Thinking about homeschooling your kids? You aren’t alone. As parents, we constantly wonder if we are making the best choices for our children, especially when it comes to their education.
The debate between public and home education has been around for years. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Homeschooling might be a dream for some families and a disaster for others.
It is a viable, growing option, though. Let’s shed some light on what it really involves so you can decide if it is the right path for your family.
The Rise of Homeschooling
More children are homeschooled today than ever before. While reports from 2016 showed about 1.7 million homeschooled students, that number has surged significantly in recent years, especially following the global pandemic (1).
While homeschooling is widely accessible in the United States, it is actually illegal in countries you might not expect, such as Germany and Sweden. They make very few exceptions, and it is certainly not the norm there.
Despite international restrictions, it is a growing trend globally (2). Parents are leaning toward home education to create an environment where their children can truly thrive.
Homeschooling removes many social issues found in public schools. Bullying is virtually eradicated, and safety concerns, like school violence, are no longer a daily worry for parents.
But is it effective?
Homeschooling allows children to learn at a comfortable pace without the rigid pressure of a classroom. Research often shows that homeschooled children are just as likely, if not more likely, to be accepted into universities (3).
They also tend to perform well on standardized tests, including the SATs. This doesn’t discredit public schools, which have their own merits, but it does show that homeschooling is a serious academic contender.
After the pandemic year of 2020, people have a whole new respect for homeschool families. For most of us, homeschooling or distance learning was thrust upon us, and we learned firsthand how hard and rewarding homeschooling can be.
Editor's Note:
Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BCHomeschooling 101
There is a common misconception that homeschooling is unstructured chaos where kids just fend for themselves. While there is plenty of freedom, successful homeschooling is much more than just staying home.
How Does Homeschooling Work?
Unlike public school, homeschooling gives you control over the “who, what, when, and where” of your child’s education. As long as you follow your state’s laws, the method is up to you. Your state regulations will determine if you need to register as a private school or report your attendance (4).
Here are the most common homeschooling styles available to you (5):
- School at home: This is what most people imagine. You set up a classroom area, buy a full boxed curriculum, and follow a schedule similar to a traditional school day.
- Online public school: This technically isn’t homeschooling in the legal sense. Children enroll in a state-run public school but take classes online from home. It is free and follows state standards, but lacks the flexibility of true homeschooling.
- Unit studies: This method integrates multiple subjects around a single topic. For example, if you study “The Ocean,” you cover science (marine biology), history (exploration), and math (depth and pressure) simultaneously.
- Classical: A rigorous, language-focused method based on the “Trivium.” It focuses on three stages of learning: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. It relies heavily on literature and history.
- Montessori: While often a classroom method, this works well at home for younger kids. It emphasizes child-led, hands-on learning with specific materials rather than direct instruction.
- Charlotte Mason: A holistic, Christian-based approach. Lessons are kept short (15 to 20 minutes) and focus on “living books” rather than dry textbooks, along with plenty of nature study.
- Relaxed (Eclectic): This is a mix-and-match approach. You might use a rigid math curriculum but use nature documentaries for science. It allows you to tailor resources to your child’s specific needs.
- Unschooling: This is the most unconventional method. It operates on the belief that children are natural learners. There is no set curriculum; instead, children pursue their own interests, and parents facilitate that learning rather than directing it.
Colleges generally do not discriminate against homeschooled students. In fact, many admissions officers appreciate the unique experiences and self-motivation homeschooled applicants bring to the table.
Is Homeschooling Legal in the US?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. However, the specific rules vary wildly depending on where you live.
Some states, like New York and Pennsylvania, are highly regulated. They may require you to submit quarterly reports, standardized test scores, and detailed learning plans (6).
Other states, such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Alaska, are considered “low regulation.” They may require nothing more than a simple notification of intent, or sometimes nothing at all (7).
Because these laws change, you must research the current requirements for your specific state before pulling your child out of school.
