Starting to homeschool: first steps checklist

Print this checklist

1. Read your state’s rules. Find your state in our state directory. It shows the options, any notice, required subjects or hours, testing, records and who to contact, with links to the official page and the law.
2. Check the ages that count. Each state sets its own compulsory school ages. The rules only apply while your child is of compulsory school age – check your state’s official page for the ages.
3. Choose your legal option. Some states have one homeschool law; others have several routes, such as a home education program, a private or “umbrella” school, or a certified tutor. Each route has its own rules.
4. Send any notice your state requires – and keep a copy. Use the official form if your state has one, or our letter of intent template. Note any deadline and send it in a way you can prove (for example certified mail or email with a reply).
5. Withdraw your child from school in writing. If your child is enrolled, don’t just stop sending them – that can be treated as truancy. Check whether your state wants the notice filed first, then send our withdrawal letter.
6. Ask for your child’s school records. Federal law (FERPA) gives you the right to inspect your child’s education records, and the school must let you within 45 days. Use our records request.
7. Plan what to learn. Check any subjects or hours your state requires. Many families use standards as a checklist – see our standards pages, year planner and free practice tests.
8. Set up simple records from day one. Attendance or hours, dated notes of what was learned, work samples, tests and activities – even where your state doesn’t require them. Try the free attendance and hours log and portfolio template.
9. Put any testing or evaluation in your calendar. If your state requires a test, an evaluation or a portfolio review, note when, by whom and where the results go.
10. Special needs? Know about Child Find. Under federal law (IDEA), your local school district generally must find and evaluate children with disabilities, including homeschooled children. What services follow depends on your state – see special education.
11. Teens: plan high school early. Keep a course list with credits and grades from grade 9 (or earlier for high school-level courses) – it becomes the transcript. See high school, transcripts and testing.
12. Look after everyone’s wellbeing. The first weeks are often a time to slow down. In an emergency, call 911. If you’re worried about a child’s safety, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline on 1-800-422-4453. Anyone in crisis can call or text 988.

Costs and funding

In general, families pay for books, courses, tutors and tests. Some states have education savings accounts, tax credits or other programs that homeschoolers may be able to use, each with its own rules – check your state guide and the program’s official page.

Changing your mind

It’s fine to change your mind, in either direction. To go back to public school, contact your local school district’s enrollment office. Districts and states set their own rules on grade placement and on accepting credits from homeschooling, and some states ask you to tell an office when homeschooling ends.