Welcome! If you're just starting out, this page will walk you through the basics. None of it is scary — promise.
Step 1: Know the law where you live
Every state has different homeschool rules. Some (like Texas) are simple: you just need to teach the basics and keep your kids out of the public school enrollment system. Others require yearly portfolios or standardized tests.
- Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) maintains a free state-by-state legal guide. Bookmark it.
- Find out if your state offers ESA (Education Savings Account) funds for homeschoolers — many states give families $1,000–$3,000 per child per year for curriculum.
Step 2: Pick a homeschool style (loosely)
You don't have to pick one and stick with it forever — most families end up mixing — but knowing the styles helps you understand the curriculum world.
- Classical — language-rich, history-cycle (Memoria Press, Veritas Press)
- Charlotte Mason — short lessons, "living books", nature study (Ambleside, Simply Charlotte Mason)
- Traditional / Textbook — workbooks and lesson plans (Abeka, BJU Press, Sonlight)
- Unit Study — one theme across all subjects (Five in a Row, Konos)
- Eclectic — pick the best of each (most veteran homeschoolers end up here)
- Unschooling — child-led, interest-driven learning
Not sure? Take our free Curriculum Finder quiz — 5 questions, 2 minutes, gives you a style + recommendations.
Step 3: Pick subjects + a curriculum for each
Most homeschoolers cover: Math, Language Arts (reading/writing/spelling), Science, History, and Bible (if faith-based). Add electives like art, music, foreign language, and PE as you go.
For each subject:
- Pick a publisher or method that fits your style
- Pick the grade level (don't stress — you can move up or back as needed)
- Buy or trade-in for the materials
We stock 7,000+ titles and can help you build a full year's curriculum from a single shopping trip.
Step 4: Make a (loose) schedule
Most homeschool families do:
- Morning: heavy subjects — math, language arts, anything that needs focus
- After lunch: lighter — read-alouds, science experiments, art, outside time
- 3–4 hours/day is typical for elementary; high schoolers may need 5–6
That's it. You don't need a school bell or a flag salute. (Unless you want them.)
Step 5: Find your people
Homeschooling is more sustainable with community. Look for:
- Local co-ops (group classes once a week)
- Park days / nature group meetups
- Online communities (your state likely has a Facebook group)
- Curriculum-specific user groups (e.g., "Memoria Press Users")
Locally in DFW, we host monthly events at the store — check our Events page.
Common worries (and quick truths)
> "I'm not a teacher — am I qualified?"
If you can read, do basic math, and care about your kid, you're qualified. The curriculum teaches the content; you facilitate.
> "What about socialization?"
Homeschool kids see more variety of ages, settings, and adults than school kids. Socialization happens at co-op, park day, sports, church, the grocery store, life.
> "Are colleges OK with homeschoolers?"
Yes — every major US college actively recruits homeschoolers. Just keep transcripts and test scores starting around 9th grade.
Ready to start?
- Take the Curriculum Finder quiz — 2 min, get a style match and starter recommendations
- Book a free consulting call — talk to a veteran homeschool mom
- Browse the shop — 7,000+ titles, filter by grade and subject
You've got this.