So You Decided to Homeschool. Here's What to Do Next: The Law & Your Rights

So you decided to start homeschooling.

THAT'S AWESOME!  Congratulations on the start of this new and exciting chapter for your family.

Now that you have made this decision, you may feel overwhelmed. You certainly have questions. How do you create a schedule, choose curriculum, and add activities that give your child a well-rounded education from home? Don't worry. The best part about homeschooling is that you can take the time you need to decide what is right for your child.

Our family is in our eighth (and final!) year of homeschooling. I'm not an expert, but I have been asked several, similar questions from people who want to begin homeschooling:

• Why do you homeschool?  
• How did you transition from public school?  
• How do you know what curriculum to use?
• How do you homeschool high school?

The decision to homeschool was made in spring 2013 as we were finishing that school year in the public school system.  I used the time to research, scour the internet, talk to other moms I knew who homeschooled, and even ask advice from the Youngest's current elementary teachers! We are still continuing to learn, adjust, and adapt to this lifestyle -- and we love it!

There are many other blogs and websites that talk about homeschooling, but I thought it important to give our homeschool story: what I have learned, discovered, implemented, and changed. This weekly series is especially for you -- the new homeschooling parent.  To calm your fears, support your decision, and share possible next steps in this exciting adventure.  And hopefully, this will give you new places to start.

Starting this week on the blog will be a free, five-part series on What To Do Next.  

Week 1:  Homeschool Laws, Requirements & Rights
Week 2:  How to Select the Right Approach
Week 3:  How to Choose Curriculum
Week 4:  Where to Find Support
Week 5:  Time to Begin!

This series will include information for those of you starting the homeschool journey. Because we live in Texas, a lot of information is related specifically to Texas homeschooling.

First, let me say --

You CAN do this!  

Don't let anyone else dissuade you or cause you to doubt your decision!

In each post of this series, I will answer some of the most popular questions about how to start homeschooling.  At the end of the post will be homework for you that will get you started on researching and making the best homeschool decisions for your family.

Question: Is it even lawful for me to homeschool in my state? How can I find out the requirements?

Here are two organization's websites to find out the responsibilities and requirements for your residing state:

Homeschool Legal Defense Organization, (HSLDA)

This is the website to start your research.  Bookmark it because it is your best reference. The HSLDA is a "nonprofit ministry to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms."  You can locate on this page of their website your state's laws, what is required or allowed.  On your state's page, look for information on other homeschool groups, websites, and what access to public school sports and other activities your child may have as a homeschooler.  It will also give you specifics for the proper procedure for withdrawing your child from the public school system.

The HSLDA is your advocate for homeschooling, and their goal is "to bring together a large number of homeschooling families so that each can have a low-cost method of obtaining quality legal defense."  You can read their entire mission here, as well as how to become a member.  There are more resources available when you are a member, such as curriculum ideas, etc.  

Use the "Quick Navigation" menu on the top of their homepage to find information on support groups, curriculum ideas, and tips for homeschooling K-8th grade and high school age students.  

 The Texas Homeschool Coalition Association or (THCA)

The THCA has invaluable information on their website for Texas parents, including answers to questions on the lawful way to homeschool in Texas. Visit the THCA website for information on curriculum, support groups, college admission, sample high school course plans, and more. Be sure to sign up for their email list to receive information on what is currently going on at the State Capitol in regard to our continued freedoms for Texas homeschooling.

The THCA also organizes state homeschool conventions. We have attended and have learned so many valuable tools from the speakers and resources. The Resource Fair had every homeschool company out there (almost!) with many different learning styles represented. I found it to be the best way to look through the different curriculum before purchasing and to ask questions of the representatives.  It was an invaluable resource that helped me make good decisions before buying anything.

Texas Home Educators or (THE) 

While the THCA focuses some of its efforts on legislation that may affect Texas families who homeschool, THE is a statewide homeschool service organization, focused on enhancing the homeschool experience.  They help those who are new to home education along with veteran homeschooling families.  The THE maintains a "network of information and communication between and among leadership of regional homeschool organizations, local support groups, and individual home educating families." 

THE has free lesson plans on their site, along with homeschool resources by region.  You can sign up for their free newsletter that will continually keep you up-to-date on the latest, along with their active Facebook group.

Your Homework:

1.  Go to the HSLDA website to find the homeschool requirements for your state. 
3.  Search Facebook for a homeschool group in your area to join. Other homeschool moms in your area will be an invaluable resource!