This post contains affiliate links.
Key Takeaways
- No permission needed — Start homeschooling immediately after notifying your current school
- Send a withdrawal letter to your school (best practice, not legally required)
- Choose a curriculum aligned with core subjects (reading, math, science, social studies)
- Set a daily schedule and learning space
- Join a support community like Homeschool Idaho
- Begin instruction—no filing, approval, or waiting period
- Idaho’s minimal regulation means you control your entire homeschool structure
Step 1: Decide to Homeschool (Clarity)
Before you notify your school, clarify your own thinking:
Ask Yourself These Questions
- Why am I homeschooling? (Better education, religious reasons, special needs, flexibility, etc.)
- For how long? (One year? Through high school? Re-evaluating annually?)
- What’s my philosophy? (Traditional, classical, eclectic, unschooling, Christian-based, secular, etc.)
- What’s my timeline? (Start immediately, start next fall, transition mid-year?)
- What’s my budget? (Free curriculum, $500-$1,000, $2,000+?)
This clarity helps you make decisions in the coming weeks.
Research Homeschooling
Spend a week or two understanding the homeschool landscape:
- Read blogs from homeschool parents
- Watch YouTube videos about homeschooling approaches
- Visit Homeschool Idaho website (homeschoolidaho.org)
- Talk to families already homeschooling
- Join a Facebook group for Idaho homeschoolers
You don’t need to be an expert yet. Just get familiar with possibilities.
Step 2: Notify Your Child’s Current School (Best Practice)
If your child is currently in public school, send a formal withdrawal letter to the principal.
Why Send a Letter?
- Prevents truancy records
- Formally documents the transition
- Triggers records release
- Creates a paper trail for your file
What to Include
Send this letter to your child’s school principal:
“` [Date]
Dear [Principal Name]:
I am writing to formally notify you that [Child’s Name], currently in [Grade], will be withdrawing from [School Name] effective [Date].
We will be providing homeschool instruction as permitted under Idaho Code § 33-202.
Please provide [Child’s Name] with complete academic records including transcript, test scores, and any special education documents.
Thank you, [Your Name] [Contact Information] “`
Where to Send
- Email to principal (request read receipt)
- Certified mail with return receipt
- In person with signature confirmation
Send 2-4 weeks before your intended start date.
Idaho/idaho homeschool withdrawal letter
What to Request
Ask the school for:
- Complete transcript
- Standardized test records
- Special education documentation (if applicable)
- Immunization records
- Any evaluations
Pick up or have these mailed to you before you start homeschooling.
Step 3: Choose Your Homeschool Philosophy and Approach
Idaho gives you complete freedom to choose how you homeschool. Here are common approaches:
Traditional Schooling at Home
- Textbooks in core subjects
- Daily lessons and assignments
- Grades and progress tracking
- Similar schedule to public school
Popular curricula: Abeka, BJU Press, Saxon Math, Teaching Textbooks
Charlotte Mason Method
- Short, focused lessons
- Literature-based instruction
- Copywork and narration
- Nature study and art appreciation
Popular curricula: Beautiful Feet Books, Ambleside Online, Veritas Press
Classical Education
- Great books and primary sources
- Trivium model (grammar, logic, rhetoric stages)
- Discussion-based learning
- Classical Conversations model (community option)
Popular curricula: Classical Conversations, Memoria Press, Grapevine Studies
Eclectic/Mix-and-Match
- Combine approaches and curricula
- Customize based on child’s needs
- Flexible and responsive
- Requires more parent planning
Approach: Pick and choose from different programs
Unschooling
- Child-led learning based on interests
- No set curriculum
- Parent as facilitator
- Learning through life experience
Resources: John Taylor Gatto, John Holt writings, local unschooling groups
Online School
- Full curriculum delivered online
- Video lessons and interactive platform
- Parent supervises and manages
- Structured but flexible
Popular: Time4Learning, Easy Peasy All-in-One, Khan Academy, The Good and the Beautiful
Hybrid or Co-Op
- Combination of home instruction and group learning
- Attend classes 1-2 days weekly
- Home instruction other days
- Community component
In Idaho: Classical Conversations, local co-ops, church groups
Which Should You Choose?
