You’ve decided to take a different route for your child’s education, but have no idea how to begin homeschooling. You’re likely scouring the internet looking for information and asking the only people you know that homeschool. I get it. There’s a lot of information out there.
Today, I want to simplify the process of how to begin homeschooling so that you can finally put your worries to rest. This includes the “legal” aspects, along with the other questions you may be pondering such as “What to do before you file your notice of intent?”
How to Begin Homeschooling
Step 1: Create a vision for your homeschool.
Before you start homeschooling, it’s important to create a vision for your homeschool and set goals and objectives for your child’s education. Think of your ideal homeschool; what does this look like? What kind of interactions do you have with your child? What is your relationship like? Get clear on this, and let that drive the goals you set.
Step 2: Set goals and objectives
Before you begin homeschooling, it’s important to set goals and objectives for your child’s education. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your child is making progress. Consider what you want your child to learn and what skills you want them to develop. Think of what’s important to your family such as values, character, nature study, behavioral/emotional development, etc.
Step 3: Research homeschooling methods
There are a variety of ways to homeschool your children. Before you jump in, know that many educators from the past have helped pave the way for successful homeschools and you do not have to re-create a school environment at home. There are a variety of homeschool methods such as traditional, classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, unschooling, etc. Knowing what type of approach you resonate with will help you begin homeschooling with more success.
Step 4: Check your state laws
Every state has different homeschooling laws. Some states have education requirements for teachers, while some do not. Each state varies in the types of records you must keep, but for most states this is minimal. Before you begin homeschooling, however, you will want to check your individual state laws to ensure what your specific process is.
Step 5: Choose a curriculum
Once you have a better understanding of the legal requirements for homeschooling in your area, it’s time to choose a curriculum. There are many different types of curriculum available, including traditional textbooks, online programs, unit studies and literature based curriculum such as Ambleside Online. Consider your child’s learning style and interests when choosing a curriculum.
Step 6: File your notice of intent
Now that you’ve decided to jump in, it’s time to make it official. While all states vary, most states require a Notice of Intent. On your states educational website, there should be a place to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool. This is a minimal form that you will fill out, prior to homeschooling and will include your information, your homeschool “name” (not all states require this) and your contact info.
Step 7: Send your notice of intent to your local school district.
In our case, this meant sending it to the elementary school that we were registered at. We live in North Carolina, and laws may be different in your state. Check your states website to ensure who to send this to – but the overall process should be similar. When you do send in your notice of intent, you are not required to tell the school any details of what you’ll be teaching, your curriculum, etc. I simply sent a one line email with my children’s names saying, “I will be unenrolling my children effective immediately, and we will be homeschooling from now on. Attached in our notice of intent to homeschool. Thank you.”
Step 8: Keep up with the requirements.
Our state (North Carolina) requires attendance records, immunization records and an annual standardized test – none of which have to be “turned in” to anyone. They simply need to be kept on file. I have a binder each year for each of my children that contains this information. It is the same binder I file their paperwork in at the end of the year for their “portfolio”. We truly enjoy reviewing their end of year portfolios, often. Other states, however, have different requirements. Make sure you know exactly what you need before you begin homeschooling.
Step 9: Breathe.
This is mandatory. Take a deep breath before you go forward. You’ve honestly taken the scariest step already by deciding to homeschool your children.
Step 10: Begin homeschooling.
Now, you know exactly how to begin homeschooling. But what’s next? What are you supposed to teach? And how are you supposed to teach it? What about your schedule?
If you’re unsure how to answer these questions, you’re not alone. I was really lost when I first began homeschooling, and there was a lack of information on these topics. Check out some of my other posts below to help you get started on your journey.
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