Notify your local public school district of your intention to home school. Withdraw your children from public school if they have been attending there. Your local school may not understand all the laws concerning home schooling, but the district offices should have the paperwork necessary for you to home school. Some states, such as Colorado, require a 14-day notice. Other states, such as California, do not require notice until the child is 7 years of age.
Join a local home schooling chapter in your neighborhood. Home schooling does not mean your children are at home all day by themselves. Local home schooling groups meet for play dates, field trips or groups learning sessions. Local groups help new home schoolers become adjusted to the new routine and the legal issues.
Establish your school as a private school, a charter school or a private satellite program, or enroll your child in an independent study program at another school. States such as California require parents to set up their home school in one of these ways. Depending on the age of the child, parents can hire a private tutor or teacher as well.
Choose a curriculum for your children. Unlike traditional public schools, home schoolers can choose among a variety of educational philosophies, such as Montessori, Waldorf or Unschooling. Your curriculum can consist of books or paid online programs from certified schools. Time 4 Learning, Live Education and Oak Meadow are three examples of Web-based curriculums that are available to home schooling families.
Set up an area of your home that you plan on using as your school. Devoting a space specifically for school helps your children get into a learning mode. Most children also need to have a set schedule for their schooling. Establishing a normal routine helps children learn.
Keep records of attendance and examination results. Many states require home schools to keep detailed records.