Consider:
- Your teaching style
- Your child’s learning style
- Your budget
- Your schedule flexibility
- Your values and priorities
There’s no “best” approach. Choose what aligns with your family’s values and needs.
Step 4: Select Your Curriculum
Now that you’ve chosen an approach, select specific curricula for each core subject.
The Four Core Subjects
You must teach:
- Reading/Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies/History
How to Choose Curriculum
For Reading/Language Arts
- Phonics-based (K-2): Explode the Code, Orton-Gillingham, Saxon Phonics
- Literature-based (3-5): Story of the World History + Sonlight
- Grammar/Composition (6-8): Institute for Excellence in Writing, Saxon Grammar
- Literature/Writing (9-12): Great books, essays, AP Literature prep
For Mathematics
- Structured math: Saxon Math, Teaching Textbooks, Beast Academy
- Conceptual math: Singapore Math, Art of Problem Solving
- Online: Khan Academy (free), IXL, Time4Learning
For Science
- Hands-on: Elemental Science, Sassafras Science Adventures
- Comprehensive: Abeka, BJU Press, Apologia science series
- Online: Khan Academy, Time4Learning, Liberty Education (free)
For Social Studies/History
- History-based: Story of the World, Mystery of History, The Good and the Beautiful
- American History: American History Narrative, Exploring American History
- Geography-focused: My Father’s World, Evan Moor geography
- Online: Discovery Education, iCivics (free civics)
Idaho-Specific Curriculum Note
The Good and the Beautiful is headquartered in Idaho and offers beautifully designed, secular, literature-based curricula. Many Idaho families use it.
Budget Considerations
- Free: Khan Academy, Easy Peasy, Open educational resources
- Budget-friendly: $200-$500/year per child
- Mid-range: $500-$1,200/year per child
- Premium: $1,500+/year per child
Step 5: Plan Your Schedule and Learning Space
Create Your School Calendar
You have complete freedom. Common options:
- Traditional: Aug-June, off summers
- Year-round: Continuous with frequent short breaks
- Customized: Intensive periods + breaks as needed
Most Idaho families follow traditional August-June calendar for simplicity.
Decide Your School Day
- Morning focus: School 8-11am, afternoons free
- Full day: 8am-2pm with breaks
- Flexible: No set times, learning throughout the day
- Intensive: 3-4 hour focused blocks, 3 days weekly
Typical effective schooling: 2-4 hours daily, 4-5 days weekly
Set Up Your Learning Space
- A dedicated area (doesn’t need to be large)
- Quiet, organized, distraction-free
- Supplies and resources accessible
- Computer/internet access (if needed)
- Comfortable seating
Create a Routine
- Consistent start time
- Clear expectations
- Break times
- Free time/exploration time
- Wind-down procedures
Routine reduces friction and helps kids know what to expect.
Step 6: Gather Your Supplies and Materials
Essential Supplies
- Curriculum textbooks/workbooks
- Pencils, pens, markers
- Pencil sharpener and eraser
- Paper (lined and blank)
- Notebook or binder system
- Calculator (math)
- Ruler and measuring tools (math/science)
Optional but Helpful
- Desk or table
- Bookshelf for organization
- Computer/printer
- Art supplies
- Globe and atlas
- Science materials (basic lab equipment if hands-on science)
- Whiteboard for instruction
Budget Estimate
- Core curriculum: $200-$1,000 (depends on approach)
- Supplies: $50-$150
- Books and enrichment: $100-$300
- Technology: $0-$500 (if needed)
Typical first-year budget: $400-$1,500 per child
Idaho/idaho homeschool supplies checklist
Step 7: Find Community and Support
Homeschooling doesn’t mean isolation. Idaho has excellent support options:
Statewide Organizations
- Homeschool Idaho (homeschoolidaho.org)
- Annual conference
- Graduation ceremony
- Testing services
- Legislative advocacy
- Community networking
Regional and Local Groups
- Boise area: Multiple co-ops, classical conversations communities
- Eastern Idaho: Homeschool groups, BYU-Idaho connected resources
- Northern Idaho: Coeur d’Alene and Spokane area groups
- Twin Falls area: Southern Idaho communities
- Local churches: Many church-based homeschool groups
Online Communities
- Homeschool Idaho Facebook groups
- National homeschooling groups
- Curriculum-specific communities
- State co-op directories
Why Join?
