Homeschool 101 

Homeschooling is an alternative to attending a public school. It allows students to receive their education from their parents or another certified educator at home. 

1. Search HSDLA.org to learn about the laws and legal requirements in your state.

2. Find a homeschool support group that aligns with your family's needs. 

3. Plan and organize your homeschooling year.

4. Teach the required subjects, and apply the appropriate curriculum for your students' needs. 

Teachers can use the Home School Legal Defense Association to learn about their homeschooling rights and obligations.

Every state is different and has its laws governing homeschool teachers. Parents are typically the primary educators for their children, but parents can also assign other individuals to help, such as tutors or family members. 

Instead of following requirements set forth by the public school system, select a curriculum appropriate for your child's learning style. Choose a curriculum that your student will enjoy to develop their learning capabilities. Curriculums should never be difficult to comprehend or overwhelming to complete. Curriculums should be positive and interesting for the student's overall success. 

While students in public schools follow testing standards and grade level, homeschoolers are evaluated by their potential and performance rather than by grade level. Join us and learn more about the homeschool grades.

Certain states require testing, while other states do not. If families reside in a state where testing is not required, it is up to the parent-teacher if they would like to incorporate testing into their educational program. We strongly advise testing if the student plans to attend college, as most colleges require testing. 

Official transcripts contain a record of a student's grades and courses that are usually required to get into college.  A high school diploma is awarded upon graduation.

Homeschooling students with disabilities may require using untraditional methods, therefore, what works best for your student is what matters. 

Homeschooling is unique to each parent and their children, and the appropriate way to educate is to choose a curriculum that your students are interested in and love learning. 

Participation letters are intended to be useful for parent-teachers to have a record of their academic participation with their students from an officially recognized homeschool group.

The terms ISP (Individual Support Plan)   and IEP  (Individualized Education Plan)  refer to plans related to public schools, whereas "SEP" stands for "Student Education Plan," which is a plan that is overseen and made specifically for the student by their homeschool teacher.  

Finding a curriculum may appear difficult online due to the many options available, so it is important to use keywords to search for free curriculums. Paid curriculum options are useful when you need record-keeping or additional features for students. 

Example to search free resources:

Browse Free Math Curriculum for 1st grade students

Browse  Free Reading Program for 6th grade students

Browse  Free Science Projects for 12th-grade students

With all due respect, adjust your way of thinking about yourself and your abilities to educate. Being that you are the most qualified to educate your children, and with our assistance and resources, we make it possible for you to learn how to homeschool.

Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy