Can I Start Homeschooling Mid-school Year?

by Crystal
(Exeter, RI)

Can I start homeschooling in the middle of the school year?

Hi Crystal!
Absolutely you can start homeschooling in the middle of the school year - there's no time like the present, right?! :) (I would always double check the laws for your state though, before pulling your child out of school.)

According to your state's laws (Rhode Island) you can begin homeschooling anytime. You will need to notify your school district's superintendent's office and submit your proposed plan for homeschooling.)

I began homeschooling my daughter more than half-way through the school year. I pulled her out over Winter break when she was in first grade.

In Michigan, where I homeschool, we do not have to register our children with the state or notify the school district.

However, I did talk to her teacher and the principal of the school, to inform them of our decision to homeschool and let them know she wouldn't be returning once school resumed after the Winter break.

It was a little difficult starting mid-school year only because I had to figure out where she was in each subject, AND I didn't have any curriculum picked out.

I asked the school for her workbooks, so that gave me an idea. The school may lend you the textbooks, etc. that your student is using. You can then easily see what your child has covered and what you still need to do for the rest of the year.

Depending on your child's age/grade, you may want to scrap what they have been doing and start something new that better meets their needs.

Most unit studies can be started anytime. With traditional curriculum, you will need to find a starting point based on what your child has already accomplished.

Here is a link to more information on your state's homeschool requirements, etc.
http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/home_school.aspx

Hope this helps! Feel free to post additional questions if you have them.
Blessings,
Heather :)