to be done to get you started on your homeschool journey. If you every have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me via email at bigeasyhomeschoolingmom2u@gmail.com.

Best of luck and know I am here for you,

Tina – Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

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