Why Choose Homeschooling and What Counts As Homeschooling Today?

Importantly, choosing to homeschool doesn’t mean you have to go it alone or reinvent the wheel. In this article, we’ll walk through how to start homeschooling step by step, from understanding the legal basics (homeschool laws by state) to picking a curriculum that fits your lifestyle (whether an accredited homeschool program or a free online homeschool curriculum). We’ll also tackle big questions around socialization, budgeting, and how to know if your home education plan is on the right track. Along the way, you’ll hear stories from real families who made the leap. By the end, you should feel reassured – like a neighbor who’s done the homework and is sharing what they learned – that homeschooling in 2025 is not only doable, but can be a rewarding switch for your family. (Preview: In the sections ahead, we’ll break down what counts as homeschooling today, state legal requirements, how to choose the right curriculum (from open-and-go packages to DIY mixes), budgeting tips and free resources, strategies for socialization, signs your homeschool is working, real-life case studies, and a quick-start checklist for how to begin. Let’s dive in!)

Homeschooling in 2025 isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario – in fact, it can take many forms. The common thread is that learning happens primarily outside of a traditional school building, but what that looks like day to day varies widely. It can mean:

Traditional parent-led instruction: This is the classic image of homeschooling – a parent (or guardian) acts as the primary teacher, selecting or creating the curriculum and guiding the child’s studies at home. It offers maximum flexibility to tailor learning to your child’s pace and interests.

Online public schools (K12 online schooling programs): Many states offer tuition-free virtual public school programs (e.g. K12 academies or Connections Academy). These are accredited programs run through the state or district, so students learn from certified teachers via an online platform at home. Technically, these are considered remote schooling rather than independent homeschooling – but from a family’s perspective, the child is doing school from home with a provided curriculum. It’s a popular option for those who want an at-home setting with more structure or teacher support.

Microschools or co-ops: Some families band together in small groups to share teaching responsibilities or hire a tutor. A microschool might be a small multi-age class hosted in a home or community space, blending features of private school and homeschool. Homeschool co-ops are typically parent-led groups where kids meet (perhaps one day a week or for special subjects) to learn and socialize together. These collaborative approaches give a mix of home instruction and group learning.

Hybrid schedules with local classes: Homeschooling doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Many homeschoolers do a hybrid approach – for example, taking a few classes at a local school, community center, or college while doing other subjects at home. Some public schools allow part-time enrollment or extracurricular participation for homeschoolers. Other families follow a “university model” where kids attend a program 2-3 days a week and learn at home the rest. The key is flexibility to craft a schedule that works.

Unschooling and student-led learning: On the far end of the spectrum, some families practice unschooling – a philosophy where there’s no fixed curriculum at all. Instead, the child’s interests drive what they learn (through real-life activities, projects, reading, etc.), and formal lessons are minimal. Other families might follow specific homeschooling styles like Montessori at home, Classical education, or Charlotte Mason literature-based learning. There’s a huge range in how structured or free-form a homeschool can be.

The bottom line: Homeschooling today can be traditional or tech-driven, structured or spontaneous. Some families stick closely to a purchased curriculum, others create an eclectic mix of resources, and some even roadschool or worldschool. The beauty of homeschooling is adaptability – you can choose the approach that fits your child’s needs and change it over time.

What Are the Legal Requirements?

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states across the U.S., but each state sets its own rules. Before you pull your child out of school or start a home program, you’ll need to understand your state’s homeschooling laws. The requirements can range from virtually none to quite detailed. Here are some common legal factors to consider:

Notification: Most states require a Notice of Intent to Homeschool. In some states this is one-time, in others annual. A few states (like Texas, Alaska, Illinois) don’t require notification at all.

Attendance or instruction hours: Some states mandate a minimum, e.g. 1,000 hours annually in Missouri, or 180 days in Indiana. Others are more flexible, focusing on progress rather than time.

Required subjects: Many states list subjects homeschoolers must cover (language arts, math, science, civics, etc.). For example, Texas requires instruction in math, reading, spelling, grammar, and good citizenship – but imposes no standardized testing.

Record-keeping and assessment: Some states require attendance logs, portfolios, or periodic assessments. New York and Pennsylvania are stricter, requiring quarterly reports plus annual tests or evaluations. Others, like Oklahoma or New Jersey, have no testing requirements.

Parent qualifications: The vast majority of states don’t require parents to be certified teachers. Some may ask for a GED or diploma. A few states (like California) allow multiple paths – private school filing, charter programs, or tutor arrangements.

