October 2026 · Getting Started
The Best Guide to Start Homeschooling: Free and Paid Options, Honestly Compared
The best guide for beginners is one that covers your state's legal steps, helps you choose an approach, and gives you a first-week plan. HSLDA's state pages are the best free legal source. The Homeschool Starter Guide ($19) is a short, practical paid guide written by a homeschooling mom of four.
To start homeschooling: (1) look up your state's legal steps on your state education department's site, (2) withdraw your child if they're enrolled, (3) pick an approach and a first curriculum, (4) set a simple weekly rhythm and (5) keep light records. You can do all of this for free. A paid guide is worth it only if you want someone to put the steps in order for you.
Here's an honest look at the best starting resources, including free ones we'd use ourselves, and where our own guide fits.
Five Steps to Start Homeschooling
- Check your state's law. Rules range from no notice (Texas) to an annual plan and quarterly reports (New York). Choose your state on Homeschool Laws by State.
- Withdraw the right way. In some states you notify first and wait (North Carolina says not to withdraw until DNPE acknowledges your notice). In others a dated letter is enough (Texas).
- Pick an approach, then one curriculum per subject. Classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, unschooling or eclectic. Our free style quiz helps narrow it down.
- Set a weekly rhythm, not a rigid schedule. Several states count days or hours (Georgia: 180 days of 4.5 hours; New York: 900–990 hours), so pick a rhythm that meets yours.
- Keep light records. Even where they aren't required, an attendance log and a few work samples protect you and make transcripts easier later.
The Best Starting Resources, Compared
HSLDA (hslda.org)
Free
Best for: State-by-state legal summaries
The Home School Legal Defense Association's free law pages and "Get Started" guide are widely used. It's a membership advocacy group; legal help is for members.
The Well-Trained Mind
Book
Best for: A deep, classical, K–12 roadmap
Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise's long-running book (W. W. Norton). Thorough and long; ideal if you already lean classical.
Your state homeschool association
Usually free
Best for: Local rules, co-ops, events
Examples: the Texas Home School Coalition and North Carolinians for Home Education. Most states have one.
The Homeschool Starter Guide (ours)
$19
Best for: A short, step-by-step first month
A PDF by Ashlee Robert, a homeschool mom of four: choosing an approach, planning your year, curriculum, scheduling, record-keeping and a 50-state legal reference. Add the printable Workbook ($14) or get both as the Guide + Workbook bundle ($24.99). All sales are final.
Which One Should You Use?
- On a zero budget: your state's official page, HSLDA's law summary and your library are enough to start legally and well.
- If you want the full classical blueprint: The Well-Trained Mind.
- If you want someone to put the first month in order: our Starter Guide ($19), or the Guide + Workbook bundle ($24.99) if you like printable planning pages. Already have a plan? The Workbook alone is $14.
Start Calm, Not Overwhelmed
Try the free mini guide first, or get the full Homeschool Starter Guide for a step-by-step first month.
Sources We Used
- HSLDA: Get Started
- HSLDA: Homeschool Laws by State
- The Well-Trained Mind (W. W. Norton)
- N.C. DNPE: How to Start a Home School
- Georgia DOE: Home School Overview (PDF)
- 8 NYCRR §100.10 Home instruction
- The Homeschool Starter: prices
Disclosure: The Homeschool Starter Guide and Workbook are our products. We receive nothing from the other resources listed. Prices and descriptions checked October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next steps for your homeschool
Ready to go deeper? Get The Homeschool Starter Guidefor the complete step-by-step roadmap, or book a 1-on-1 consultationand we'll build a plan together for your family.
