Answers to Common Questions About Homeschooling
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You have made the decision to homeschool. Congratulations! Beginning to homeschool can be really exciting, but just like anything new, it can feel confusing until you get the hang of it. Right now you probably have a lot of questions about homeschooling.
Or maybe you are curious about homeschooling and have a bunch of questions. You have come to the right place. You have questions and I have answers.
I am a classroom teacher turned homeschool mom about to finish teaching my 12th year of homeschooling. I love homeschooling and want to help other families love homeschooling too.
It is hard to love something when you are still feeling really overwhelmed, so I will answer some of the most common questions about homeschooling. This list of common questions about homeschooling is long, so please use the navigation links in the table of contents if you want to find the answer to your question quickly.
Answers to Common Questions About Homeschooling
These answers to common questions about homeschooling are based on my experience as a homeschool mom. Please make sure that you read your state homeschool laws. Every state has different homeschool requirements and it is important to follow them.
How do I start homeschooling my child?
The very first thing to do is research the homeschool laws for your specific state. Homeschooling is legal everywhere in the United States, but each state has different legal requirements and regulations. HSLDA is a great place to get started.
Submit any required paperwork to officially open your homeschool.
Next, you will need to officially withdraw your child from their current school. Call the school to double-check, but usually, a letter from you informing them of your intent to homeschool is all that they need. (You can skip this step if your little one is not in school yet.)
Now you can decide on curriculum choices for your family.
Read How to Start Homeschooling for a more detailed step-by-step guide to begin homeschooling.
Are there any books to help me prepare to homeschool?
In my opinion, every parent considering homeschooling should read The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life by Julie Bogart.
Last update on 2026-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This book is incredibly encouraging and reassuring. It is also full of practical ideas that help create a love of learning.
What is a good schedule for homeschooling?
The best homeschool schedule is one that works for your family. There is no one schedule that will work for everyone.
I don’t recommend trying to keep a set hourly schedule. Instead, try a routine to keep a good flow to your day. There are a few homeschool routine options available.
Can you homeschool 3 days a week?
Sure. You are the administrator of your homeschool so you get to decide on your school calendar.
Many families find that schooling 3 days a week year-round works better than 5 days a week 10 months a year. There is quite a bit of flexibility in homeschooling.
Do field trip days count as school days?
Yes. Public schools count field trip days towards attendance and you can too.
The definition of a ‘school day’ includes anything educational – bookwork, classes, and field trips.
Related: 30+ Awesome Homeschool Field Trip Ideas
How many hours a day is required to homeschool?
This is one of those questions about homeschooling that has multiple answers.
Legal answer – Many states do not have a set hourly homeschool requirement. If your state does, be sure to follow it.
Real-life answer – The amount of time needed to homeschool depends on curriculum choices and grade level. In general:
- Elementary – 1 – 3 hours
- Middle – 3 – 4 hours
- High – 4 – 6 hours
My daughter is finishing up her senior year and frequently spends 8 hours a day, Monday – Friday, studying. She is earning college credit while still in high school, and that can take some extra time.
What is the best homeschool curriculum?
This is one of the most common and hardest questions about homeschooling to answer. The best curriculum depends on a lot of factors. Everyone has a different favorite.
To find the best homeschool curriculum for your family:
- Decide whether you want an all-in-one curriculum or separate plans for each subject
- Set a budget
- Consider your teaching style
- Consider your child’s learning style
Related: How to Choose the Right Homeschool Curriculum
Do I need to follow my county’s curriculum?
Homeschoolers can choose their own curriculum. You do not need to follow your local school’s curriculum.
How much money does homeschooling cost?
This is one of the most common questions about homeschooling. The answer to this question is always difficult to answer because it varies so much. There are free homeschool resources like Khan Academy, but I have also seen single classes cost $500+.
Rest assured that there are homeschool programs for every homeschool budget.
Related: How Much Does It Cost to Homeschool?
Are homeschool expenses tax deductible?
No. Homeschool expenses are not tax-deductible.
What do you need for a homeschool room?
You do not need a dedicated homeschool room. In fact, I had a homeschool room in one house and decided to get rid of it. We just never really used it.
Instead, we do school throughout the house. It is pretty common for my kids to write at the kitchen table while I’m cooking, read on the couch, study in their bedroom, and do math in the dining room. When the weather is nice we sometimes do schoolwork outside.
Do I need to purchase desks for my kids?
Need to? No.
However, you certainly can purchase desks for your kids if you would like. My kids each have desks in their bedrooms. They do not use them often, but they do appreciate having a space to work or craft where they can have a little peace and quiet.
What supplies do you need for homeschooling?
The answer to this homeschool question depends on how you plan to homeschool. Obviously, an online homeschool program requires different supplies than a hands-on curriculum.
