North Dakota Homeschool Planning: Creating Your First Year Timeline

Planning your homeschool year isn’t about creating a perfect system—it’s about building a roadmap so you start with confidence and adjust as you learn. Here’s how to plan your first full year from now until next year.

Key Takeaways

• Planning begins 3–4 months before your start date
• Break year into quarters for easier management
• Create a master checklist (legal, curriculum, practical)
• Allow flexibility; adjust quarterly as you learn
• First year is experiment; year two is refinement

Annual Planning Calendar: The Full Year View

Spring/Early Summer (May–June): Planning Phase

This is your planning season. Everything else depends on decisions made here.

Decisions to make:

• [ ] Commit to homeschooling (yes/no/trial year)
• [ ] Choose start date (typically Aug. 15–Sept. 1)
• [ ] Estimate budget ($300–$1,200/year)
• [ ] Identify work/childcare situation
• [ ] Connect with local homeschool families

Curriculum research:

• [ ] Identify 2–3 curriculum options per subject
• [ ] Read reviews; join homeschool Facebook groups
• [ ] Visit homeschool conventions (NDHSA in June/July)
• [ ] Order sample pages or watch demo videos
• [ ] Talk to families using your potential choices

Legal preparation:

• [ ] Contact county superintendent for requirements
• [ ] Gather parent diploma/GED proof
• [ ] Begin collecting child’s immunization records

Practical setup:

• [ ] Identify learning space in your home
• [ ] Consider shelving/organization needs
• [ ] Gather basic supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils)

By end of June: You’ve decided YES, chosen potential curriculum, understand state requirements, and have basic resources identified.

Late Summer (July–August): Ordering & Preparation

Curriculum acquisition:

• [ ] Make final curriculum selections (by July 15 for on-time delivery)
• [ ] Order materials online or buy locally
• [ ] Order or download any digital resources
• [ ] Set up online accounts (if applicable)

Planning details:

• [ ] Create annual calendar (mark start date, holidays, testing dates)
• [ ] Plan weekly schedule template
• [ ] Create list of subjects and topics to cover
• [ ] Identify field trip opportunities in ND
• [ ] Research co-ops, sports, enrichment opportunities

Legal filings:

• [ ] Complete Statement of Intent form (contact superintendent for form)
• [ ] Gather all required documentation (diploma/GED, immunization records)
• [ ] File Statement of Intent (14 days before start date; plan for Aug. 18 if starting Sept. 1)

Home preparation:

• [ ] Organize learning space
• [ ] Set up shelving for materials
• [ ] Create system for tracking attendance
• [ ] Print calendars and checklists
• [ ] Stock basic supplies

Child preparation (if transitioning from public school):

• [ ] Send withdrawal letter to school
• [ ] Request student records
• [ ] Have conversation about what homeschool means
• [ ] Visit local co-op or homeschool event together
• [ ] Build excitement (age-appropriate; honest about changes)

By Sept. 1: All curriculum arrives, Statement of Intent filed, space organized, child mentally prepared.

Fall (September–November): Launch & Adjustment

First week (Sept. 1–5):

• [ ] Keep expectations light; focus on routine
• [ ] Introduce curriculum gently (not full intensity)
• [ ] Establish morning habits (wake time, breakfast, start time)
• [ ] Build connection in this new learning environment
• [ ] Track attendance starting day 1

Weeks 2–4 (Sept. 8–Sept. 30):

• [ ] Run full curriculum at intended pace
• [ ] Track what’s working; note what’s not
• [ ] Make small adjustments as needed
• [ ] Connect with other homeschooling families
• [ ] Enroll in co-op or group classes if desired

October (1 month in):

• [ ] Review progress; celebrate wins
• [ ] Adjust curriculum pace if too fast/slow (modify now)
• [ ] Ensure all subjects are covered
• [ ] Check attendance tracking system (working well?)
• [ ] Address any motivation or behavioral issues

November:

• [ ] Continue established rhythm
• [ ] Plan Thanksgiving and holiday break
• [ ] Consider Thanksgiving community field trip
• [ ] Evaluate first semester work (what’s working?)
• [ ] Plan adjustments for second semester

By end of November: Rhythm established, minor adjustments made, you’re seeing your family’s homeschool groove.

