Starting Homeschool Mid-Year

You Asked:

"My 9-year-old son is in 3rd Grade and will start homeschooling after Christmas. Should I buy a full-year curriculum, even though half the year is over?"

Our Answer:

Great question—and you're not alone! Jumping into homeschooling mid-year can feel tricky, but you've got good options:

1. Hunt for Used Curriculum

Check used curriculum sites to find half-finished kits from families who switched paths mid-year. It's like finding a treasure someone else doesn't need!

2. Start from the Beginning

You could work through the full 3rd-grade kit at a faster pace or even jump into the middle of the books.This option works best if your child needs a lot of review or structure—but it can feel overwhelming. Know your kid: Will review build his confidence or bore him to tears?

3. Focus on the Essentials

Our favorite idea? Major on the majors!

• Stick with a Basic Kit.
• Add just one or two extras to make learning sparkle (like a favorite STEM kit or art project).
• Skip some subjects like history or science for now—no guilt! You can always circle back later.

Tip: Before ordering, have him take a math placement test to ensure you pick the right level. And unless he's a super-speedy reader, plan to only do half of the Mosdos Literature book—it's big!

4. Customize 4th Grade Instead

If your son is ahead academically, you could jump into a 4th-grade kit—at a slower pace.

Please double-check your math and language arts levels first to avoid overwhelming him. You'll have about 1.5 years to finish, which is very doable.

5. School Through the Summer

Another easy solution? Stick with a complete kit, but spread the work into summer. Many families love year-round homeschooling—it keeps days shorter and learning consistent.

Bottom Line: You've got options. Whether you scale back, stretch it out, or jump ahead, starting mid-year can work for your family. And we're here to help anytime you have questions!