- Social interaction for kids
- Shared field trips and events
- Mentoring and advice
- Curriculum recommendations
- Emotional support
- Sports and clubs access
Step 8: Make a First-Year Plan
Create a simple one-page plan for your first year:
Your Plan Should Include
- Curriculum choices — Core subjects and any electives
- Daily schedule — When you’ll school and for how long
- Community involvement — Co-op, groups, classes you’ll join
- Enrichment — Field trips, sports, clubs, music lessons
- Assessment — How you’ll track progress (grades, portfolio, narrative)
- Review date — When you’ll evaluate what’s working
Sample Plan
“` 2026-2027 Homeschool Plan — [Child’s Name, Grade]
Philosophy: Eclectic/Traditional School Year: August 2026 – June 2027 Schedule: 8:30-12:00pm, Mon-Fri Location: Home
Core Curriculum:
- Reading: [Program] (1.0 credit)
- Math: [Program] (1.0 credit)
- Science: [Program] (1.0 credit)
- History: [Program] (1.0 credit)
Enrichment:
- [Sport/Activity]: [Details]
- [Group/Co-op]: [Details]
- Field trips: [Plan]
Community:
- Homeschool Idaho member
- Attending [Co-op/Group]
- [Local activities]
Assessment:
- Letter grades based on curriculum
- Keep work portfolio
- Optional: [Standardized test]
Review: June 2027 to evaluate and plan Year 2 “`
Step 9: Start Your Homeschool (Actually Begin!)
First Day
- Explain what homeschooling is
- Show your learning space
- Review your daily schedule
- Start with something engaging (not overwhelming)
- Keep it short and positive
First Week
- Follow your schedule but be flexible
- Don’t expect perfection
- Adjust as you learn what works
- Build routine gradually
- Celebrate small wins
First Month
- Evaluate what’s working
- Identify what needs adjustment
- Reach out to your community
- Ask for advice from experienced homeschoolers
- Refine your routine
Expect an Adjustment Period
- Kids adjust to a new structure
- You adjust to a new teaching role
- Curriculum may need tweaking
- Schedule may shift
- This is normal
Most families hit their stride after 4-6 weeks.
Step 10: Keep Basic Records
As you go through the year, maintain simple records:
What to Track
- Curriculum used
- Dates of instruction
- Grades or progress notes
- Work samples
- Any standardized tests
This takes minimal time but is valuable for:
- College applications
- Public school re-enrollment
- Your own planning
- Documentation purposes
Idaho/idaho homeschool attendance requirements record keeping
Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners
Q: When should I start homeschooling? A: Anytime. Send your withdrawal letter 2-4 weeks before you want to start.
Q: What if I’m nervous about teaching? A: Normal. Good curriculum does much of the teaching. Join a community for support.
Q: Can I change my mind after starting? A: Yes. If homeschooling isn’t working, you can re-enroll in public school. You have flexibility.
Q: Do I need to spend a lot of money? A: No. Free and affordable options exist. Start with what you can afford.
Q: What if I don’t feel qualified to teach? A: Idaho requires no qualifications. Most homeschoolers learn as they go. You’ve got this.
Q: Should I use a full curriculum or mix and match? A: Both work. Try one curriculum for core subjects, then adapt based on what you learn.
Q: How do I know if my child is learning enough? A: Observe progress, review work, have conversations about learning. Trust the process.
The Bottom Line
Starting homeschool in Idaho:
- Clarify your why and approach
- Notify your school
- Choose your curriculum
- Set your schedule
- Find community
- Start teaching
- Adjust as you go
There’s no perfect way to start. The key is clarity, community, and willingness to adjust.
You’re not required to be perfect. You’re required to be willing. Idaho’s regulatory freedom means you control your entire homeschool experience.
You’re ready. Start.
Idaho/idaho homeschool supplies checklist Idaho/homeschooling working parent idaho practical guide