What if... I want to homeschool my kids but I'm afraid and don't know where to start?

Part 1 of 4

If we’re being honest, everyone who starts homeschooling their kid(s) feels a bit of fear and trepidation. It’s normal because taking responsibility for your children’s education is a big decision.

But take a deep breath and realize this is “just” homeschool; it’s not rocket science or disarming a bomb. There are no educational emergencies, and you have time to figure everything out.

Take things one day at a time, one “what it” at a time.

Know Your State’s Homeschool Law

Because homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, your first challenge as a homeschooling parent is understanding your state’s homeschool law. Each state has different homeschool requirements, and those rules vary significantly from state to state.

Some states mandate a considerable amount of oversight; other states require none. Some states require filling out annual forms or Letters of Intent; others have a one-and-done notification process. Also, the process for not sending a kindergartener to school for the first time may be different from the process for withdrawing a currently enrolled student from school.

For instance, we live in Missouri, so if parents opt to homeschool a kindergartener this fall and s/he’s never been signed up for or enrolled in school, then there’s nothing to do and no one to notify. However, if that same child was in kindergarten last year but won’t be returning for first grade, the parents will need to send a letter of withdrawal.

So, your very first step is to find out exactly what your state’s law requires of you. Usually a quick online search does the trick. A good place to start is the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), which keeps up-to-date information for what each state’s homeschool law looks like. Talk to local homeschoolers in your area and ask them what you need to do.

One word of caution: your state’s Department of Education may not be the best place to go for homeschool information. DoEs are usually tasked with overseeing public education, and oftentimes they haven’t a clue what the state’s homeschool law actually says.

The important thing is to follow the guidelines in place for your state in order to get your homeschool off on a good footing.

Happy Homeschooling!