Winter (December–February): Depth & Enrichment

December:

• [ ] Holiday break (plan length; 2–3 weeks typical)
• [ ] Review curriculum; celebrate progress
• [ ] Holiday projects and field trips (museums, concerts, exhibits)
• [ ] Family learning time (less structured)

January (New Year, New Semester):

• [ ] Restart with new energy
• [ ] Make major curriculum changes if needed (not too late)
• [ ] Increase expectations if curriculum was light
• [ ] Add enrichment: clubs, classes, deeper projects
• [ ] Plan spring activities

February:

• [ ] Continue steady instruction
• [ ] Plan for testing season (if applicable, March–April)
• [ ] Prepare student for standardized testing if needed
• [ ] Plan spring break (2–3 weeks out)
• [ ] Check halfway mark: on track for 175 days by June?

By end of February: You’re halfway through the year, adjusted what wasn’t working, and comfortable with your rhythm.

Spring (March–May): Testing & Completion

March–April (Testing Season, if applicable):

• [ ] Register for standardized test (grades 4, 6, 8, 10)
• [ ] Familiarize child with test format
• [ ] Take test in testing window
• [ ] Receive results
• [ ] Report to superintendent
• [ ] Celebrate results regardless of outcome

April–May:

• [ ] Finish major curriculum units
• [ ] Plan final projects or assessments
• [ ] Complete reading goals
• [ ] Prepare for year-end
• [ ] Plan summer enrichment (optional)

May (Last month):

• [ ] Wrap up curriculum (don’t rush)
• [ ] Complete year-end projects
• [ ] Celebrate completion
• [ ] Document year (create portfolio or summary)
• [ ] Rest and recover

By June 1: School year complete, attendance tracked, testing done (if applicable), you’ve successfully completed 175 days.

Quarterly Checkpoint System

Every 8–9 weeks, pause and assess. This prevents small problems from becoming big ones.

Quarter 1 Check (Early October)

Ask yourself:

• Is the curriculum working? (If not, you can still change)
• Is attendance tracking working? (Adjust if needed)
• Is child engaged? (Motivation concerns are solvable)
• Am I overwhelmed? (Simplify if needed)
• Do we need community support? (Join co-op now)

Action: Make one or two adjustments if needed. Don’t overhaul.

Quarter 2 Check (Late December)

Ask yourself:

• Are we on pace for 175 days? (Math: 44 days done? On track.)
• What’s working well? (Double down on this)
• What’s not working? (Change it for semester 2)
• Is child growing? (Academically and emotionally)
• Am I sustainable? (Adjust workload if needed)

Action: Make any major curriculum changes before January restart.

Quarter 3 Check (Late February)

Ask yourself:

• Are we at 87 days? (Should be; we’re halfway)
• Is testing prep needed? (If yes, start now)
• Are enrichment goals on track? (Add if time)
• Is relationship with child good? (School shouldn’t damage this)
• Can we maintain pace to June? (Adjust if no)

Action: Fine-tune for final stretch; no major changes.

Quarter 4 Check (Late April)

Ask yourself:

• Will we hit 175 days by June 1? (Calendar check)
• Are projects/assessments on track? (Finish strong)
• How was this year? (Good data for year 2 planning)
• What would we change next year? (Write it down)
• Is child ready to reflect on year? (Celebrate)

Action: Document year; celebrate; rest.

