Choosing a homeschool curriculum is an important decision that can significantly impact your child’s education. The homeschooling process can look different for every family but typically involves purchasing or creating a homeschool curriculum and scheduling regular lessons. Many families also take advantage of online resources and community groups to find support and connect with other homeschooling families.

Homeschooling can be a great option for parents who want more control over their child’s education and want to create a customized learning experience that meets their individual needs. It can also be a great way to build strong relationships between parents and children and foster a love of learning.

Here are some steps and considerations to help you choose the right curriculum for your family:

• Know Your State’s Homeschooling Laws: Before you start, be aware of your state’s homeschooling laws and requirements. State regulations vary from low to high. View this map on each state’s homeschooling regulation from HSLDA.

HSLDA is a non-profit advocacy organization that makes homeschooling possible by protecting homeschooling families and equipping them to provide the best educational experience for their children.

• Understand Your Child’s Learning Style: Every child is unique, and their learning style may vary. Consider how your child learns best – whether they are visual, auditory, tactile, or kinesthetic learners. This can help you choose a curriculum that aligns with your learning style.

• Define Your Educational Goals: What do you want your child to learn? Consider your long-term educational goals and what subjects are most important to you. Also, think about any special needs or interests your child may have.

Tip: If you are considering homeschooling a high school-level student, you are likely committing to four years of homeschooling. Re-enrolling your child into the public school system often results in the school determining their grade level and ability to graduate from high school.

• Create Your Academic Calendar: An academic homeschool calendar can help you organize lessons, track progress, and maintain a balanced schedule.

Research Different Curriculum Options.

Tip: If you homeschool a high school student, you should create a detailed curriculum map for their four-year high school career to ensure they receive the education they need for college admissions or other goals.

• Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations: Join homeschooling forums, groups, or social media communities to get recommendations from experienced homeschooling parents. Online reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights.

• Consider Your Teaching Style: Consider how you prefer to teach and your availability. Some curricula require more hands-on teaching, while others are more self-directed. You may be more comfortable with specific instructional methods than others.

• Evaluate Costs: Homeschooling can range from free (using online resources and public library materials) to expensive (buying complete curricula or hiring tutors). Consider your budget and choose a curriculum that aligns with it.

• Try Samples or Free Resources: Many curriculum providers offer free samples or trials. Take advantage of these to see if a particular curriculum suits your child’s needs.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Every curriculum is flawed. Be prepared to adapt and customize the curriculum to fit your child’s pace and interests. Children with learning challenges may need specific curriculum styles to help with learning.

• Keep Records: As local homeschooling laws require, keep records of your child’s curriculum, attendance, progress, and achievements. Note that those in specific situations, such as divorce and custody families, should keep a student portfolio even if their state does not need it.

Tip: Record-keeping for a high school student is generally based upon state requirements, whether the child is college-bound or going into the workforce. Maintain documentation required by the college, vocational school, military, industry, or employer.

• Stay Open to Change: If you find that the curriculum you initially chose isn’t working for your child, be willing to make adjustments or switch to a different one.

Remember that homeschooling is a personal journey, and what works best for one family may not be the best fit for another. Finding the ideal homeschool curriculum that suits your child’s learning style and meets your educational goals may take some trial and error. Be flexible and open to change as your child’s needs and interests evolve.