From Public to Home School
We always dreamed our children would receive a world-class education enriched with meaningful experiences, lasting friendships, and personal growth. Since Covid, the homeschool movement has shifted dramatically. Many parents have become more aware of the limitations of institutionalized systems and their desire to break free for greater freedoms has become the norm. This awakening has empowered families to take more control over their children’s health, education, and overall well-being—making intentional choices about food, learning, and even healthcare.
For parents on a similar path, the idea of pulling a child from public school often grows over time. The reasons for making the leap vary widely—unmet learning needs, religious convictions, health concerns, cultural values, dissatisfaction with curriculum, or even a desire to escape ideological indoctrination.
However, once you decide to take the plunge, the reality of starting your homeschool journey can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, you’re faced with big questions:
- Which curriculum (if any) should you use?
- Should you maintain a structured schedule or embrace unschooling?
- How do you navigate your state’s homeschool laws?
- How do you plan and deliver instruction so your child’s unique needs are met?
This transition is not just a change in educational setting—it’s a lifestyle shift. With the right support and knowledge, it can become one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make for your family.
Homeschool Laws
One of the very first steps after deciding to withdraw your child from public school is to familiarize yourself with your state’s homeschool laws. Understanding these regulations will give you confidence and clarity as you begin your journey. Homeschool laws were put in place to balance the rights of parents to direct their children’s education with the state’s responsibility to ensure that all children receive an adequate education. States aim to protect a child’s right to learning opportunities while recognizing home education as a legitimate educational path.
In Florida, we are fortunate to have strong governmental support for homeschooling. A landmark case, Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), upheld the constitutional right of parents to direct their children’s education. More recently, Florida expanded this freedom by allowing homeschool families access to the state voucher program, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. This has been a game changer—removing financial barriers for many families and fueling the growth of the homeschool movement. With both legal and financial support, families in Florida can focus on creating a rich and personalized education for their children.
Homeschool Styles
There are many different styles of homeschooling—and what works beautifully for one family may not work at all for another. The key is to give yourself grace. When you’re just starting out, much of homeschooling is trial and error. It’s normal to experiment, adjust, and grow into a method that truly fits your family. Be open to learning from others without comparing yourself, and expect your approach to evolve as you discover what works best for your children.
Traditional
Many new homeschool families begin with the traditional “school-at-home” approach. This style follows a structured schedule, using textbooks, workbooks, and set lessons. It’s a great fit for families who value familiarity, clear grade-level expectations, and easy-to-measure progress. The structure can be reassuring—especially if you’re transitioning from public school—but it can also feel rigid and allow less room for creativity.
Classical Education
Rooted in ancient Greek and Roman teaching methods, classical education moves through three stages: the Grammar stage (building foundational knowledge), the Logic stage (developing reasoning skills), and the Rhetoric stage (learning to communicate persuasively). This approach is rich in literature, history, philosophy, and critical thinking. Families who love academics and deep, rigorous learning often thrive here. However, it can be intense and time-consuming, which may be overwhelming for brand-new homeschoolers.
Charlotte Mason
The Charlotte Mason method emphasizes “living books” (engaging, high-quality literature) over dry textbooks, and incorporates nature study, art, and narration. This gentle but thorough approach is ideal for families who want an education filled with beauty, creativity, and habit training. It fosters a love of learning while de-emphasizing traditional tests and grades—something that appeals to many parents.
Unschooling
Unschooling is a learner-driven approach in which children pursue their interests at their own pace rather than following a set curriculum. It’s a good fit for families who value natural curiosity, flexibility, and personalized learning. This method can lead to deep expertise in areas of interest and is especially helpful for rekindling a love of learning in children who struggled in traditional school. However, without intentional guidance from parents, some academic areas may receive less attention.
Unit Studies
Unit studies weave multiple subjects into one central theme. For example, a study on space might combine science, math, reading, art, and writing. This immersive approach works well for teaching multiple ages together and allows families to adapt lessons to their children’s interests. While engaging and hands-on, it often requires more preparation and a willingness to teach across different subject areas.
Creating Rhythms
Once you’ve explored different homeschool styles and found one that feels right for your family, the real learning begins. It’s perfectly normal to go through a period of trial and error—homeschooling is flexible, and no rule says you must stick to one style forever. If something isn’t working, change it!
Focus on connection over content. Homeschool doesn’t need to replicate traditional school. Instead, create daily rhythms or “anchor points” that bring consistency and peace to your days—such as morning time, read-alouds, nature walks, or quiet reflection periods. Be sure to build in moments of rest throughout the day to keep everyone recharged.
Pay attention to how your child learns best. Do they need visuals? Do they retain more when listening? Do they learn best when moving their bodies? Observe and respond to your child’s needs, rather than trying to fit them into a mold. When you build your homeschool around their strengths and interests, learning flows more naturally, and your days feel far more joyful.
Support & Connection
Whether you are new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, finding or offering support creates a strong and beautiful foundation. Many families connect through local co-ops, park days, field trips, and book clubs. At Wild Roots, we aim to walk alongside parents on their journey without judgment. We believe parents should feel empowered to take an active role in their child’s education, while also knowing that it’s okay to seek guidance along the way. From choosing curriculum and learning strategies, to understanding homeschool laws and building portfolios, we are here to ensure parents feel confident and equipped. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to homeschooling. Our goal is to honor each child’s unique development and help parents nurture learning in a way that feels natural and joyful. As you gain experience, you’ll discover that homeschooling is a living, evolving process—and that’s part of its beauty. We are committed to making sure you have the tools, resources, and confidence to guide your child’s education with intention, flexibility, and heart—so both you and your child can thrive on this journey together.
Homeschooling is an incredible adventure—one that grows and changes right alongside your family. No matter where you are in your journey, remember that you don’t have to have it all figured out from the start. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. I’d love to hear from you! Share your questions, challenges, or favorite parts of homeschooling in the comments below so we can learn from and encourage one another.
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