OK, so you’re in a panic about your kid’s situation at school and you want to switch to homeschool mid year. Don’t fret! You can totally start homeschooling mid year (with one exception, sorry Delaware residents).
I understand exactly how you feel. In fact, I’ve been in the same situation. I pulled my children out of school AND I left my teaching job during the hot mess that was 2020. It was stressful at the time, but looking back, it was the best thing I could have done for both my family and myself. We are thriving now!
Just imagine how much better your life will be once you make this happen!
Can You Switch to Homeschool Mid Year?
Yes, you can switch to homeschool mid year in any state except Delaware. Delaware requires that you make your decision and notify them about it on or before October 5th. See more here.
If you haven’t already, you will need to withdraw your child from public school with a simple letter. For the most part, you can withdraw your child at any time. (Barring the handful of states that require prior notice, see if yours is one of them here.)
Once you’ve withdrawn your child, it’s time to get to work! We’re going to start homeschooling right now!
#1 Send notice to the state
If you live anywhere except the states below, you’ve got paperwork and the clock is ticking. Click here to see your state’s specific notification requirements and deadlines for mid year exits.
Live in Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, or Texas? Congrats! You don’t have to submit notice to the state. Yay for zero regulations!
Remember, it’s important to stay within the deadlines AND to maintain detailed documentation to avoid attracting unwanted attention from the state.
#2 Get Support
You can spend hours searching for advice on toxic Facebook groups and still not find answers, or you can work 1-on-1 with the most qualified homeschool coach out there.
Beth McCarter is the only homeschool consultant that is both a second generation homeschooler AND a certified teacher, and for a limited time you can book a VIP day and get help with specific homeschool questions you’ve been searching for.
Click here to book your 1-on-1 VIP day with me
How to Transition from Public School to Homeschool
One of the major differences between public school and homeschooling is that now, the responsibility for planning and keeping records is entirely on you. No pressure! But don’t worry, although planning and record keeping can seem overwhelming, it really can be minimal effort.
#3 Planning and Keeping Records
Even though I live in a state with minimal homeschooling requirements, I still keep (albeit messy) records for documentation purposes.
If you live in a state with stricter regulations, you will definitely want to keep organized records.
Check out what documentation your state requires here.
For planning, I’m kind of old school. I have a paper calendar and a simple 3-ring notebook. I recommend using whatever system you like to plan because you will be more motivated to sit down and do it. Just make sure to keep it relatively neat if you’re in a state that requires any kind of tangible homeschooling “proof”.
For record keeping, on the other hand, I recommend going digital because it’s easier to store, neater, and indestructible in case of a fire or other damage. If you have to provide copies to your state, it’s very easy to click and print. I use Google Drive to store copies of my kids’ work, they have their own digital folders which are kind of like portfolios. I actually just upgraded my Google photo storage so I could upload more pics of their work. It’s nice knowing that I’ll have that forever!
How to Switch from Public School to Homeschool
Switching from public school to homeschooling may seem like it’s a lot of boring paperwork, but that’s why we deschool! It’s feels like a reward for making the scary jump from public school to homeschool, but it’s really essential for setting the scene for homeschooling, too.
#4 Deschool
More often than not, parents choose to leave public school mid year because it’s a negative experience. That’s why it’s so vital that you relax and detox after leaving public school. Not only should you allow the brain and body time to heal, but you don’t want to bring that negative energy into the homeschooling experience.
The unofficial rule for deschooling is that you spend 1 month for every year that your child spent in public school. So if you pulled your child mid year of the 3rd grade, you will want to deschool for 3.5 months.
Remember, deschooling is for both the child AND the homeschooling parent.
It’s important that you both enter into this new phases refreshed and content. (Besides, it’s a great opportunity to pursue hobbies that you didn’t have time for before.)
If you live in a state that has strict regulations about what you spend your time doing (verify here), be sure to document everything you do during the school day as an educational activity. Baking becomes “lessons in measurement”. Walking around the lake becomes “science observation” and “P.E.”.
✔️ Explore hobbies you have always wanted to try (crocheting, woodwork, watercolor, swimming)
✔️ Read those books on your nightstand (we know you have a stack of ’em!)
✔️ Bake cookies
✔️ Day dream about a vacation. Or better yet, go on that vacation
✔️ Relaxxxx! Spend hours on that mindless phone game you like
✔️ Listen to music
✔️ Go for long walks
✔️ Read books about homeschooling. I recommend starting with “Brave Learner” by Julie Bogart.
How to Start Homeschooling Mid Year
One of the biggest questions parents have who are starting homeschooling mid year is about curriculum.
What should they buy? How much should they buy? What if they don’t finish the curriculum in time for the end of the new year? Will the materials get here in time?
Don’t stress. Nothing is going to line up perfectly, and that’s OK. This year will be messy, but you will be so much more prepared for next year. And think of the stress you’re saving your child by pulling them out of a bad situation at public school! Worth it.
I remember when I took a chemistry class in public school. All year long, the teacher would scream at us, “we’re behind! we’re behind! we’re behind!” And there was no reason to be; we started the school year on time, we spent an hour with her 5 days a week. She completely made-up urgency which resulted in very unhappy students.