What Qualifications Do I Need?
In most states, you do not need a teaching degree to homeschool your child. A high school diploma or GED is usually sufficient.
Some states, like Washington, may require a certain amount of college credit or a specific course if you want to homeschool independently. However, even in stricter states, there are often loopholes, such as supervising your homeschooling under a certified teacher (8).
Regardless of legal requirements, being open to learning alongside your child is key. You don’t need to know everything; you just need to know how to find the answers.
When Can I Start Homeschooling?
You can start as soon as your child reaches the compulsory school age in your state, which is usually between 5 and 7 years old (9).
However, learning starts at birth. If you want to homeschool a toddler or preschooler, you don’t need a curriculum. Focus on developmental play using puzzles, reading books, art, and music.
If your child is already in public school, you can withdraw them to homeschool at any time during the year. You don’t have to wait for a new semester to start, though you will need to follow your district’s withdrawal procedures (10).
Can I Homeschool With a Full-Time Job?
Yes, but it requires serious time management. Many parents work full-time while homeschooling, but it is a juggling act (11).
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before committing:
- Who will watch the kids while you work?
- Can you shift your work hours to evenings or weekends?
- Is your child independent enough to do coursework while you work?
- Do you have a partner who can share the teaching load?
If your job is inflexible, you might consider online public school or a “university model” school where kids attend classes 2-3 days a week and work from home the rest of the time.
Can Someone Else Homeschool My Child?
This depends on your state’s laws. Some states define a homeschooler strictly as a parent or guardian. Others allow you to hire a tutor or have a grandparent do the teaching (12).
If you can’t teach the subjects yourself, look into homeschool co-ops. These are groups of families that meet once or twice a week where parents trade off teaching subjects they are good at. You can also hire private tutors for difficult subjects like high school math or chemistry.
Is Homeschooling Free?
No, homeschooling is generally not free, though it can be done cheaply.
A full boxed curriculum can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per student, per year. However, you can save money by buying used books, using the library, or finding free resources online (13).
Hidden costs include:
- Testing fees: Standardized tests or professional evaluations.
- Memberships: HSLDA legal protection or co-op fees.
- Supplies: Paper, ink, art supplies, and science kits.
- Field trips: Zoo memberships, museum fees, and gas.
While it costs more than public school, you have full control over the budget. Many families homeschool successfully on a shoestring budget by being resourceful.
The Benefits of Homeschooling
Homeschooling requires effort, but the rewards can be life-changing. From academic freedom to family bonding, here is why so many parents are making the switch.
1. A Tailored Education
Your child gets an education designed specifically for them. If they excel in math but struggle in reading, you can adjust the grade levels accordingly. They never have to wait for the rest of the class to catch up, nor will they be left behind.
You also control the worldview. If you want a faith-based education or a specific philosophical approach, you have the freedom to choose curriculum that aligns with your family values.
2. Reignited Love for Learning
Many kids lose their natural curiosity in a rigid classroom setting. Homeschooling allows education to be interest-led.
If your child loves dinosaurs, you can build an entire month’s curriculum around paleontology. When kids learn about things they actually care about, the battle over schoolwork often disappears.
3. Safety and Environment
Bullying, peer pressure, and school violence are major concerns for modern parents. Homeschooling removes your child from toxic social environments.
It also protects their health. You avoid the constant rotation of school-bred illnesses, and your child can get more sleep since they aren’t waking up at dawn to catch a bus.
4. Stronger Family Bonds
You spend all day with your kids. While that can be tiring, it also builds an incredibly deep relationship. You are there for the “aha!” moments when they finally understand a concept. Siblings also tend to be closer because they are each other’s primary playmates and classmates.
5. Ultimate Flexibility
Homeschooling can happen anywhere. If you want to travel during the off-season, you can. If your child is a competitive athlete or musician, you can build their school schedule around their training.
