Start Homeschooling With Confidence
How to Start Homeschooling
You don't need an education degree. You don't need a classroom in your basement. And you certainly don't need to have it all figured out before you begin.
You simply need to take the first step.
Whether you're pulling your child out of public school, starting kindergarten at home, or making the transition from another curriculum, we're here to help you homeschool with confidence and a biblical foundation.
Download our FREE First Year of Homeschooling Guide and get started today.
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Your Homeschool Roadmap
How to Start Homeschooling in 5 Simple Steps
Homeschooling doesn't have to be complicated. You don't need to recreate public school at home or spend months researching before you begin.
Start with these five simple steps and build from there.
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01
Understand God's Purpose for Education
Before you buy curriculum or make a lesson plan, ask a more important question: What is education for? Scripture tells us that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." The goal of education is not merely academic success. It is helping our children know God, love Him, and faithfully serve Him in every area of life. When you understand God's purpose for education, many of the practical decisions become much simpler.
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02
Determine Your Child's Grade Level
Don't overthink it. If your child would normally be in first grade, start by looking at first-grade materials. Homeschooling gives you the freedom to move at your child's pace, so grade levels are simply helpful starting points rather than rigid requirements. The best curriculum meets your child where they are and helps them grow from there.
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03
Choose Your Homeschool Curriculum
You do not need twenty different programs to homeschool successfully. Begin with the basics: reading, writing, mathematics, history, and science taught from a biblical worldview. Look for curriculum that equips both parents and children and helps you teach with confidence. Your curriculum should serve your family, not overwhelm it.
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04
Establish a Simple Daily Routine
One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is flexibility. Your homeschool day doesn't need to look like a public school classroom. Start small. Read together. Practice math. Spend time outside. Work through one or two subjects at a time. Consistency matters far more than having a perfectly color-coded schedule. Build rhythms that work well for your family.
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05
Begin Teaching Your Child
At some point, you simply need to begin. No homeschool parent starts out as an expert. You'll learn as you go. You'll adjust your plans. You'll discover what works best for your children. Homeschooling isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about faithfully discipling and educating the children God has entrusted to your care. The first day doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to happen.
You don't need to master homeschooling today. Simply take the next faithful step.
Still Have Questions?
Talk to a Real Homeschool Parent
Homeschooling can feel overwhelming when you're first getting started. You don't have to figure it all out by yourself.
Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure which curriculum is right for your child? Wondering if you're doing enough?
We've been there.
Schedule a free call with one of our homeschool mentors, and we'll help you think through curriculum recommendations, grade placement, daily schedules, and your homeschool goals.
Whether you're pulling your child out of public school or preparing to homeschool for the very first time, we'd love to help.
What We Can Help With
Free and friendly — ask us anything. No pressure, no obligation.
Let's Talk.
Start With the Right Question
Before You Buy Curriculum…
Most parents start homeschooling by asking:
- What curriculum should I buy?
- What subjects do I need to teach?
- What should my child know by the end of the year?
Those are good questions.
But there's an even better question to ask first.
What is God's purpose for education?
Education is never neutral. Every education system is discipling children toward something.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Proverbs 9:10
That means the goal of education isn't merely academic success. It is helping our children know God, love Him, and faithfully serve Him in every area of life.
Homeschooling is more than schooling at home. It's discipleship.
When you understand God's purpose for education, choosing curriculum and planning your homeschool becomes much simpler.
The Foundation of a Biblical Homeschool
What Should I Teach My Child When Homeschooling?
This is one of the most common questions new homeschoolers ask.
The good news? You don't have to recreate public school in your home.
Children don't need eight hours of worksheets and busy work. They need faithful instruction, good books, meaningful conversations, and time to grow in wisdom and maturity.
Teach children to fear God.
True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.
Teach children to worship God.
Every subject should point our children back to their Creator.
Teach children to love God.
Education should cultivate hearts that treasure Christ.
Teach children to serve God.
Prepare children to faithfully serve God in their homes, churches, and communities.
Every Subject Under His Authority
Academics matter. Reading matters. Mathematics matters. History and science matter. But they are all servants of a greater purpose: knowing God and His world.
Where Do I Begin?
Homeschool Curriculum by Grade Level
If you're wondering where to begin, we've made it simple.
Choose your child's grade level to see what subjects we recommend, what skills they should be developing, and the curriculum that best fits a biblical philosophy of education.
We've taken the guesswork out of planning your homeschool year.
One Grade at a Time
Kindergarten
Building a strong foundation through stories, Scripture, and early learning.
Explore Grade 1First Grade
Learning to read and discovering God's world.
Explore Grade 2Second Grade
Growing in confidence, curiosity, and biblical understanding.
Explore Grade 3Third Grade
Developing wisdom, skills, and a love of learning.
Explore Grade 4Fourth Grade
Building competence across every subject.
Explore Grade 5Fifth Grade
Cultivating diligence, responsibility, and understanding.
Explore Grade 6Sixth Grade
Preparing children for greater independence and maturity.
Explore GradeYou don't have to plan the next twelve years today. Simply start with this year.
Explore Your Child's Grade LevelHelpful Resources
Recommended Christian Homeschool Curriculum and Resources
Homeschooling doesn't have to be complicated.
Great books and biblical resources can help build a rich and joyful homeschool experience. We've gathered some of our favorite resources to help you get started.
