Homeschooling 101

The rest of the series

1. 01

   Is homeschooling right for us?

   The doubts everyone starts with, answered honestly.

   Why Homeschool? A look at just some of the benefits of private home education. Read this article (opens in a new tab)

   You CAN Teach Your Child Encouragement for those who may be questioning if they're capable of teaching their own children. Spoiler alert: You Can! Read this article (opens in a new tab)

   What About Socialization? Ah, the age-old question! If you've been homeschooling for any length of time, you know this is a non-issue. Four ways to foster healthy socialization are discussed. Read this article (opens in a new tab)
2. 02

   Know your legal options

   What California actually requires, and the four ways to comply with it.

   The Legal Options for Home Education in California Start your own private school, join a PSP, hire a tutor, or enroll in a charter. Read this article (opens in a new tab)

   Recordkeeping Required records for California private home educators are minimal. This article walks through each record — both required and optional. Includes links to samples. Read this article (opens in a new tab)
3. 03

   Set up your homeschool

   Choose an approach, build a budget, and find out what you can get for free.

   Finding Your Homeschool Method Curriculum is not where to start. Work out your “why” and your “how” first, and choosing the “what” gets much easier. Read this article (opens in a new tab)

   Homeschooling on a Budget Suddenly you are the one funding your children’s education. What a good education actually requires — and what it does not. Read this article (opens in a new tab)

   Planning Your School Year How many school days California actually requires, and how to sketch a year loose enough to change when life does. Read this article (opens in a new tab)

   Teacher Perks & Educational Discounts Stores that offer perks to educators often include homeschool "teachers" too. Check out this list for ways to save and fun perks for being a home educator! Read this article (opens in a new tab)
4. 04

   By age and situation

   Where to begin with the youngest, how to handle high school, and homeschooling a child with special needs.

   Homeschooling Preschool For parents of young children who are eager to start homeschooling their little ones. What can homeschooling a preschooler look like? (It's a lot simpler than you think!) Read this article (opens in a new tab)

   An Introduction to High School Homeschooling a high schooler can be daunting. Transcripts, graduation requirements, planning for post-graduation, etc. Read this article (opens in a new tab)

   Homeschooling Children With Special Needs Accommodations, recordkeeping, and why California does not require an IEP when you homeschool privately. Read this article (opens in a new tab)