I bet you have a memory of a teacher stressing out about “being behind”, too. As homeschoolers, we have the luxury to take things slower and choose to enjoy the process and not worry about finishing a textbook or course “on time”.
#5 Choose Curriculum
At some point during de-schooling, you will need to choose and order some curriculum. Again, depending on where you live, your state will dictate what subjects are required. If you have loose requirements, I recommend sticking to the basics and forgetting all the “fluff” until you have more brain space for it.
The Best Curriculum Products for Homeschooling Mid Year
These are the actual products we use and I highly recommend as they are easy for new homeschoolers to dive into quickly without a lot of prior parent prep.
Reading / Spelling – Nessy Learning
I’m not a partner with Nessy, but I wish I was! They really saved our butts. I noticed that my daughter was struggling with spelling and was a little concerned that she might be dyslexic. After a few short weeks using Nessy, I’ve seen a HUGE improvement.
Math – Beast Academy
Beast Academy is our absolute favorite math curriculum. I’m not a partner with them, but because the product is so excellent (especially for kids who are reluctant to learn math), I will never stop recommending them! We love Beast Academy so much that sometimes I do the problems alongside my daughter just for fun.
Beast Academy is the elementary curriculum from Art of Problem Solving. They offer upper curriculum too, but I have not used it.
History – History Quest or Curiosity Chronicles
We’ve used both History Quest and Curiosity Chronicles. It really depends on what style of learning your child prefers; History Quest is a read-aloud chapter book and Curiosity Chronicles is a scripted narrative with full-color photos.
I go into depth about both curriculum products in separate posts, click on their links here to see more: History Quest vs. Curiosity Chronicles
Science – Science Odyssey
We’re currently working our way through the astronomy text and have purchased the chemistry one to start next semester.
The nice thing is that some of the textbooks are only a semester long, making them perfect for families switching to homeschooling mid year. (Astronomy is one semester long, although we’ve stretched it out to be almost a year). I highly recommend these products; the labs are easy to set up and thoroughly cover the topic.
Homeschool Curriculum We Use and Love:
✔️ Language Arts: Blossom and Root
✔️ History: The Curiosity Chronicles (5% off code: HOMEGRAD)
✔️ Hands-On Elem. Human Bio: Doc Robin’s School of Pre-Med
✔️ All Level Science: REAL Science Odyssey
#6 Make Accommodations
Does your child have special needs? If you went through the IEP or 504 process at school, you can simply incorporate what aspects of that plan are appropriate for homeschooling. You might be surprised and how much LESS is required for your child’s success, simply by taking them out of the public school environment.
This is a great resource for homeschooling children with specific special needs.
#7 Find Your Homeschool Community // Connect with Other Homeschoolers
It may take you awhile to find a homeschool community that “fits” your family. Don’t feel bad if you drop into a co-op meeting and realize that it’s not for you. Homeschool communities are very different from each other, sometimes it takes multiple tries to find a place that feels right.
If you can’t find an in-person group that works for you, or if you live somewhere fairly isolated, then take to the internet! We are lucky to live in an age of massive connection. In fact, we used an online co-op for two years before trying any in-person groups.
4 Easy Guidelines for New Homeschoolers Who Start Mid Year
Organize your day
Different types of schedules work for different personalities. Try what works for you; it doesn’t have to mirror public school at all. There are families who school all year round (we do) and families who do school in the evenings and weekends to better fit their parents’ work schedule.
Read to your kids!
This is the easiest way to feel accomplished as a homeschool parent. If you’ve done nothing all day but read to your child, then you can feel satisfied knowing you did something educational. Reading has so many benefits and transcends all topics.
If you have a child who isn’t interested in being read to, or a teen who is too mature to be read with, then try audiobooks. An audible subscription is a great buy for homeschool families.
Stick to the basics
Don’t worry about checking off ALL your child’s educational needs right at first. If you’re covering the minimum this first semester, then you’re in the green. You can always take it up a notch next year.
Have Fun and be Flexible
The great thing about homeschooling is its potential. Yesterday, for example, my son and I took off and went to the movies. It was fun to go out when everyone else was at school or work, and my son appreciated the 1-on-1 time. We don’t do things like that all the time, but you have the flexibility to squeeze in fun in between all the “school” you’re doing.
FAQs
Can You Start Homeschooling in the Middle of a Semester?
Yes, you can start homeschooling in the middle of a semester, as long as you don’t live in Delaware. Delaware requires that you provide notification of your intent to homeschool on or before October 5th. After that date, I’m not sure you can make the switch.
Can you go back to public school after being homeschooled?
Yes, of course you can back to public school after being homeschooled! In fact, I did. I was homeschooled for 8 years and then went to public school for 4. Homeschooling isn’t a fit for everyone, and kids’ needs and wants change constantly. Don’t feel bad if you need to switch back to public school.
In Conclusion, You CAN Switch to Homeschool Mid Year
I’ve been in your shoes, I pulled my kids out of school during the crazy year that was 2020. It was stressful at the time, but looking back, it was the best decision for my family. We’re thriving now, and I believe you can too.
So, can you switch to homeschool mid-year? Absolutely, in most states (sorry, Delaware residents, you’re the exception). You will usually need to withdraw your child from public school with a simple letter, which you can do at any time in most places.