I have a friend whose son was a high-level tennis player. Public school hours made training impossible, so they switched to homeschooling. He got his education and pursued his pro career simultaneously.
6. Accommodating Special Needs
Public schools often struggle to provide adequate resources for children with ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities.
At home, you can create the perfect sensory environment. You can take breaks whenever needed, use fidgets freely, and use specialized curriculum that a busy classroom teacher simply can’t implement.
7. Real-World Life Skills
Homeschoolers often have more time for practical skills. They learn time management, cooking, budgeting, and home maintenance because they are living life alongside you all day.
Rather than just memorizing facts for a test, they learn how to find information and apply it. This fosters independence and initiative that serves them well in adulthood.
Potential Challenges of Homeschooling
It isn’t all nature walks and happy reading time. Homeschooling is hard work. Before you jump in, consider these potential hurdles.
- Socialization effort: You have to work harder to ensure your kids have friends. Unlike public school where they are surrounded by peers, you must actively seek out park days, co-ops, and sports teams. If you live in a rural area, this can be isolating.
- The “Teacher” burden: You are responsible for everything. If your child doesn’t learn to read, that weight falls on you. You also have to teach subjects you might not be good at, like chemistry or advanced math.
- Relationship strain: You are now parent, teacher, and principal. It can be hard to separate “school time” from “family time.” If you had a bad day doing math, it can bleed into dinner time.
- Reduced income: Usually, one parent has to stay home to teach, which means living on a single income. You also have to pay for all the curriculum and supplies out of pocket.
- Burnout: It is a 24/7 job. You are with your children constantly. Without breaks or support, it is easy for parents to become exhausted and overwhelmed.
- Missing out on “traditional” experiences: Your child might miss prom, school football games, or the simple experience of riding the bus. While many homeschool groups organize their own proms, it is a different experience.
- Criticism from others: Prepare for skepticism. Family members and friends may quiz your children or question your decision, which can be frustrating to deal with constantly.
Tips for Homeschooling Kids
There is no perfect formula for homeschooling, and you will likely change your approach several times. Here are some tips to help you start on the right foot.
Know the Law
Join a legal defense association like HSLDA. They provide summaries of laws for every state and can offer legal protection if your right to homeschool is ever challenged.
Knowing your rights prevents you from doing unnecessary paperwork that the school district might ask for but isn’t legally entitled to.
Budget Smart
Don’t blow your budget on brand new curriculum for your first year. Check eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local homeschool curriculum sales for used books.
Libraries are your best friend. You can teach almost all of elementary science and history just using library books. Save your money for the inevitable expenses that pop up later.
Deschool Yourself
“Deschooling” is the process of letting go of the public school mindset. You don’t need to sit at a desk for 6 hours a day. You don’t need to raise your hand to go to the bathroom.
Learning at home is more efficient. You might finish your academic work in 2 or 3 hours. That is okay. Use the extra time for play and exploration.
Find Your Tribe
You cannot do this alone. You need a community. Look for local support groups, co-ops, or “park day” groups.
Having other moms to talk to who understand the struggle is vital for your mental health. It also gives your kids a consistent group of friends to grow up with.
Pick the Right Curriculum
Before buying anything, figure out your child’s learning style.
- Visual: Do they need colorful workbooks and videos?
- Auditory: do they learn best by listening to stories or songs?
- Kinesthetic: Do they need to move and touch things to learn?
Don’t buy a textbook-heavy curriculum for a kid who needs to move, and don’t buy an online program for a kid who gets distracted by screens.
Set Flexible Goals
Have a general plan for the year, but hold it loosely. Life happens. You might get sick, have a baby, or move houses.
It is okay if you don’t finish every page of the math book. As long as your child is progressing, you are succeeding.
Routine Over Schedule
Strict time slots rarely work at home. Instead of saying “Math is at 9:00 AM,” try “Math is after breakfast.”
Routines create a flow to your day without the stress of watching the clock. If breakfast runs late, your whole day isn’t ruined.
