Start Homeschooling Half-Way Through the School Year?

Do I have to purchase a whole year of curriculum to start homeschooling in the middle of the academic year?

If your student successfully completed the first semester of the year in a school and/or part of the second semester, then you need only enough materials to complete the second semester. [The exception is…]

There are several ways to accomplish this.

1. Purchase the parts of a kit, such as a Paradigm or LifePac, that are needed to complete the year.
   Buy the teacher’s guide and the text booklets you need to complete the rest of the year.
2. Find courses designed for completion in one semester such as health, psychology, and sociology.
3. Choose a multilevel curriculum.  Your student can complete half this school year and finish it the next year.
4. It is easier to find those one semester subjects for high school.
5. If your school district allows you to borrow curriculum, ask to use the textbooks for the rest of the year. Check the homeschool laws for your state.

Remember that you can start homeschooling any time of the year. It helps to have curriculum before you start, but it isn’t a necessity. You can use topical books and dvds from your local library for a week or two until your homeschool curriculum arrives.

The Exception—When You Should Buy The Whole Year

You should consider buying the whole year of a curriculum if:

• The reason you are bringing your child home is to help him or her catch up on basic skills. This is true in earlier grades. Often with younger children, it is best to start the year over. Repetition at this age won’t hurt them. If they know more of the answers because they already covered it, they will feel more successful. Success breeds success. It is ok to let them do better at easier things. It is ok to help them to feel smart again!
• Your student was failing in any subjects at school, I would recommend repeating the whole course even if you go into summer or the next school year. For the subjects that were passed, you will only need to purchase the half-year.
• You are starting a completely new subject. You can change to another subject if one isn’t working. Examples are changing from Algebra 2 to Consumer or Business Math or switching to a different elective. Homeschooling offers flexibility!

Helpful Links to Homeschool Online Workshop Videos with HSLDA

If you are thinking about homeschooling in the middle of the school year, HSLDA (the Home School Legal Defense Association offers two helpful online workshop videos. NOTE: You will need to create a free account to access them, but it will be worth the effort. HSLDA has provided help to homeschoolers for over 35 years.

• How to Start Homeschooling Midyear Q&A with HSLDA
• How to Start Homeschooling Midyear with Special Needs! Q&A with HSLDA

Hope this helps.

Blessings,
Harriet