Starting Mid-Year in Homeschooling.  Let’s Navigate This Together.

If you’re transitioning your child to homeschooling in the middle of the school year, I want to take a moment to say how proud I am of you! Making the decision to pull your child out of traditional school mid-year is no small thing. It shows just how committed you are to his or her well-being and education. You’ve chosen what you feel is best for your family, and that takes incredible courage.

Now that you’ve taken this step, you might be asking yourself, What’s next?

Mid-year transitions come with unique considerations, especially when it comes to curriculum and scheduling. Here are a few key things to think about as you plan your next steps:

1. Evaluate Where Your Child Stands.

Every child’s academic progress is different. The first thing to do is assess where your child is in the current grade level. Was he thriving academically in school but struggling socially? Or are there gaps in his knowledge that need to be addressed?

2. Deschooling Can Help.

It’s okay to take a little time to adjust before diving into structured lessons. Deschooling—a short break to reset and adapt to your new homeschooling lifestyle—can be incredibly helpful. It gives both you and your child time to deprogram from traditional schooling and make space for your new approach.

3. Curriculum Choices Don’t Have to Be Daunting.

The big question is: Where should you pick up academically? Here are a few ideas:

• Continue their Current Grade Level: If your child is doing well academically, you can find a curriculum that matches what she’s been learning and continue from there. Look for a used curriculum to save on costs if you only need part of the year’s materials.

• Start Fresh with the Current Grade: If you feel she needs a stronger foundation, you could start the current grade over again, but fast-track through what she already knows. This can prevent burnout and keep morale high.

• Move to the Next Grade Level: If your child is ahead academically or eager for a challenge, you can go ahead and transition him into the next grade level now. Sometimes, kids will rise to meet higher expectations when given the opportunity.

4. Fast-Tracking Can Save Time.

Fast-tracking is a great way to cover ground without rehashing material your child has already mastered. One strategy is to use chapter tests from your curriculum to assess his or her knowledge. If she aces a test, skip that chapter and move on to the next. If he struggles, you can back up and focus on that topic before moving forward.

5. Think Beyond the School Calendar.

Remember, homeschooling gives you flexibility! You’re no longer bound by the traditional school calendar. If starting in January or February means your school year goes into October or November, that’s perfectly fine. Create a schedule that works for your family’s rhythm.

6. Focus on Key Subjects First.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, focus on some of the essentials like math and language arts. Subjects like history and science can be added in once you’ve settled into a routine.

7. Here’s Some Encouragement for the Journey.

This transition may feel overwhelming, but you’ve already taken the hardest step—deciding to start. Homeschooling is a journey that can be tailored to fit your family’s needs, and there’s no one “right” way to do it.

If you need tips, curriculum suggestions, or help fast-tracking your homeschool plan, I’m here for you!

Visit WiserHomeschool.com for resources, encouragement, and tools to make this transition as smooth as possible.

My Homeschool Crash Course is also here to help if you’re trying to find your footing in all the homeschooling things! This self-paced video series provides everything you need to build a thriving and successful homeschool from the ground up!

You’re not alone in this journey—I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

Because our kids deserve better,

Amy