.svg)
Prisma is the world’s most engaging virtual school that combines a fun, real-world curriculum with powerful mentorship from experienced coaches and a supportive peer community
As homeschool moves from the margins to the mainstream, more families are asking how to start homeschooling. After helping hundreds of kids embark on a new, unconventional educational chapter, we’ve learned that homeschool experiences are as unique as the families that embark on them. There’s no one-size-fits-all; it's more of a choose your own adventure.
If you’re homeschool-curious, no doubt you’ve put out feelers to find out what other families do. There will definitely be a time for that. But we recommend you start by spending time self-reflecting as a family, in order to understand which parts of someone else’s experience to draw on. The ultimate blank slate, homeschooling becomes most meaningful when you fill it with the values, experiences and approaches that align with your family.
That’s why we look at the process of how to homeschool your child in three phases: laying the foundation, gathering the resources and diving in.
No one rolls out of bed and says, “Maybe I’ll homeschool,” without strong motivations. Unique and personal, the decision often stems from a confluence of factors – elements of public school or private school to avoid or improve, combined with opportunities only afforded by a completely customized educational setting.
Common reasons families want to homeschool include:
More likely than not, you’ll have a variety of reasons – core motivations along with nice-to-haves. Get clear on your deal breakers and your points of flexibility, especially if there are multiple adults weighing in. If one parent wants to have more control over curriculum while the other wants to foster child-directed learning, you’ll want to brainstorm how those ideals might play out and what compromises might be necessary.
Once you’ve established why, it’ll give you the clearest possible indication of how you should homeschool.
For example:
To leave the traditional path and forge a new one, you need to have the whole family on board – and in alignment. With the increased responsibility homeschooling brings for parents and kids, everyone needs to start on the same page. Parents should be clear about their respective roles and commitments. If one parent is taking the lead, what support can they expect from the other parent (or other family members, such as older siblings, grandparents, etc.)?
Kids should be an integral part in this planning stage. Ask them their feelings on everything from what they want to study to how they want to interact with other kids. What are their biggest hopes and fears? What would an ideal day look like? What would a successful school year look like to them?
In the United States, education is regulated at the state level. Varying from state to state, homeschooling requirements include things like submitting a letter of intent, covering certain subjects, conducting student assessments and meeting minimums for instructional time. This resource from the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), gives detailed information on state laws, from the most regulated to the most flexible.
Once you have an idea of your family ideals, expand your horizons by looking to experts. Popular books include a traditional take on homeschooling, The Well Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home and a nature-focused approach, Call of the Wild & Free. Other books, like Plan Your Year: Homeschool Planning for Purpose and Peace, get more granular with details on how to start homeschooling.
Regardless of how resonant their philosophies or how applicable their tips, consider these homeschooling books as an introduction to the diverse approaches available. Don’t worry about finding your perfect match; take what you like about each one, and leave the rest.
Beyond formal publications, there are countless local resources at your fingertips, findable with a quick Google search, from content workbooks to tools for record-keeping. In larger areas there are multiple options for homeschoolers - from park days, to homeschool programs organized by museums and libraries.
If you don’t know any homeschool families, local Facebook groups are a great place to start. They’ll be packed with information about homeschool co-ops, support groups, and activities happening in your area. They’re also a place where you can ask questions like “How do you encourage independent study for a third-grader?” or “How do you cover high school social studies?” or “What are the best books for a 5-year-old reluctant reader?”'
People love talking about themselves, so as you start to participate in local homeschool activities, take advantage of the connections you make to learn more about different families’ experiences. Pick 3-5 families with whom you resonate and ask them if they’d be willing to give you 30 minutes of their time to share the ups and downs of homeschooling. (They’ll probably wind up happily talking for more!) A free-flowing chat often works best, but jot down any burning questions to make sure you cover topics that are keeping you up at night.
Some questions we recommend asking: What do you wish you knew before you started homeschooling? How did you determine your homeschool curriculum? What has been your biggest challenge and reward? What unexpected outcomes have you had? What does a typical day look like for your family? What are your favorite curriculum resources?
Once you start gathering resources, you’ll realize that there’s no shortage. From Facebook groups brimming with advice on how to start homeschooling to Pinterest boards packed with innovative learning experiences, the biggest challenge will be to sift out only the most meaningful ideas, approaches and opportunities. That’s why it’s so important to start this process with a clear mission statement. Otherwise, it’s easy to turn into over-scheduled tourists, sprinting from activity to activity, with no time to make meaningful connections.
