Starting homeschooling comes with a flood of questions. What curriculum should I use? Is it even legal in my state? What supplies do I need? Where do I start?
That’s exactly why we’ve created the ultimate homeschool checklist to simplify the process and help you begin with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from understanding legal requirements to setting up your learning space, choosing a curriculum, and planning your day-to-day routine. Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or just need a refresher, this checklist is your roadmap.
Why a Homeschool Checklist Matters
Starting your homeschool journey can feel like stepping into a whole new world, full of possibilities, but also plenty of unknowns. That’s why having a reliable checklist isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. It acts as a roadmap to guide you through the initial setup and beyond, helping you focus on what truly matters: creating a learning environment that works for your family. Here’s how a well-crafted homeschool daily checklist can make all the difference:
Reduces Overwhelm
When you’re standing at the starting line of homeschooling, the choices can feel paralyzing. A homeschool checklist helps break down the mountain into manageable steps, giving you a sense of progress and peace of mind.
Covers Legal and Practical Essentials
Homeschooling isn’t just about choosing books or creating lesson plans. Depending on where you live, there may be legal boxes to check, from notifying your school district to keeping attendance records. A homeschool checklist ensures nothing critical slips through the cracks.
Builds Confidence
Having a checklist in hand gives you the structure and guidance to make informed decisions, reducing the anxiety that often comes with uncertainty. You’ll know exactly what to do and when to do it.
Checklists Are Flexible Tools
Every family is different, that’s the beauty of homeschooling. This homeschool checklist is a foundation, not a formula. Feel free to adjust it to suit your family’s values, goals, and rhythm.
How to Make a Workable Homeschool Checklist
Creating a daily checklist for homeschool that actually works for your family means building a foundation you can trust and grow from. Below, we’ll walk through each essential step to help you stay focused, organized, and confident from the very beginning.
Step 1: Know Your State’s Homeschool Laws
Before diving into curriculum catalogs or organizing your learning space, make sure you’re operating within the law. Homeschooling regulations vary widely depending on where you live.
Common Legal Requirements:
- Notification: Some states require you to notify your local school district or state education department.
- Record-keeping: You may need to maintain logs of attendance, subjects taught, and progress reports.
- Testing/Assessments: Some states mandate standardized testing or evaluations.
- Attendance: Required hours or days of instruction may be part of compliance.
Helpful Resource: HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) provides up-to-date information for all 50 states in the U.S.
Tip: Create a homeschool binder to store all official documents, records, and correspondence with education authorities.
Step 2: Choose a Homeschool Method or Style
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education, and that’s the beauty of homeschooling. Before choosing curriculum, it helps to identify an educational philosophy that resonates with you and your child.
Popular Homeschooling Styles:
- Traditional: Mimics public/private school with textbooks and structured schedules.
- Charlotte Mason: Emphasizes literature, nature, narration, and gentle learning.
- Classical: Focuses on logic, rhetoric, and the trivium stages of learning.
- Montessori: Child-led, hands-on learning with a focus on independence.
- Unschooling: Child-directed learning based on interests, no set curriculum.
- Eclectic: A flexible blend of several methods, customized for your family.
You don’t need to commit for life, many families evolve and mix methods as they discover what works. To learn more about homeschooling, check out this article on homeschooling styles and parenting.
Tip: Your chosen method will help shape your curriculum, daily structure, and even your homeschool space.
Step 3: Select Curriculum and Learning Resources
Curriculum is a major decision, but don’t stress, you don’t need to get it perfect on the first try.
Ask Yourself:
- What’s your budget? There are free options all the way to premium all-in-one packages.
- What are your child’s learning needs and interests? Some kids thrive with visuals, others with hands-on activities.
Types of Curriculum:
- Online programs
- Textbook-based
- Literature-based
- Unit studies that integrate subjects under one theme
Don’t Forget:
- Educational tools like apps (Duolingo, Prodigy), audiobooks, board games, documentaries, and YouTube channels
- Low-cost resources: Public libraries, open educational resources (OER), and local swaps
Tip: Start simple. It’s okay to begin with a few core subjects and expand over time. If your child is curious about how things work, check out this guide on what is STEM learning to explore fun ways to integrate science, technology, engineering, and math into your homeschool.
Step 4: Set Up Your Homeschool Space
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect homeschool room. What matters is that it works for your family.
Things to Consider:
- A quiet, clutter-free area where your child can focus
- Bookshelves or storage bins to organize materials
- Whiteboard or chalkboard for lessons
- Wall calendar for planning and visual reminders
- Good lighting (a desk lamp can do wonders)
Tip: Organize by subject or by child to keep things streamlined. And remember, the couch, backyard, or kitchen counter can all be classrooms too.
Need help visualizing your setup? Check out these creative homeschool room ideas for practical, budget-friendly inspiration to design a space that fits your needs.
