Thinking about homeschooling for the first time this fall? You're not alone—many families across North Carolina have been struggling to enroll in homeschool programs, causing website crashes. With rising COVID-19 cases and schools still uncertain about reopening, it's no wonder parents are considering alternatives. But the challenge now is: how do you start? What should you teach your kids? Where do you even begin? And with only 4–8 weeks to prepare, the pressure is on.
I’ve been homeschooling my oldest son for a year now, and I can tell you—it’s overwhelming at first. Curriculum choices, teaching styles, and supplies all feel like huge decisions. But here’s the good news: if you’re starting from scratch, the best time to act is right now. Your top priorities over the next few weeks should be:
1. **Notify your state** that you plan to homeschool.
2. **Choose a curriculum** that fits your child’s needs.
3. **Take a deep breath.** Your child will be just fine.
If you're still figuring out what's best for your family, we've got a guide to help you make an informed decision.
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### Get Signed Up for Homeschooling
Yes, you read that right—signing up for school in your own home. If you suddenly stop sending your kids to school, your state might assume they're truant. Truancy laws vary by state, but in some places, it can lead to fines or even jail time. So as a parent, you need to formally declare that you’re homeschooling. The process varies by state, city, and even school district.
In Tennessee, for example, you must:
- Register with your local school board
- Submit proof of a high school diploma or GED
- Keep and submit attendance records
- Provide vaccination documentation
Some states require registration within 15 days of withdrawing your child from school. This isn’t something to ignore or delay. Check your state’s Department of Education website for specific requirements.
The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offers an interactive map with detailed guides for each state. It’s a great starting point if you’re unsure where to begin.
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### Umbrella Schools Can Help Simplify the Process
If your state’s rules seem too complicated, consider an umbrella school. These organizations handle the administrative side of homeschooling for a small fee. They provide forms, guidance, and support to keep your homeschool legal and organized.
My family uses **Aaron Academy**, which costs $80 per year. They help us with forms, track our curriculum, and manage standardized testing. They also let us know when we need to submit things. It’s money well spent, especially for new homeschoolers.
That said, not all umbrella schools are the same. Aaron Academy is Christian-based, but they don’t monitor what we teach. Another option is **The Farm School**, which is more flexible. Regardless of the program, you still have full control over your teaching style and content.
When choosing an umbrella school, look for one that supports you—not one that imposes strict rules. We chose Aaron Academy because the principal was patient and helpful, even on short notice. That kind of support makes a big difference.
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### Decide on a Curriculum
Signing up is easy, but choosing the right curriculum is the real challenge. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your choice will depend on your child’s age, learning style, and any state or umbrella school requirements.
Here are two key tips:
1. **Buy used when possible.** eBay and online marketplaces are great for affordable textbooks and materials.
2. **Don’t be afraid to switch.** If a curriculum isn’t working, you can always try something else.
In our case, we can choose almost any curriculum as long as we submit a list at the start of the year. For example, we bought a handwriting curriculum last year that my son quickly lost interest in. Instead, I created daily writing exercises based on his interests, like geography and science. It worked better and kept him engaged.
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### Curriculum Resources for Beginners
For a comprehensive review of homeschooling materials, check out **Cathy Duffy**. She reviews thousands of curricula and highlights her top picks with an apple symbol. It’s a great way to narrow down your options.
Popular choices include:
- **All About Learning Press**
- **Rainbow Resource**
- **Saxon Math** (great for strong math learners)
But remember, there’s no perfect curriculum. What works for one child may not work for another. Be open to experimenting and adjusting as you go.
Unit studies are also a great resource. They’re less about textbooks and more about exploring topics through books and activities. We love **Cantering the Country** and **Galloping the Globe**, which cover history, geography, and science in a fun, flexible way.
Online resources like **Education.com** and **Teachers Pay Teachers** are also worth checking out. They offer free or low-cost materials that can supplement your curriculum.
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### Don’t Stress—You’ve Got This
I know this all sounds overwhelming, especially with everything going on in the world right now. But take a deep breath. You don’t have to be perfect. Even on the hardest days, as long as your kids are making progress, you’re doing fine.
Here’s a secret: many homeschooling parents find that their kids learn faster at home than in traditional schools. Studies show that homeschoolers often perform better academically, and the flexibility allows for personalized learning.
You’re doing what’s best for your family. Take it one step at a time, stay calm, and trust yourself. You’ve got this.
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