Don’t Be Afraid to Switch
If a curriculum isn’t working, ditch it. There is no prize for finishing a book that makes your child cry.
You have the freedom to change methods mid-year. Experiment until you find what makes your child’s eyes light up.
Prioritize Extracurriculars
Get out of the house. Sign up for gymnastics, coding club, art class, or volunteer work.
This is where the “socialization” happens. It gives your child autonomy and a chance to interact with other adults and mentors.
Outsource When Needed
You don’t have to be the expert on everything. If you are fighting with your teen over algebra, hire a tutor or sign them up for an online class.
Preserving your relationship with your child is more important than you personally teaching them every single subject.
Self-Care for Mom
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Schedule time for yourself away from the kids.
Whether it is a gym class, a coffee break, or just a quiet hour to read, taking care of your own mental health makes you a better, more patient teacher.
Keep it Fun
Remember, you are a mom first and a teacher second. Play games, read aloud, bake cookies for math fractions, and go outside.
If everyone is crying, close the books and start fresh tomorrow. A happy home is the best environment for learning.
Additional Resources for Homeschooling
Ready to dig deeper? Here are some trusted resources to help guide you on your journey.
Preparation
- Homeschool Facts Interactive Map of State Laws
- Homeschool Legal Defence Association Planning Checklist
Books
- The Unhurried Homeschooler: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Homeschooling
- A Survivor’s Guide to Homeschooling
- Homeschooling Methods: Seasoned Advice on Learning Styles
- 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum
Media
- Homeschool Unrefined (podcast)
- TedEducation (YouTube channel)
- Homeschool.com (website)
Support
FAQs
Are More Parents Choosing to Homeschool?
Yes, homeschooling rates have skyrocketed. While the numbers spiked dramatically during the pandemic, millions of families have continued to homeschool, citing flexibility, safety, and academic dissatisfaction with public schools as their primary reasons.
What is the Best Age to Start Homeschooling?
There is no “best” age. Some start from preschool to build a foundation of learning through play, while others pull older children out of school to address bullying or academic struggles. The best time to start is when your child needs it.
What Do Psychologists Say About Homeschooling?
Psychologists generally agree that homeschooling can be highly beneficial if the child has a supportive environment and social outlets. It reduces stress and anxiety for many children, though experts emphasize the need for regular peer interaction to ensure healthy social development.
Do Ivy Leagues Like Homeschoolers?
Absolutely. Top universities, including Harvard and Yale, actively recruit homeschooled students. They value the self-discipline, unique extracurriculars, and passion for learning that homeschoolers often demonstrate in their portfolios.
How Do You Socialize a Homeschooled Child?
Socialization happens in the real world, not just a classroom. Homeschoolers socialize through sports teams, co-ops, church groups, volunteer work, and community classes. They interact with people of all ages rather than just their own age-peers.
What is a Letter of Intent to Homeschool?
A Letter of Intent is a formal document you submit to your local school district stating your plan to homeschool your child. It typically includes the child’s name, age, and address. Check your state laws, as not all states require this.
How Do You Know If Homeschooling is Not Working For Your Child?
If every day ends in tears, your child has stopped progressing academically, or your relationship is suffering, it might be time to reevaluate. This could mean changing your curriculum, hiring a tutor, or considering a return to traditional school.
What Is Deschooling?
Deschooling is a transition period for children leaving public school. It involves taking a break from formal academics to help the child decompress from the rigid structure of school and rediscover their natural curiosity before starting a homeschool routine.
School’s Out
Homeschooling is a major lifestyle change, so don’t feel like you have to decide overnight. Take your time, do your research, and talk to your partner.
While it isn’t the right choice for everyone, it can be an incredible journey for the right family.
I hope this guide has cleared up the confusion and given you the confidence to make the best choice for your kids. Whether you choose the kitchen table or the classroom, you have got this!