Master Checklist: Full Year

LEGAL COMPLIANCE

• [ ] Statement of Intent filed (14 days before start)
• [ ] Attended by school or county superintendent
• [ ] Annual filing only (don’t file multiple times)
• [ ] Immunization records submitted with intent
• [ ] Attendance tracked (175 days, 4+ hours daily)
• [ ] Standardized testing (grades 4, 6, 8, 10 only)
• [ ] Testing results reported to superintendent
• [ ] Required subjects covered (English, math, social studies, science, PE)

CURRICULUM & ACADEMICS

• [ ] English/reading curriculum chosen and working
• [ ] Math curriculum chosen and paced appropriately
• [ ] Science curriculum/resources identified
• [ ] Social studies/history curriculum selected
• [ ] PE activities planned (2x weekly minimum)
• [ ] Enrichment subjects added (art, music, foreign language—optional)
• [ ] Reading plan established (daily reading habits)
• [ ] Curriculum adjusted if not working (Q1, Q2 checkpoints)

PRACTICAL & ORGANIZATIONAL

• [ ] Learning space organized
• [ ] Supplies purchased (notebooks, pens, pencils, basics)
• [ ] Attendance tracking system established
• [ ] Weekly schedule created
• [ ] Annual calendar posted
• [ ] Child knows the plan (written schedules, clear expectations)
• [ ] Basic record-keeping system (simple checklist or log)

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

• [ ] Connected with local homeschool families
• [ ] Identified co-op or group (optional but recommended)
• [ ] Enrolled in classes or activities (if desired)
• [ ] Sports or extracurriculars selected (if participating)
• [ ] Regular peer interaction planned (1–2x weekly minimum)
• [ ] Parent support network identified (Facebook group, co-op, friends)

FAMILY & EMOTIONAL

• [ ] Family conversation about homeschooling (expectations clear)
• [ ] Daily routine established (predictable, sustainable)
• [ ] Relationship with child is primary (school doesn’t damage this)
• [ ] Parent self-care planned (burnout prevention)
• [ ] Flexibility built in (schedule not rigid)
• [ ] Year-end celebration planned (acknowledge completion)

Month-by-Month Reference

“`
MAY–JUNE: Research, decide, explore
JULY: Curriculum finalized, ordered
AUGUST: File statement, organize space, prepare
SEPTEMBER: Launch; keep light first week
OCTOBER: Adjust; establish rhythm
NOVEMBER: Evaluate semester 1
DECEMBER: Holiday; rest; assess year
JANUARY: Restart; adjust as needed
FEBRUARY: Check halfway point
MARCH–APRIL: Test (if applicable); continue
MAY: Complete curriculum; wrap up
JUNE: Finish, reflect, rest
“`

Common Planning Mistakes

1. Planning too late – Start in May/June, not August
2. Choosing too much curriculum – More isn’t better; simplify
3. Underestimating adjustments – Build flexibility in from start
4. Ignoring quarterly checkpoints – Small problems become big; check regularly
5. Assuming first year is final – It’s an experiment; year 2 improves everything
6. Over-scheduling – Co-ops, classes, activities add up; less is more
7. Not tracking attendance – Simple calendar is enough; do it from day 1
8. Isolating from community – Connection prevents burnout and failure

First Year Mindset

Your first year is an experiment. You’re learning:

• How your child learns
• What curriculum works for you
• What schedule fits your family
• What support system you need
• What homeschooling actually means for you

This is intentional. First year is success if you:

• Complete 175 days of instruction
• Teach all five required subjects
• File legally required paperwork
• Maintain relationship with your child
• Discover your family’s groove

First year is not about:

• Perfect curriculum choices (you’ll adjust)
• Perfect schedule (you’ll refine)
• Identical pace to public school (it’s different)
• No adjustments (you’ll make many)

Year 2 Planning Advantage

By year 2, you’ll know:

• What curriculum works for your child
• What schedule is sustainable
• What pace is realistic
• What community support you need
• What teaching feels like

Year 2 is when you optimize. Year 1 is when you learn.

Summary

Plan your homeschool year in quarters, with main planning in May–June before you start. File legal requirements in August, launch in September, check quarterly, adjust as needed, test in spring (if applicable), complete by June. First year is successful if you hit legal requirements, maintain your relationship, and learn your family’s rhythm.

Don’t over-plan. Create a roadmap, trust your instincts, adjust frequently, and celebrate the completion of your first successful homeschool year.

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More homeschooling resources: Homeschooling by State (All 50 States) | Complete North Dakota Homeschooling Guide