How to start homeschooling Your teen, when you really didn't intend to

It is rare that a person is born with the dream to send their child to school and then homeschool them as a teenager! Often when teens come to homeschooling, it's because the system has failed them, they are being bullied or the environment is too overwhelming for them, they don't like school and have had enough of being there (I can relate to this - I hated high school with a passion, and loved university with just as much passion!). 

And as far as mental health goes, the high school experience can make or break the mental health of fragile young people, who are full of bravado on the outside, but experiencing unprecedented changes physically and emotionally, as they try to figure out who they are and what that means. Sometimes coming to homeschooling can feel like a last-ditch chance to pull our teens away from a path that they are already too far along. Or it can be that you see a bright future for them but their teachers see something completely different. 

Either way - starting homeschooling is the easiest part! Particularly as teenagers get older. it is relatively painless and simple. 

But the main things you need to know are:

It is legal to homeschool

You can choose to homeschool at any time.

In most states, you can start the same day that you make a decision!

Just let your high school know that you won't be coming back (you can do this with a quick phone call - something to the tune of "hi, this is __________, we have registered our son/ daughter ________ to homeschool, and we just need to cease their enrolment and get a copy of their records'. It can be a 5 minute phone call, and you don't need to have a meeting or anything else (despite what anyone may convince you of, otherwise!). 

Then you let your education department know. Check what your regulations are in the state you are in, but for most states, you can write an email and let them know that you are homeschooling, and they will send you a few forms. 

Then you are free to pursue what you love! Find some good- quality curriculum (our resources are some of the most fun, and comprehensive resources you will find - and your teen can do them with limited supervision!) and start living life! Got any questions? Check out our FAQ page!  Happy Homeschooling! 

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