Are you ready to pull your child(ren) out of public school? Congratulations on embarking on this new adventure! You won’t regret it! Starting your homeschool journey mid-year can seem overwhelming, but it does not have to be! The best time to start homeschooling is today!
Starting mid-year is similar to starting at the beginning of the year. First, familiarize yourself with the law and withdraw your child. Next, pick a curriculum and connect with the homeschooling community. Indiana Association of Home Educators is here every step of the way! Look at the resources below, and don’t hesitate to contact IAHE with questions!
Get to Know the Law
The first step is to familiarize yourself with the laws in Indiana. It is one of the best states in America for homeschooling, not only because of the variety of opportunities available but also due to the laws that protect our freedom to homeschool. Let’s take a look at the homeschool laws in Indiana:
- Indiana Code classifies a homeschool as a non-accredited, nonpublic school with less than one employee.
- The compulsory school age is 7-18 years of age or when the student graduates.
- Children must attend school for the number of days that the local school corporation is in session, which is generally 180 days each year.
- Keep attendance records. (I highly recommend checking the IAHE Shop for the current attendance guidelines printable for all your attendance questions.)
- Provide an equivalent education.
- Instruction must be given in the English language.
Withdraw Your Child from School
Homeschool families are not required to report to the state; however, families with children currently enrolled in a school must officially withdraw their children. Parents are expected to provide the school with a written notice when transferring a student from a public school to a homeschool.
Parents of high school students must complete and submit the Withdraw to Nonaccredited Nonpublic School Located in Indiana form to the school. You will want a copy of this signed document for your records.
If your school requests additional forms, read Should I sign the school’s withdrawal form?
Selecting Curriculum
For many, starting the homeschooling journey can be intimidating. A wide variety of curriculums are available, ensuring something for everyone. If the number of choices feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends who homeschool, contact your local IAHE Regional Representative, or join the IAHE Facebook Support Group for guidance.
Most curriculums offer placement tests to help you determine the appropriate level for your child(ren). Unit studies are also a fantastic way to begin a short curriculum, allowing you to choose a topic that interests your child while providing time to identify where they may need the most help and where they excel. Completing unit studies as a family can give you the time and opportunity to reconnect and work together while deciding on the best next steps for your child’s education.
I highly recommend attending IAHE’s annual homeschool conference. It features excellent vendors who can guide you through the various curriculums and allow you to examine the physical books. This event is a great way to find the right fit for you and your child.
If the expense of a curriculum feels out of reach, check out IAHE’s resources for affordable homeschooling and explore how to find free or low-cost homeschool resources in Indiana.
Check out IAHE’s Homeschool Curriculum & Resource Directory for common resources.
Find Community
Allow yourself the opportunity to find support and friendships in the homeschool community. We have some great resources to get you started in finding your tribe.
IAHE Resources
The IAHE website is packed with free content and articles designed to help you begin your homeschooling journey in Indiana. Be sure to grab your Beginner Bundle, which addresses many common questions for first-time homeschoolers. You can find more resources in the Homeschool 101 Library. Additionally, check out the IAHE Shop for extra materials to help you get started.