Whether due to a sudden move, challenges at school, or changing family circumstances, many families start their homeschool journey mid-year rather than in August.
If this describes you, take heart – children can thrive even with major disruptions to their schooling.
In fact, these disruptions can boost their academic progress, diminish or even eliminate school anxiety, and give a fresh new perspective on lifelong learning!
Statewide homeschool organizations across the country offer proven strategies for successful mid-year transitions from school to homeschool. Enjoy these excerpts and click the links to read the full articles on each organization’s website.
Establish Your Homeschool “Why”
Homeschool Iowa
While difficult school experiences may prompt your decision to homeschool, build your foundation on positive goals. Consider these beneficial reasons to homeschool. Homeschooling allows you to:
- individualize your child’s instruction
- share your faith and values with your child
- strengthen your relationship with your child
- design instruction to follow unique interests or meet special needs
- shape a customized, family-oriented schedule in your home
- have the freedom to direct your child’s education
– Homeschool Iowa
Read the full blog post here
Follow All Legal Steps to Withdraw Your Child from Their Current School
Homeschoolers of Maine
Homeschool laws vary by state, so make sure you have researched your own state of residence before withdrawing your child.
Here is an example for families living in Maine:
Kindly notify the local public school that your child has been attending (in writing) about your intent to withdraw your child from school to homeschool. (For your own legal protection, do not sign any withdrawal form that the school may provide.)
– HOME (Homeschoolers of Maine)
Read the full blog post here
Your statewide homeschool organization has the most up-to-date, reliable information about legal requirements to homeschool in your state. Find your state org here.
The tip not to sign withdrawal forms received directly from the school is relevant to all states, since schools will often ask for more information than is required by law.
Take Advantage of Local Resources to Get You Up to Speed
Missouri Homeschool Alliance
Are you thinking about starting your homeschool adventure mid-year? Perhaps you’ve thought this leap from public or private school to homeschool is an “impossible thing” and are nervously excited to start.
Your statewide homeschool organization is here to help you navigate your next steps.
For example, Missouri Homeschool Alliance (MHA) offers a free video series called Homeschool Bootcamp you can watch to learn all about how to get started, from choosing curriculum to record keeping and much more.
– MHA (Missouri Homeschool Alliance)
Read the full blog post here
Make a Homeschool Plan
South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools
A well-structured plan can make homeschooling more enjoyable and productive. Start by creating a year-long schedule that includes breaks and vacations. Next, break the year into smaller units, such as quarters or semesters, to make planning more manageable.
Use tools like:
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Daily Planners: To organize lessons and activities.
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Online Calendars: For tracking deadlines and special events.
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Homeschool Apps: To manage attendance and academic progress.
– SCAIHS (South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools)
Read the full blog post here
Adjust Curriculum to Fit a Midyear Schedule
Midwest Parent Educators
If your child is already comfortable using a specific curriculum, feel free to continue or finish it for the school year.
However, don’t feel forced to keep using the same lesson plans from your child’s previous school! Many families may choose to take an online placement test for another program or course instead, and switch to something else.
In addition to placement tests, you may also want to consider skipping any areas in the curriculum that your child already knows well. We know many first-time homeschool parents who make the mistake of thinking their child has to cover 100% of every lesson before moving to the next.
Guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way! If we focus on mastery instead of checking boxes or filling out every blank, our children can often complete more academic work in less time.
What’s important is tailoring our homeschool learning experience to each child’s needs. Your child may test ahead of grade level in one subject such as language arts, and below grade level in another subject such as math. That’s perfectly fine! Meet your child wherever they are academically.
– MPE (Midwest Parent Educators) in Kansas, Missouri, and the regional Midwest
Read the full blog post here
Don’t Go It Alone!
Indiana Association of Home Educators
Congratulations on embarking on this new adventure! You won’t regret it! Starting your homeschool journey mid-year can seem overwhelming, but it does not have to be. The best time to start homeschooling is today!
Allow yourself the opportunity to find support and friendships in the homeschool community. The IAHE has some great resources to get you started in finding your tribe.
– IAHE (Indiana Association of Home Educators)
Read the full blog post here
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