Beginner–Friendly Homeschool Resources

While it may seem obvious, the first step is to commit to homeschool. More and more parents are choosing to educate their children at home for the first time. Homeschooling is a major lifestyle change. Before you begin, consider your priorities, goals, and capabilities, ask questions, and do your research! The resources below will walk you through the basics of homeschool for beginners.

Helpful Links for Beginners

Homeschooling 101: What is Homeschooling?
Homeschool FAQ
Should You Homeschool This Fall
Should I Homeschool or Not?
I Want to Homeschool, but Don't Want the Responsibility
Should I Homeschool?
How to Research Homeschool
Is Home Schooling Right for You?
Homeschooling Basics: 10 Tips for Getting Started
7 Homeschool Regrets: What to Change and Why
Deschooling: Adjusting From Public School to Homeschool
Starting Strong: Charting a Path to Successful Homeschooling
Negotiating Your Child's Resistance to Homeschool
Homeschooling Kids Who Learn and Think Differently
New to Homeschooling?

The legal requirements for homeschooling and state education standards vary from place to place. It's your responsibility to educate yourself on homeschool law and how it applies to your family. Some have little to no regulations; other states, like Missouri, require a portfolio of records and documentation of progress for each child.

Click Here to view resources about the legal requirements and education standards for homeschooling.

Explore the various homeschool methods and determine the style – or styles – that work best for you and your family. You will also need to consider school planning and set goals for your child's progress.

Click Here to view an expanded list of resources for developing your unique approach to homeschool, lesson plan tools, progress and milestones, and more.

Common Homeschool Styles

K12 Virtual Public School
Charlotte Mason
Classical Education
Leadership Model/Thomas Jefferson Education (TJEd)
Montessori
Unit Studies
Unschooling/Interest-Led Model
Waldorf

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Choosing the curriculum that's best for your family depends largely on the goals you have for your child's education. Do you want the curriculum to instill a specific value system (i.e. material aligned with a Christian world view) or do you want secular curriculum? Do you want a flexible, self-paced program or do you want a pre-planned, regimented course of study? Do you want to purchase curriculum and activity books or do you want to homeschool on a budget?

Click Here to view more information about selecting and locating curriculum material, resources by grade-level and subject, and options for secular, faith neutral, and Christian world view curriculum.

Homeschooling doesn't have to be an isolated endeavor. Use tools like Facebook groups, parent forums, local homeschool co-ops to create a community of support. These groups can lead you to free curriculum resources, new ideas and inspiration, free printables, enrichment opportunities, advice and encouragement.

Click Here to view more resources for connecting with other homeschool families.

Explore the resources and information available to you at the Cass County Public Library. Here you'll find research databases, homeschool curriculum and activity books, online learning resources, storytimes, enrichment programs for children and teens, and more.

Click Here to view a collection of homeschool resources at CCPL.