Step 5: Gather Supplies and Materials
Here’s a basic homeschool supply checklist to get you going:
Must-Have Supplies:
- Notebooks, paper, folders, binders
- Pencils, erasers, highlighters, markers
- Art supplies: scissors, glue, crayons, paints
- Laptop or tablet (if using online resources)
- Printer and paper
Organizational Tools:
- Storage bins, file folders, trays
- Dry erase boards, labels, planners
Tip: Take advantage of back-to-school sales and stock up on essentials in bulk.
Step 6: Create a Daily or Weekly Checklist
Homeschooling thrives on structure, but it doesn’t need to be rigid. Some families follow a strict schedule, others prefer a rhythm or routine.
Consider Including:
- Start and end times (or general time blocks)
- Morning reading or circle time
- Core subjects: Math, Reading, Writing, Science
- Creative time: Art, Music, Crafts
- Breaks and snacks
- Outdoor play or nature walks
- Field trips or special interest projects
Tip: Download our free book study printables to enrich your homeschool reading time.
Step 7: Plan for Socialization and Extracurriculars
One of the biggest myths about homeschooling is that kids don’t get enough social interaction. In reality, most homeschoolers are very active and the opportunities are there!
Socialization Ideas:
- Local co-ops where families meet and share teaching
- Sports teams, martial arts, or swim lessons
- Art, music, or theater classes
- Volunteering at libraries, shelters, or community centers
- Field trips, museum visits, and hiking groups
Tip: Start small, one or two consistent activities can provide meaningful connections.
Step 8: Track Progress and Stay Organized
Keeping track of your child’s progress helps you stay aligned with your goals, and it’s essential in many states for compliance.
Tools You Can Use:
- Daily or weekly planners
- Spreadsheets or homeschool planning apps
- Printed portfolios with samples of your child’s work
What to Track:
- Attendance logs
- Completed assignments
- Learning milestones or goals
- Reading lists
Tip: Do weekly check-ins with your child. Talk about what they enjoyed, what they found challenging, and set goals together.
Need a more detailed example? Take a look at this sample homeschool schedule to help you build a routine that fits your family’s lifestyle and learning goals.
Step 9: Build in Flexibility and Fun
Remember, homeschooling isn’t about recreating school at home. It’s about creating a rich, personalized learning journey.
Add Joy with:
- Game days with educational board games
- Outdoor learning in the garden or on nature walks
- Creative projects like making a volcano, writing a comic book, or starting a podcast
- Theme days like “Science Fridays” or “World Cultures Wednesdays”
Tip: Flexibility prevents burnout, for both parents and kids. Don’t be afraid to take a “mental health day” or pivot your plans. You can check out our list of fun homeschool activities for fresh inspiration and easy ideas to keep learning exciting and engaging.
Conclusion
Homeschooling doesn’t require you to have all the answers from day one, it requires a willingness to learn alongside your child, a sense of adventure, and a good checklist to guide the way.
With this homeschool checklist, you now have a solid foundation to get started. From understanding the legal requirements to building a daily routine, you’re equipped to launch your homeschool journey with confidence.
Use this checklist as a guide, not a rigid rulebook. Make adjustments, try new things, and celebrate the wins (big and small) along the way. Need homeschool curriculum? Check out our simple to teach, easy to learn homeschool programs today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be on a homeschool checklist?
A good homeschool checklist covers both legal requirements and practical setup. Here’s what it should typically include:
- Understand your local homeschool laws (notification, testing, record-keeping)
- Choose a homeschool method or style (e.g., traditional, unschooling, Charlotte Mason)
- Select curriculum and resources based on your child’s needs and interests
- Set up a learning space, doesn’t have to be fancy, just functional
- Gather basic supplies (notebooks, art materials, tech, etc.)
- Create a daily or weekly routine
- Plan for socialization and extracurriculars
- Track attendance and learning progress
- Build in flexibility and fun to avoid burnout
This checklist ensures you’re covering all the essentials while leaving room for customization based on your family’s rhythm and values.
How many hours a day is recommended for homeschooling?
Homeschooling usually takes less time than traditional school, because it’s more focused and personalized. Here’s a general guide by age:
- Kindergarten to 2nd grade: 1–2 hours per day
- 3rd to 5th grade: 2–4 hours per day
- 6th to 8th grade: 3–5 hours per day
- 9th to 12th grade: 4–6 hours per day
Keep in mind, learning doesn’t only happen at a desk. Reading together, exploring nature, cooking, and even conversations count as valuable educational experiences.
How do you structure a homeschool day?
There’s no “right” way to structure a homeschool day, the best approach is one that fits your child’s learning style and your family’s schedule. That said, here’s a common structure many families use:
Sample Daily Flow:
- Morning routine (breakfast, chores, mindfulness)
- Core subjects (math, reading, writing, usually done before lunch)
- Breaks and movement (playtime, walks, snacks)
- Creative/interest-based time (art, science experiments, projects)
- Afternoon extras (music, field trips, co-ops, free reading)
Some families follow a fixed schedule with time slots, while others use a more relaxed “block” or rhythm-based approach. Try different styles and adjust as you go!