Homeschool Curriculum
Complete biblical curriculum designed to help your children grow in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
Learn MoreTeach Me the Faith Collection
Scripture memory and catechism resources for helping children know what they believe and why.
Learn MoreGod's Big Story Reading Program
Teach your children to read while introducing them to God's unfolding story of redemption.
Learn MoreRead-Aloud Books
Build family culture and cultivate a love for truth, goodness, and beauty through great books.
Learn MoreBiblical Civics Resources
Help your children understand government, liberty, and God's authority over nations.
Learn MoreParent Resources
Encouragement and practical tools for faithfully leading your family.
Learn MoreYou don't need every resource today. Start where you are and build your homeschool one year at a time.
Shop Homeschool ResourcesFree Homeschool Training
Watch the FREE Strong Foundations Training
Three free sessions designed to help you confidently begin your homeschool journey.
Not sure where to begin? Our Strong Foundations training series was created specifically for parents of young children.
Whether you're homeschooling for the very first time or simply looking for a better foundation, these sessions will help you understand what matters most in the early years of education.
What You'll Learn
Session 1
Five Critical Building Blocks for Effective Teaching
Discover what every young child needs during the early years and how to build a biblical foundation for lifelong learning.
Watch Session
Session 2
The Catalyst to All Learning
Learn practical and encouraging ways to help your children become competent and joyful readers.
Watch Session
Session 3
Instilling the Thrill of Learning
Discover how to create a homeschool culture that is both academically rich and spiritually fruitful.
Watch SessionLearn from experienced homeschool parents who have spent decades helping families disciple their children.
You don't need to figure out homeschooling overnight. Start with one session and take the next faithful step.
You're Not Alone
Frequently Asked Questions
Every homeschool family starts with questions. That's normal.
Here are some of the questions we hear most often from parents who are just getting started.
Is homeschooling legal?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in every state, although requirements vary depending on where you live.
How do I withdraw my child from public school to homeschool?
Homeschool laws vary by state, but in most cases withdrawing your child from public school is a simple process. We recommend beginning by reviewing your state's homeschool requirements and submitting any necessary paperwork before removing your child from school.
Parents can learn more through HSLDA or their state's homeschool organization. We'll provide helpful links whenever possible.
Find Your State's Homeschool RequirementsHow much time does homeschooling take?
Most young children can accomplish a tremendous amount of learning in just a few focused hours each day. Homeschooling doesn't require recreating an eight-hour public school schedule at home.
How many hours a day do homeschoolers spend in school?
Homeschooling typically takes far less time than public school. Young children often complete their formal lessons in just a few focused hours each day, leaving plenty of time for reading, outdoor play, family life, and meaningful conversations.
How much does homeschooling cost?
Homeschooling can be as affordable or as extensive as you choose. Many families homeschool successfully on modest budgets. The most important investment is not expensive curriculum but faithful time spent teaching and discipling your children.
Do I need teaching experience?
No. Parents have been educating their children for thousands of years. You are uniquely equipped to teach your own children because God has entrusted them to your care.
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool?
No. Parents do not need teaching degrees to homeschool in any state. Parents have been educating their children for thousands of years, and God has uniquely entrusted you with the responsibility of discipling and educating your own children.
What if I don't feel qualified?
Every homeschool parent begins somewhere. You don't need to know everything before you start. Faithfulness is more important than perfection.
Can I homeschool if my child has attended public school?
Absolutely. Thousands of families make the transition to homeschooling every year. Children are remarkably resilient and often thrive when given time, attention, and a biblical approach to education.
What if I choose the wrong curriculum?
No curriculum is perfect. Your relationship with your child matters far more than choosing the "perfect" program. Start simple and make adjustments as you learn what works best for your family.
Will my child fall behind?
Behind whom? One of the gifts of homeschooling is that you can meet your child exactly where they are and move at the pace that fits them. Many children who once felt "behind" begin to flourish when learning becomes unhurried and personal.
What if my child is behind academically?
Homeschooling gives parents the freedom to teach children at their individual pace. Many families find that homeschooling allows struggling learners to thrive because instruction can be tailored to their unique needs and abilities. Children are not on an educational conveyor belt. They are individuals created in the image of God.
What if homeschooling doesn't go as planned?
Very few homeschool years go exactly as planned, and that's perfectly okay. Homeschooling is flexible by design. You can adjust your approach, rest when you need to, and begin again tomorrow with fresh grace.
Do I need to teach every subject every day?
No. Many families rotate subjects throughout the week rather than covering everything daily. Gentle consistency over time matters far more than fitting every subject into a single day.
Can dads be involved in homeschooling?
Absolutely. Fathers play a vital role in discipling and educating their children, whether through reading aloud, leading family worship, teaching practical skills, or simply encouraging mom and the children along the way.
You do not have to become the perfect homeschool parent before you begin. You simply need to take the next faithful step.
Thousands of families have started exactly where you are today. You can do this.
Start Homeschooling with Confidence
Homeschooling can feel overwhelming when you're first getting started. But it doesn't have to be.
God has entrusted your children to you. He has given parents the responsibility of bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Homeschooling is simply one beautiful way of living out that calling.
You don't need to have the next twelve years planned. You simply need to take the next faithful step.
We're here to help.
Download our FREE First Year of Homeschooling Guide and join thousands of Christian families pursuing biblical discipleship through home education.
Download the Free First Year of Homeschooling GuideBiblical encouragement · Practical homeschool help · Resources for every stage of your journey