States with minimal oversight include Texas, Alaska, Illinois, and Missouri. Stricter ones include New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island. Even so, no state forbids homeschooling, and research shows oversight levels don’t necessarily affect student outcomes.

Choosing the Right Curriculum

One of the biggest questions new homeschooling parents face is: “What curriculum should I use?” The good (and overwhelming) news: there are hundreds of options. Here are three broad categories:

Open-and-go programs: Complete packages with daily lesson plans, textbooks, and sometimes video lessons. Examples: Time4Learning, Abeka, BJU Press. Pros: structured and thorough. Cons: pricey and rigid.

Online platforms with instructor-led components: Examples include Khan Academy (free), Outschool (live classes), and K12 Online Schools. Pros: expert instruction, less parent teaching. Cons: screen time, less flexibility, requires reliable internet.

DIY or eclectic mix: Parents combine resources from multiple publishers. Example: Saxon Math + Charlotte Mason literature + unit studies. Pros: maximum flexibility. Cons: requires more planning.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to switch if something isn’t working. Many families evolve their style over time.

Costs, Resources, and Budgeting Tips

Homeschooling costs vary widely – from nearly free to several thousand dollars. On average, families spend $300–$800 per child annually, but it can be done for less with free resources. Budget considerations include curriculum, supplies, field trips, and extracurriculars.

Free or low-cost resources:

  • Khan Academy (free, high-quality online lessons)
  • Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool (free Christian program)
  • Local libraries (books, e-books, classes, museum passes)
  • Community resources (nature centers, museums, homeschool days)
  • Used curriculum marketplaces (eBay, Facebook groups)
  • Open Educational Resources (CK-12, Crash Course, Duolingo, etc.)

Budgeting tips:

  • Set a budget and prioritize essentials.
  • Use multi-age resources for multiple kids.
  • Track expenses (some states offer tax deductions).
  • Try free trials before buying full programs.
  • Swap or borrow with local co-ops or groups.

What About Socialization?

The stereotype of isolated homeschoolers is outdated. Today, homeschooled kids often have more diverse social experiences than traditional students. Examples include:

  • Homeschool co-ops and groups: Weekly meetups for classes, labs, or field trips.
  • Extracurriculars: Scouts, sports leagues, arts programs, martial arts, youth theater, etc.
  • Volunteer/community work: Internships, part-time jobs, service projects.
  • Online communities and classes: Forums, group projects, safe moderated chats.
  • Everyday life: Interaction across ages and communities, building real-world skills.

Key takeaway: Socialization is about quality, not quantity. Many homeschoolers thrive socially thanks to meaningful connections and reduced exposure to negative peer pressure.

How to Know If It’s Working

Parents often ask: “Am I doing this right?” Indicators include:

  • Academic progress: Are reading, math, and writing skills improving steadily?
  • Engagement: Does your child show curiosity and excitement about learning?
  • Emotional well-being: Is your child happier, more confident, or less stressed?
  • Family balance: Do you feel more confident and settled as a parent-teacher?

Outside assessments (tests, portfolios, evaluations) can provide reassurance, but progress and well-being matter most.

Stories from Families Who Switched

Case studies highlight homeschooling diversity:

  1. Single parent balance: Laura, a single mom, used flexible work hours and open-and-go curriculum to homeschool efficiently, building stronger family bonds.
  2. Supporting a neurodivergent child: The Johnsons customized learning for their son with ADHD, using interest-led projects and sensory-friendly environments.
  3. Roadschooling adventure: The Martinez family travels by RV, learning history and science through immersive experiences at historic sites and national parks.

Theme: Homeschooling adapts to families’ needs, from structure to flexibility, proving there is no single “right” way.

Quick-Start Checklist + Final Thoughts

  • ☑ Research your state’s laws (HSLDA or DOE website)
  • ☑ Choose your homeschooling style (structured, eclectic, online, etc.)
  • ☑ Select a curriculum (at least for the first few months)
  • ☑ Plan a simple schedule (with breaks and social time)
  • ☑ Set up record-keeping (planner, portfolio, or app)
  • ☑ Reassess often and pivot if needed

Remember: homeschooling doesn’t have to be perfect. Flexibility is the key. If your child is learning, happy, and thriving, you’re on the right track. Starting is the hardest part — but with community support and adaptability, you’ll find your rhythm.