Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool

A Step-by-Step Guide

You made the decision—you're bringing your child home to learn. Congratulations!

Homeschooling isn’t just about where your child learns—it often changes how your whole day runs, and even how you think about learning. But take a breath—you don't have to figure it all out at once. Here's a calm, step-by-step roadmap to help you confidently and clearly navigate your first few weeks.

Step 1: Notify the School and Learn the Law

Before anything else, make your transition official. Every state has its own rules for legally withdrawing from public school and beginning to homeschool. Some require a letter of intent, others a portfolio review or annual testing.

Start here:

• Visit HSLDA's state law map to understand your local requirements.
• Notify your school in writing, keeping a copy for your records. (Consider sending a certified letter to record when they received it.)
• Don't panic—thousands of families make this transition every year.

Bonus tip: Join a local or state homeschool group or any group that includes local homeschoolers. They're often deeply familiar with the ins and outs of your area's process and can walk you through it.

Step 2: Choose a Starting Curriculum

For your first year, you'll want a curriculum that supports both structure and simplicity.

Look for something:

• Complete and grade-level appropriate
• Hands-on and engaging
• Easy to implement (even with no teaching experience)

Psst: That's exactly why many families choose Timberdoodle Curriculum Kits. We curate each kit by grade level, blending core academics with critical thinking and STEM, and include our legendary checklists to keep you on track—without the overwhelm.

Step 3: Placement Test Time!

Before you click "buy" on your shiny new curriculum, take a moment to take some type of placement test. All students switching curricula should complete a math placement test. (If you're switching to Math-U-See, our favorite, use this link.)

If your child is just starting to learn to read, it’s a good idea to check in on those early reading skills as well. When a curriculum is too easy, kids can get bored—and no one wants to spend money on material they’ve already mastered. On the flip side, if it’s too hard, it can quickly become frustrating for both of you.

To help you find the right fit, we offer a library of free placement tests. They’re an easy way to get started.

Step 4: Build a Flexible Rhythm

One of the joys of homeschooling is that it doesn’t have to follow a rigid bell schedule.

Instead of planning every hour, try creating a daily rhythm that gives structure while staying adaptable. Here’s an example of what that might look like:

Sample Day:

• Breakfast + chores
• School block
• Snack + movement break (this is when we usually fit in farm chores)
• More school time for older kids/playground time for younger ones
• Lunch
• Naptime for littles, and free time for big kids who’ve wrapped up their work

Expect your day to take far less time than a public school schedule. You're working one-on-one, not managing a room of 25. That efficiency is a gift, not a problem.

In early years, some families (ours!) use a "star" system—children earn a star for each completed task. When they earn their stars, school is done. From day one, you're building independence and keeping motivation high.

Step 5: Prepare Your Space

You don't need a dedicated homeschool room. But you do need an environment that supports learning.

For our crew, school is done on the kitchen counter, at the dining room table, and occasionally even at the school table.

Our Timberdoodle kits live in Meori bins or inside Ikea cabinets. Are they fancy and Pinterest-perfect? No, but they're incredibly practical!

Step 6: Set Your Expectations

Spoiler: Your first week probably won't go exactly as planned—and that's okay.

• Expect bumps and slow starts.
• Focus on connection over perfection.
• Choose engagement and confidence-building over checking every box.

Remember: School at home is just that—school at home. Your homeschool doesn’t need to look—or feel—like a traditional classroom. Give yourselves time to find what works best. Most families report that by one month in, things feel dramatically calmer.

If you are concerned that you won't get everything done this week (this is super common in week 1!), consider highlighting the core things on your checklist. Get those done, and you'll have had a remarkable first week!

Step 7: Connect with Other Families

Community matters.

Find people who can answer questions, cheer you on, and remind you that you're not doing this alone. Try:

• Local homeschool co-ops
• Park days or enrichment groups
• Libraries and museums
• Online communities like the Timberdoodle Families Facebook group

You'll gain insight, support, and even curriculum hacks that make life easier.

You've Got This

Homeschooling isn't about getting everything right on day one—it's about growing together.

One Timberdoodler told us:

"It is beyond amazing! The books, games, and hands‑on manipulatives are just extraordinary. He has never been more thrilled to homeschool!" — Ryan Taylor

So take a breath. You're not behind. You're just beginning—and that's exciting.