My favorite homeschool supplies are access to a computer, a library card, a whiteboard, and basic craft supplies (scissors, glue, crayons, pencils, etc.).
How does homeschooling affect social skills?
Homeschooling really doesn’t negatively affect social skills. In fact, there is research that shows really positive social skill benefits as a result of homeschooling.
The main difference between public school socialization and homeschool socialization is that parents need to drive their homeschooled children to see friends.
Usually there are plenty of social opportunities available to homeschoolers:
- Co-ops
- Classes
- Park days
- Sports groups
- Extracurricular activities
Related: How to Start a Homeschool Co-op
Won’t my child miss out on things like prom?
This is one of those questions about homeschooling that pops up every spring. Many homeschool co-ops organize traditional school experiences like prom. Joining the Facebook groups for homeschool groups in your area is usually the best way to make sure you see all of the opportunities.
How do I organize my homeschool papers?
This depends on what sort of homeschool papers you want to organize.
For elementary – middle school I recommend keeping just a few work samples or projects. Unless you are required by law to keep a portfolio you don’t need to keep much. I like to keep a few writing projects and small craft activities.
I keep it organized by keeping a milk crate for each child. Inside the milk crate is a folder for each grade level.
High school records require a little more paperwork because you will need to create transcripts. It doesn’t need to be hard or complicated though. Here is how I organize everything for high school record keeping.
Related: How to Create Homeschool Transcripts Using Google Docs
What is the best homeschool planner?
The best homeschool planner is one that works for you.
Some people prefer digital planners, but I am a pen-and-paper kind of person. Years ago I couldn’t find a homeschool planner that fit my needs perfectly so I created my own. Learn how to quickly create a personalized homeschool planner.
If you prefer using a digital homeschool planner, I suggest checking out Syllabird. They offer a free trial.
Do homeschoolers have to take standardized tests?
Standardized tests are available for homeschoolers, but whether it is required depends on your state law.
There are options for testing online, at home, or at a testing center. Seton Testing Center has a comparison chart to help you select the right test for your needs.
Can I homeschool high school?
Absolutely! Homeschooling high school can feel intimidating at first, but you can do it.
Creating a homeschooling high school plan really helped me feel confident when my daughter was entering 9th grade at home.
Do colleges accept homeschooled students?
Yes.
This is one of those questions about homeschooling that I hear all the time now that my oldest is well into her high school years.
I have never heard of a homeschooled student being denied admission because they were homeschooled. The students need to make sure they meet all of the entrance requirements, but colleges do accept homeschooled students.
How do I homeschool and work at the same time?
Homeschooling while working can be challenging but in some cases, it can be done. It might require a little creativity. One option is to homeschool in the evenings after work. Another option is to use a few online classes to help relieve a little of the teaching.
I know many homeschool parents who work from home running their own companies. A few years ago I interviewed the founder of Farrier Leather about how she manages to homeschool while running her business. She gave good tips but also reassured everyone that sometimes it just feels chaotic. You are not doing something wrong if it feels hard.
Can I hire someone to do ALL of the teaching for me?
Probably not. The answer to this question about homeschooling depends on your state laws, but it is unlikely that you can hire a teacher to do ALL of the teaching. Many parents do outsource a few classes though.
Do homeschoolers have to get a GED?
Homeschoolers do not have to get a GED. A parent-issued homeschool diploma is 100% valid!
How do I get a homeschool diploma?
Homeschool parents have two options to get a homeschool high school diploma:
Either choice is completely fine and valid. It is just a matter of personal preference.
How do I switch from homeschool to public school?
This is a little tricky. Public schools have to allow your homeschooled kids into school, but they do not have to accept your homeschool class credits.
Generally, it is pretty easy to transfer into elementary or middle school. High school is a little harder and will likely require good high school records and an understanding principal in your local school district.
The best thing you can do is to reach out to the principal at the school your child would attend and see what they suggest.
How much do homeschool teachers make?
This question has two possible answers, depending on your definition of ‘homeschool teacher’.
Parents who are homeschooling their own children are not paid. I have heard a few rumors that homeschool parents are paid by school districts. This is not true.
Homeschool teachers who teach co-op classes or privately tutor students can set their own rates. Some are very inexpensive, but others charge more than $50 an hour. The going rate for every area will differ.
Do I need to be a certified teacher to homeschool?
No, you do not need to be a certified teacher to homeschool. Every state has different requirements for parents who want to homeschool. Most states just require a homeschool parent to have a high school diploma or a GED. At least one state wants parents to have a
I hope that helps answer your questions about homeschooling!
Do you have any other questions about homeschooling? Leave them in the comments and I will try to answer them!
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