How We Started Homeschooling Mid-Year (and Why It Was the Best Decision for Our Family)
Family Trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts
Homeschooling mid-year wasn’t something we planned—but when the moment came, we knew it was the right move for our family. In this post, I’m sharing how we transitioned to homeschooling mid-year, why we made the switch, and how it became one of the best decisions we've made as a family.
I always admired those that homeschooled. I even dreamed of the idea when I was younger (pre-children) But honestly? I never thought we’d actually do it.
I figured my kids would stay in traditional school while I quietly kept homeschooling tucked in the “maybe someday” category. That is, until everything changed.
When the Nudge Became a Call
As the school year unfolded, something felt off. Not just logistically—but deep in my heart. My child wasn’t thriving. I was anxious. And more and more, I found myself praying, “God, show me what to do.”
The answer didn’t come through a booming voice. It came through subtle nudges, sleepless nights, and quiet confirmations. Before I knew it, I was pulling together curriculum options and drafting a withdrawal letter.
We started homeschooling in the middle of the school year—right when most people were finding their groove—and it was both terrifying and beautiful.
Quick Tips for Starting Homeschooling Mid-Year:
Start with just one subject and build from there
Don’t worry about replicating public school at home
Use simple, open-and-go curriculum
Connect with other homeschool families or co-ops
Keep it flexible and give yourself (and your kids) grace
I Felt Lost (But Not Alone)
Even with a desire to homeschool, making the leap mid-year came with fear, doubt, and a steep learning curve. I had so many questions, and not enough confidence to match them.
But God didn’t leave me floundering. He led me to women who had walked this path before me. I stumbled into resources that made things feel doable. And I slowly began to realize that homeschooling didn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
If you’re new to homeschool life, check out HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) and the many other resources available in my simple homeschool resource guide to help you get started without the overwhelm.
What Helped Most
Some of the most helpful pieces in those early weeks:
Open-and-go resources that didn’t overwhelm me
Simple daily rhythms that kept us grounded
Faith-filled encouragement from others who had been there
But even more than the tools, it was the mindset shift that changed everything: this wasn’t about recreating school at home—it was about creating something better for our family.
What I Wish I Knew Then
If I could go back and whisper to myself on that first wobbly week, I’d say:
Start simple. You don’t have to do it all. Just begin.
You’re not behind. You’re building something new—and that takes time.
It’s okay to learn as you go. The curriculum is flexible. Your calling is not.
God’s got you. You’re not doing this alone.
If You’re Starting Mid-Year, Here’s Your Permission Slip
If you’re thinking about homeschooling but unsure if you’ve “missed the window”—you haven’t. There is no wrong time to do the right thing for your family.
Maybe, like me, you were open to homeschooling but didn’t think it would become your reality.
Maybe life took a turn and you're searching for peace, freedom, or simply a fresh start.
Whatever brought you here, I want you to know:
You are capable. You are equipped. And you are not alone.
We started mid-year and fumbled through plenty—but I’ve never once regretted the decision to bring my kids home.
It’s been one of the most meaningful, faith-building choices we’ve made.
And I truly believe—it can be for you, too.
Where to Start?
If you are just getting started and need a list of resources to help you on your journey — I have just the thing. Download my Homeschooling Resource Guide. It has all the resources I used when I got started and gave me the confidence to keep going.
Are you considering a mid-year switch? I’d love to hear your story or pray for you—comment below or download my free guide.”
