Transitioning to Homeschooling:
A Confident First Step
Transitioning to Homeschooling:
A Confident First Step
A Confident First Step
Stepping out of the traditional school system?This page is for you.
Stepping out of the traditional school system?
This page is for you.
Whether you’re feeling uncertain, excited, or both, these five steps will help you rethink education, create a confident starting point, and explore whether HD is the right fit for your family.
Prefer a printable version?
Prefer a printable version?
Download our "5 Simple Steps for Successful K–12 Homeschooling" guide and get everything you need in one easy-to-follow PDF.
Taking your child out of a traditional school system can feel overwhelming.
Taking your child out of a traditional school system can feel overwhelming.
We’re here to help you make the move with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re withdrawing from a public or private school, starting mid-year, or planning for the next term, this page will walk you through what to do next.
Step 1: Begin the Transition
Step 1: Begin the Transition
Withdrawing from school starts with a few practical steps—and we’ll help you every step of the way.
Check Your Local Laws
Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) has created a user-friendly reference:
Visit HSLDA US >
Visit HSLDA International >
Visit HSLDA US >
Visit HSLDA International >
Draft your withdrawal or deregistration letter if required
We have created a resource for you to use.
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Decide if you're starting mid-year or planning ahead
Step 2: Reimagine Education
Step 2: Reimagine Education
Now that you’re stepping out of the system, it’s time to rethink what learning can look like.
Even if you’ve worked in education, homeschooling is different. It’s not about recreating school at home—it’s about creating an environment where learning feels meaningful, joyful, and connected.
This is where you build your homeschool foundation.
TIP: Check out the HD Resource Page for helpful books—including Homeschool Directive: A Blueprint for High School at Home—to guide and inspire your next steps.
Even if you’ve worked in education, homeschooling is different. It’s not about recreating school at home—it’s about creating an environment where learning feels meaningful, joyful, and connected.
This is where you build your homeschool foundation.
TIP: Check out the HD Resource Page for helpful books—including Homeschool Directive: A Blueprint for High School at Home—to guide and inspire your next steps.
Use our foundational forms to reflect on your “why” and educational vision
We have created a resource for you to use.
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Observe your child’s learning style, strengths, and challenges
We have created a resource for you to use.
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Challenge assumptions about what school “has” to look like
This is the time to think outside the box! Check out our resource page for books from other creative thinkers challenging the educational norm.
Step 3: Build a Plan That Starts With Your Child
Step 3: Build a Plan That Starts With Your Child
Before you map out a school year, pause and ask:
What does your child actually want to learn?
At Homeschool Directive, we believe every meaningful plan begins with the learner.
What does your child actually want to learn?
At Homeschool Directive, we believe every meaningful plan begins with the learner.
Start by observing what excites and motivates your child
We have created a resource for you to use.
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Document their interests, questions, and strengths
We have created a resource for you to use.
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Build a school year around these discoveries
We have created tools to help you structure credits and plan coursework, but you can also just track progress your own way!
After this step, you have two ways to move forward:
After this step, you have two ways to move forward:
DIY: [LINK]
Use our planning kit and course templates to map out your own school year.
Enroll with us:
Join our accredited program for ongoing advising, transcripts, and a guided K–12 experience.
Use our planning kit and course templates to map out your own school year.
Enroll with us:
Join our accredited program for ongoing advising, transcripts, and a guided K–12 experience.
Step 4: Keep It Simple, Keep It Clear
Step 4: Keep It Simple, Keep It Clear
Once you’re underway, you’ll want to keep a record of what your child is learning. Not for busywork—but so you can track growth, document progress, and prepare for whatever comes next. Whether your child is 5 or 15, recordkeeping helps you see the big picture.
You’ll never have to wonder, “Am I doing enough?”—because you’ll have a record that speaks for itself.
You’ll never have to wonder, “Am I doing enough?”—because you’ll have a record that speaks for itself.
Keep Organized Records
We have created a resource for you to use.
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Check it out here. (COMING SOON)
Recordkeeping is our jam.
Recordkeeping is our jam.
When you enroll with Homeschool Directive, you get tools to track learning your way—from quick notes to detailed forms. Our guided system helps you document milestones for younger students and credits for high schoolers. We keep transcripts and report cards up to date, making it easy to transfer records for school, college, or career paths.
Step 5: Surround Yourself with Support
Step 5: Surround Yourself with Support
You’re not meant to homeschool alone. Whether you’re new to this or just want a sounding board, finding the right people makes all the difference.
Join others who believe in child-led, purpose-driven education
Whether you join a local co-op, find your way to an online group, or enroll with Homeschool Directive and gain access to our community, make sure you connect with other like-minded home educators!
With Homeschool Directive, you won’t journey alone.
With Homeschool Directive, you won’t journey alone.
You’ll be part of a supportive community where you can ask questions, share ideas, and connect with others walking a similar path. You’ll also receive personalized guidance every step of the way through included coaching, advising, and enrollment support—so you always have the help you need to homeschool with confidence.
What’s next?
What’s next?
Way to go! You’ve already made the biggest decision: to bring learning home. Follow these 5 steps, and you’ll have a solid start to homeschooling!
Where to go from here:
Visit the HD Resource Page & the HD Store
Find foundational tools, forms, and resources.
Compare Enrollment & DIY Options
Decide what support works best for your family.
Schedule a Free Call
Talk with someone who truly gets it.
Where to go from here:
Visit the HD Resource Page & the HD Store
Find foundational tools, forms, and resources.
Compare Enrollment & DIY Options
Decide what support works best for your family.
Schedule a Free Call
Talk with someone who truly gets it.
RESOURCES
CONTACT US
info@homeschooldirective.com
(847) 232-3452
37510 N. Fairfield Rd.
Lake Villa, IL 60046
Lake Villa, IL 60046