How to Homeschool in 4 Easy Steps

I know homeschooling can seem overwhelming when you're first starting out. I remember those days well — feeling alone, confused, scared, and worried I'd mess everything up. But following four simple steps is what helped me get my footing, and I hope they help you out too.

Here's the whole process in a nutshell: know your state's homeschool laws, withdraw your child from their current school (if they're enrolled), choose a curriculum, and find a homeschool group in your area. That's it. Let's walk through each one.

Step 1: Know your state's homeschool laws and regulations

First, find out the homeschool laws and regulations for your state. The best place to do that is the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). HSLDA is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children. They provide homeschooling-related legal advice and representation to their member families, promote homeschool-friendly legislation, and offer information and resources to encourage and support all homeschoolers.

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but every state sets up its own laws — so this is always step one. (Wondering how relaxed your state is? I break that down in Do You Live in a Homeschool-Friendly State?)

Step 2: Formally withdraw your child from their current school

This step only applies if your child or children are currently enrolled in a public or private school. If they've never attended a public or private school and you're starting to homeschool them in kindergarten, you don't need to withdraw anyone — just refer to your state's laws and regulations for what to file and when.

If your child is enrolled, follow your state's process to formally withdraw them so they aren't marked truant, and keep a copy of anything you send for your records.

Step 3: Choose a homeschool curriculum

Choosing a curriculum can be very overwhelming for a new — and even a veteran — homeschooling parent. My honest advice for a new homeschooling family is to look into an All-In-One curriculum your first year. That's exactly what was suggested to me my first year, and it really helped. I used My Father's World that first year, and I'm still using it today.

An All-In-One curriculum gives you all the learning materials you'll need for the year plus a daily breakdown of what needs to be done that day, by subject. When you're just starting out, that "open and go" structure removes so much of the guesswork. You can always branch out and mix things up later — but you don't have to your first year. For more of the programs I recommend, see my resources page.

Step 4: Find a homeschool group in your area

The final step is to join or find a homeschool group in your area. Yes, they're wonderful for the kids to interact with other kids — but they're also a great resource for all homeschooling moms and dads.

When I was homeschooling my first year, I felt alone, confused, scared, and worried I would mess everything up. Then I discovered a homeschool group with a great support system, and it changed everything. As homeschool moms, we need to be there for each other — to encourage, lift up, and help new homeschooling moms so they don't feel alone and disconnected. I've been homeschooling for six years now, and I'm still always learning something new with the help of my homeschool support system. It takes a village, and I've been blessed with a great one.

If there isn't a homeschool group near you, the internet puts a support system just a few clicks away. Look into Facebook groups, homeschool blogs, and other social media groups. Moms don't have to be face to face to answer questions, encourage one another, or share homeschool tips. And if there is a group in your area, I encourage you to join and attend some of the events — the kids make new friends and the moms start building a support system.

There are no wrong, dumb, stupid, or crazy questions. We have all been there and done that and "got the T-shirt" — and will probably do it again. Keep calm and homeschool on!

If you're reading this and feel alone, discouraged, disconnected, and like you have no idea what you're doing — you are not alone. We've all felt like that at some point in our homeschool journey. Please reach out to a homeschool group, a Facebook group, or Google some homeschool blogs. You're welcome to join our Facebook group, Homeschool Mom Helping Homeschool Moms, and I wrote more about building your circle in How Homeschool Moms Find Support.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find my state's homeschool laws?

Start with the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). Check every year, since laws and regulations can change.

What curriculum should I choose for my first year?

An All-In-One curriculum is the lowest-stress option for beginners because it provides all your materials plus a daily plan. My Father's World is what I used my first year and still use today.

Do I have to withdraw my child if they've never been in school?

No. If your child has never attended a public or private school and you're starting in kindergarten, there's no one to withdraw from — just follow your state's laws for homeschooling.

What if there's no homeschool group near me?

Build your support online through Facebook groups, homeschool blogs, and social media. A support system is truly just a few clicks away.

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You've got this

Those four steps — laws, withdrawal, curriculum, and community — are the whole foundation. Handle them one at a time and the overwhelm fades. My first year was the hardest so far, and I'm still no expert; I'm always learning. But if I can do it, so can you.

For the full getting-started picture, visit my Start Here page, and grab the free starter checklist below.