How to Start Homeschooling — 5 Steps Before Day One (2026)

The one rule that matters most

Check your state law first. Always. Before you buy one book or one kit. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but the rules differ. Missing a filing step can cause real problems. Five minutes on HSLDA.org saves you a lot of stress.

Check Your State Law

Every state has its own homeschool rules. Some need you to file a notice with the school district. Some need annual tests or a portfolio review. Some need nothing. You must know your state before you start. HSLDA.org has a free state-by-state guide. Your state education department website also has the rules. This step takes 20 minutes. Do it first.

Withdraw From School (If Needed)

If your child is already in school, you must withdraw them. Send a letter to the school or district. State your child's name, grade, and last day of attendance. Keep a copy of the letter. Some states need the letter sent to the district office, not just the school. Check your state rules before you send it.

Choose a Teaching Method

There are several ways to homeschool. Classical focuses on grammar, logic, and writing. Charlotte Mason uses nature study and living books. Unschooling lets the child lead the learning. Eclectic mixes all of the above. Most new families do best with an eclectic mix. Try one method for 6 to 8 weeks. If it fits, keep it. If not, adjust.

Pick Your Core Subjects

Start with four core subjects: reading, writing, math, and one content subject (science or history). Do not try to cover every subject in the first week. Add more once you and your child have a rhythm. For reading, All About Reading is easy to teach and works for most kids. For math, Saxon is the most used. For content, any good library book or a hands-on kit works.

Find a Community

Homeschooling alone is harder than it needs to be. Find a local co-op, a library group, or an online group for your state. Search Facebook for your city plus 'homeschool co-op.' Most co-ops are free or low cost. They give your child time with other kids. They give you adult support and shared knowledge. Join one before your first day if you can.

What to Buy Before Day One

Buy less than you think you need. New homeschool parents often spend $500 to $1,000 in the first month. Then they find out the child hates the curriculum. Start small.

Here is what you actually need:

One reading program (All About Reading or similar).
One math program (Saxon, Teaching Textbooks, or Khan Academy for free).
A notebook and pencils.
A library card.
One activity kit for hands-on days.

That is it. Everything else can wait until you know what your child needs.

What Your First Week Should Look Like

Week one is not school. Week one is learning how your child learns at home. Watch where they focus. Watch where they shut down. That tells you more than any curriculum guide.

Do two to three hours of structured work. Spend the rest of the day on books, nature, projects, or kits. Keep a short log of what you covered. You will be glad you have it later.

Do not compare day one to what you imagine it should be. Compare it to day one of anything new. It will feel awkward. That is normal. By week three you will have a rhythm.

The One Thing Most New Homeschoolers Get Wrong

They try to recreate a school day at home. They plan eight subjects. They buy eight textbooks. They make a grid with times. It falls apart by Wednesday.

A home with one or two students does not need a school schedule. You need three things: a core subject block each morning, real time outside or for play, and one hands-on project or kit per week. Start there. Everything else grows from it.

Where to Find Help

HSLDA.org — state law guides, legal help, and a large community of families.
Your local library — free curriculum, story time, maker spaces, and meeting rooms for co-ops.
Facebook groups — search your city plus homeschool. Most have free curriculum swaps and local events.
Activity kits — a monthly KiwiCo kit covers one hands-on project each month. Great for filling the afternoon block without planning.

Common Questions

Is homeschooling legal in all 50 states?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. But each state has its own rules. Some states need you to file a notice. Some need annual tests. Some need nothing at all. Check your state before you start.

How do I withdraw my child from public school?

Send a written letter to the school. State your child's name, grade, and last day. Keep a copy. Some states need this letter to go to the school district office, not just the school. Check your state rules at HSLDA.org.

What is the best curriculum for a new homeschooler?

There is no single best pick. It depends on your child and your teaching style. For reading, All About Reading is widely used and easy to teach. For math, Saxon or Math U See work for most families. Start simple. You can always change later.

How many hours a day do I need to homeschool?

For ages 5 to 8, about 2 to 3 focused hours. For ages 9 to 12, about 4 hours. For high school, 4 to 6 hours. You will get more done in less time than a classroom. You have one student.

Do I need to be a teacher to homeschool?

No. Most states do not require a teaching degree to homeschool. You need patience, a plan, and the ability to learn alongside your child. Many parents with no teaching background run strong homeschools.

What is a co-op and do I need one?

A co-op is a group of homeschool families who share teaching. One parent teaches science. Another teaches art. Your child gets outside instruction and time with other kids. You do not need one. But most families find them helpful for both kids and parents.

What records should I keep?

At minimum: a log of subjects covered, books used, and days of school. Some states need more. High school students need a transcript if they plan to apply to college. Start your records on day one. It is hard to rebuild them later.