How to Start Homeschooling in 2025-2026: Your Step-By-Step Guide

Thinking about homeschooling but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Many parents wonder how to start homeschooling and feel overwhelmed by all the different opinions, laws, and curriculum choices out there.

This homeschooling “how-to” guide will walk you through the process step by step. You’ll learn how to check the homeschooling requirements where you live, find support, explore different styles, and choose resources that fit your family.

Whether your child is starting kindergarten or high school, the basic steps to begin homeschooling are the same. By the end, you’ll feel more prepared and confident to take the next step. If you’d like extra guidance as you’re learning how to homeschool your kids, be sure to sign up for the free course. When you sign up, you’ll also have the opportunity to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Watch the Video: How to Start Homeschooling

Prefer to learn by watching or listening? In this video, I walk you through how to start homeschooling step-by-step.

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll discover:

• How to find out the homeschooling laws where you live
• Common requirements parents may need to follow
• Ways to connect with local homeschool groups
• Different styles and approaches to homeschooling
• Tips for choosing curriculum and getting started with confidence
• Answers to frequently asked questions about homeschooling

🎥 Watch the video below, then keep reading for more details, helpful links, and resources.

👋 Hi, I’m Jackie—founder of HomeSchool ThinkTank. I’m a “retired” homeschool mom who homeschooled my kids for 15 years. As a licensed educator and certified life coach, I now combine my experience and training to help parents start homeschooling and thrive throughout their journey.

When you sign up for the free course, you’ll also have the chance to schedule a free consultation—an invaluable step as you learn how to begin homeschooling.

Step 1: Learn About Your Homeschool Laws

The first step in beginning to homeschool is understanding the legal requirements where you live. Every state (and every country) has different rules, so it’s important to obtain accurate information before you begin.

Here are three reliable ways to find out what applies to your family:

1. Visit your state or country’s Department of Education website. This will outline the official requirements.
2. Check with state or national homeschooling organizations. These groups exist to support families and often explain the law in plain language.
3. Talk with local homeschoolers. Parents who are already homeschooling can tell you what’s actually expected in practice.

⚖️ Tip: Sometimes schools or government websites offer “at-home programs” that are actually public school done at home. That’s different from independent homeschooling. Make sure you understand the difference so you know exactly what freedoms and responsibilities you’re signing up for.

Common Requirements to Look For

While every location is different, here are some of the most common things parents may be asked to do:

• File a letter of intent or register as a homeschooler
• Keep attendance or academic records
• Submit a home instruction plan
• Maintain immunization records
• Follow reporting procedures (such as annual updates)
• Teach a set number of days or hours per year
• Cover specific subjects like math, reading, language arts, science, and social studies
• Participate in standardized testing (sometimes required)
• Meet parent qualifications, such as a high school diploma or GED

Because requirements vary so widely, always double-check the law where you live before making decisions about curriculum or record-keeping.

👉 Click here to learn more about the homeschooling laws where you live.

Step 2: Connect with Local Homeschool Support Groups

Homeschooling is much easier when you don’t try to do it alone. Finding other families to connect with will give you encouragement, practical advice, and opportunities for your kids to make friends.

How to Find a Homeschool Group Near You

Start by searching online. Type your city, county, or state along with words like:

• Homeschool / Homeschooling
• Home education
• Homeschool groups or co-ops
• Alternative education

Look on both Google and Facebook, since many groups organize on social media.

You can also ask at places that serve families:

• Public libraries
• Museums and zoos
• Parks & recreation centers
• Scouting groups
• Gyms, art studios, or music schools (many offer daytime classes for homeschoolers)

💡 Tip: Don’t be discouraged if it takes a little while to find your “people.” Sometimes you have to try a few groups or activities before you find the right fit for your family.

👉 Want more ideas? Read this article: How Homeschoolers Make Friends.

When you sign up for the free course, you’ll also receive a complimentary consultation.

Step 3: Learn About Different Homeschool Styles

When parents first start homeschooling, it’s common to copy the public school model at home—complete with schedules, desks, and rigid lesson times. While that approach can work for a short season, many families find it stressful and unsustainable.

Before you invest in curriculum, take time to explore the different styles of homeschooling. Understanding these approaches will help you choose resources that actually fit your child and your family’s lifestyle.

