Tips for Starting Homeschool (From a Mom 8 Years In)

Are you considering homeschool but don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place. I was in your exact shoes 8 years ago—full of questions, doubts, and wondering if I could really do this.

If you’re searching for tips for starting homeschool, I want to share the three things that helped me cut through the overwhelm and actually begin.

But first, let me take you back to where it all started.

Where My Homeschool Journey Began

Homeschool was never part of my plan.

Growing up, I loved public school—the sights, the sounds, the feeling of it all. I can still hear the click of teachers’ heels in the hallways. I loved class parties, four square at recess, and even timed math tests. My dream was becoming a 4th grade teacher one day.

Fast forward to adulthood, and life looked a little different. I was teaching preschool, building a photography business, and raising three young kids.

When my oldest reached Kindergarten, we enrolled him in public school without hesitation. He had a wonderful year. Great teacher. Great district. Everything looked exactly how I thought it should.

And yet… something didn’t sit right.

The Fears and Doubts I Faced

I felt a strong pull toward homeschooling—but honestly, it felt overwhelming.

Even with my background in education and years of teaching experience, I had so many questions:

• How could I possibly recreate a full school day at home?
• How would I teach while caring for a toddler and a baby?
• Would I ever have time for myself again?
• Did I even have the patience or ability to do this well?
• What about things like middle school math… or high school graduation?

And one of the biggest fears:
Would my kids miss out?

But despite all the doubts, I knew I needed to follow where I felt God was leading our family.

So I spent an entire summer researching, praying, and being very intentional about this decision.

Then I took the leap.

We started homeschooling—and here I am, 8 years later, now with 5 kids, still on this journey.

Where We Are Now

There is so much I love about homeschooling.

I love the flexibility.
I love being able to tailor learning to each child
I love being involved in their daily lives.
I love the community and the culture.

Most of all, I love doing life with my kids.

It’s not without challenges, but each year we adjust, grow, and refine what works best for our family.

If you’re here looking for tips for starting homeschool, I want to focus on the three things I share most often when moms ask me:

“I’m thinking about homeschooling… but where do I even begin?”

3 Practical Tips for Starting Homeschool

These are the tips for starting homeschool that truly make a difference—especially in the beginning.

1. Know Your State Homeschool Laws

The very first of my tips for starting homeschool: understand your state laws.

Yes—homeschooling has legal requirements, and they vary depending on where you live.

Some states require:

• Attendance tracking
• Specific subjects
• Testing or reporting

Others are much more flexible.

No matter what, it’s important to know exactly what’s expected so you can homeschool with confidence.

A great place to start is the HSLDA website, where you can look up your state and see all the guidelines in one place.

2. Find Community and Local Resources

My second tip for starting homeschool is finding your people.

One of the biggest concerns moms have is:
“What about socialization?”

The truth is—there is a huge homeschool community out there. You just have to find it.

Start simple:

• Search Facebook for local homeschool groups
• Ask in community groups
• Look up “(your city) homeschool groups”

Once you find one group, you’ll likely discover many more.

Here are some of the resources you may find:

• Homeschool recess meetups
• Field trips
• Co-ops
• Hybrid schools
• Classes (sports, music, etc.)
• Curriculum swaps

Finding community makes everything easier. It gives both you and your kids connection, friendship, and support.

3. Learn About Homeschool Funding Programs

My third tip for starting homeschool is exploring funding options.

Not every family uses them, but for us, they’ve been a huge blessing.

These programs vary by state, but your local homeschool groups can point you in the right direction.

Here are a few we’ve used:

Utilizing Your Local Public School

When we first started, we taught core subjects at home and used the public school for things like art, gym, and music.

Some states allow this partnership—others don’t—so it’s important to check your local rules.

Virtual Academies Through Public Schools

We also participated in a program that offered free community classes funded through the public school system.

My kids were able to take classes like:

• Geology
• Cooking
• Leadership
• Gymnastics
• STEM Lego

Braintree

This program works through the public school system and provides funding (about $1800 per child per year).

We used it for:

• Curriculum
• School supplies
• PE and ninja classes
• Zoo and museum passes

It does require submitting assignments and participating in state testing.

OpenEd

Similar to Braintree, but operates under a private school model.

We currently use OpenEd for:

• Dance and theatre
• Curriculum
• Learning resources

It also provides around $1800 per child per year and requires learning logs and testing.

OpenEd is available in select states, including Indiana, where we live.

What Homeschool Looks Like for Us Right Now

If you’re curious what this actually looks like day-to-day, here’s a snapshot of what we’re currently doing:

Core Curriculum

• Language Arts & Writing: The Good and the Beautiful
• Math: Math U See
• Science & Social Studies: Abeka

Other Subjects & Activities

• Typing: Typing.com
• Piano: Private lessons
• Ukulele: Yousician app
• Dance & Theatre: Local classes
• Sports: Local clubs

Additional Resources

• Weekly co-op (parent-led classes like cooking, art, science, woodworking, and more)
• OpenEd for funding support
• Lots of books, including favorites like:
  • Who Was… series
  • I Survived… series
  • Books from The Good and Beautiful book list

Final Thoughts on Tips for Starting Homeschool

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s completely normal.

I’ve been there.

But if I could simplify everything into just a few tips for starting homeschool, it would be this:

• Know your state laws
• Find your community
• Explore your funding options

You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin.

Just have to take the first step.

And who knows? Years from now, you might be exactly where I am—looking back and wondering why you didn’t start sooner.

If you enjoyed reading this, you can get to know me better here!