Here are a few of the most popular homeschool methods:

• Classical Education – Focuses on the liberal arts and the three stages of learning: grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
• Charlotte Mason – Gentle, literature-rich learning with an emphasis on nature study and short, focused lessons.
• Unit Studies – Dive deep into one topic at a time, weaving multiple subjects into the same theme.
• Eclectic – A flexible mix of methods and resources tailored to your family’s needs.
• Unschooling – Child-led learning that follows a student’s natural interests and curiosity.
• Online or Virtual Programs – Structured lessons provided through digital platforms or schools.

💡 Tip: Ask other homeschool parents what worked for them—and what didn’t. Their experiences can save you time, money, and frustration.

👉 To explore these approaches more deeply, check out this article: Homeschool Styles, Methods, and Approaches.

Step 4: Get Homeschool Guidance

Even with articles, books, and support groups, many parents still feel uncertain when they first start homeschooling. Questions like “Am I doing this right?” or “What should I focus on first?” are common—and normal.

To help with this, I created a free course that teaches the high-level principles you can use throughout your homeschooling years. These concepts will give you a solid foundation, help you avoid burnout, and make the day-to-day decisions feel less overwhelming.

👉 Start the Free Homeschool Course

And if you’d like more personalized support, you’ll also have the opportunity to schedule a free homeschool consultation with me. That’s where we can dive into your unique situation, answer your questions, and map out your next steps.

👋 As a “retired” homeschool mom of 15 years, licensed educator, and certified life coach, I’ve walked this path myself and helped many parents navigate their journey. I’d love to help you, too.

My free course teaches you high-level principles that will help you homeschool your kids for years to come. When you sign up, you’ll also have the opportunity to schedule a complimentary consultation with me.

Step 5: Choose Homeschool Curriculum & Resources

Once you’ve explored different homeschooling styles, you’ll be better prepared to choose curriculum and resources that actually work for your family. This step is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming because there are so many options available.

How to Approach Choosing Curriculum

• Start with the basics. Most families begin with math and language arts, then add science, social studies, and electives.
• Match your homeschool style. For example, if you’re drawn to Charlotte Mason, you might use living books and nature study; if you lean classical, you’ll focus on structured stages of learning.
• Preview when possible. Look for sample lessons, online previews, or borrow materials from friends before you buy.
• Remember your child. Think about their learning style, strengths, and challenges rather than what looks appealing on the shelf.

📚 Tip: It’s easy to overspend on curriculum, especially at the beginning. Begin with a few core resources and add more once you see what works for your family.

Beyond Curriculum

Curriculum is just one piece of homeschooling. Don’t overlook other resources that enrich your days:

• Local libraries and museums
• Online classes and tutorials
• Community activities and co-ops
• Educational games, books, and hands-on projects

👉 For more ideas, check out my article on Homeschool Curriculum Options.

Ready to Start Homeschooling?

Beginning your homeschooling journey can feel overwhelming, but once you understand the laws, connect with support, explore different styles, and choose a few core resources, it becomes much more manageable.

Remember: you don’t have to have everything figured out on day one. Homeschooling is a process that grows and changes with your family.

👉 To help you get started with confidence, I’ve created a free course that shares high-level principles you can use throughout your homeschooling years. You’ll also have the chance to schedule a free consultation if you’d like more personal support.

Start the Free Homeschool Course 👈

If you know another parent who’s thinking about homeschooling, please share this guide with them—it could be the encouragement they need to begin.

More Helpful Articles About Homeschooling

If you’d like to keep exploring homeschooling, here are a few resources to guide your next steps:

• Should I Homeschool? – Still Unsure if Homeschooling Is Right for Your Family?
  👉 Explore seven key factors before deciding to homeschool.
• Homeschool Styles & Approaches – Did you know there are more than a dozen different ways parents homeschool?
  👉 Discover which methods might fit your family.
• Why Parents Homeschool – Did you know there are two primary reasons that parents homeschool their kids?
  👉 Discover the two primary reasons families choose homeschooling.
• 50+ Benefits of Homeschooling – From stronger family connections to flexible learning, possibilities abound.
  👉 Discover over 50 advantages of homeschooling.
• How Homeschoolers Make Friends – Wondering about socialization?
  👉 Learn how homeschooled kids build friendships.

Share This Homeschooling 101 Guide

Do you know another parent who’s considering homeschooling? Sharing this article could make their journey a little easier.

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