Take a step back and look at the big picture: Do your available resources match your goals? If not, pinpoint what you’re missing (i.e. opportunities to socialize, diverse adult mentorship, interdisciplinary curriculum, community engagement), and head into a second round of resource-gathering with a more targeted approach, while making sure to note any enrollment deadlines for potential programs. But remember, it’s not about checking off items on a to-do list: Curating a dynamic educational experience for each unique child is an ongoing, iterative process that’s part science and part art that takes into consideration their learning styles and interests.
Tip: Create a calendar to stay on top of info sessions, registration deadlines and more.
Considering the flexibility of homeschooling, don’t force yourself to plan for a school year. Take a manageable chunk of time and establish your big-picture objectives and how you plan to measure them. (At Prisma, we use six-week blocks to hit the sweet spot between being long enough to do meaningful work and short enough to offer variety.)
From there, you can fill in your daily and weekly homeschool schedule — and don’t forget to take advantage of your newfound flexibility by including field trips that support whatever learning is getting them excited. One of the benefits of a flexible homeschooling style is that you can adapt as you go along; if you get a great idea, you can implement it right away, without having to wait for next year.
A successful homeschool experience takes a team. No matter how involved you plan to be, you’ll benefit from the support of other adults who can teach, mentor, and coach your child. Whether it’s a subject matter expert who can lead your kid through calculus, a debate coach who can inspire them to conquer their fear of public speaking, or a neighbor who hires them to water plants, other adults should be part of your homeschool journey. Not only do parents need time to recharge, kids need to interact with all kinds of people to be best prepared to get out into the world.
“It’s a work in progress.” Homeschool families will often remark that the constant evolution of their expectations, habits and activities is part of what they’ve come to love about the experience. That means that planning will only get you so far; at a certain point, you’ve got to dive in and test things out. Pick a start date, put it on your calendar, and get to work. You’ll be able to make adjustments on the fly to respond to the evolving needs of your child. Just make sure to schedule regular check-ins to gather everyone’s input and feedback. While you’re at it, don’t forget to include regular celebrations of your child’s achievements.
For anyone who has ever spent time in traditional school, it takes time to unlearn the rule-following mindset. The first year of homeschooling can be disconcerting as you and your kids adapt to life in which the fixed schedule has been replaced with infinite choices about what and how they learn. As new homeschoolers struggle to navigate this newfound freedom for the first time, their productivity may decline: Parents may see them jump from one activity to another or freeze from the overwhelm. This is perfectly natural: Many homeschooling parents describe a period of “unschooling” or ”deschooling” (that might take weeks or months or longer) that needs to take place before they get into the new groove.
We see this exact pattern at Prisma. For the first few weeks, Prisma learners and parents alike feel like they are drinking from the firehose, but usually sometime between week three and six, kids have an 'aha' moment where things really start to fall into place. Give yourself and your child room to adjust to their newfound freedom, and you’ll likely see them experience enormous growth in terms of their independence, self-motivation and engagement.
Want to learn more about how Prisma can empower your child to thrive?
Talk with usTalk with usMiddle School Curriculum Designer Lizzie uses her diverse experiences: studying Literature at Harvard, leading outdoor adventure expeditions, and teaching high school English, to help Prisma learners find their voices.
The pandemic has made homeschooling easier than ever before with a boom of online options from curriculum, to part-time programs, to full-time schools. But which is best for your family?
Prisma High School’s Launchpad Program will prepare learners to tackle their next phase, be it college, training, or an exciting career. Trevor Baker, our LaunchPad program designer, describes how he sets learners up for success.
You might have to jump in at first. But eventually, with the right modeling and practice, kids can develop the skills to make thoughtful decisions.
Middle School Curriculum Designer Gabe, an expert in interdisciplinary learning with a PhD from the University of Michigan, explains how he designs themes that blend together STEM and literacy.
One of the most fun parts of being a homeschooling parent is creating fun learning experiences for your kiddos! In this post, we share our favorite at-home activities and online resources.
Our Head of Middle School Curriculum explains how her team blends core subjects and real-world topics to design “hard fun” cycle themes.
One of the reasons our team wanted to develop a new kind of school was because we felt traditional schooling doesn’t put enough emphasis on developing emotionally intelligent kids. But what is emotional intelligence and how do you develop it?
"Carolyn is a miracle worker in math. Piper's attitude towards math has improved so much this year. It's never been her favorite subject but Carolyn's patience and encouragement has made such a positive impact." -Alexia A., Prisma parent
Media literacy is touted as one of the most important “21st century skills” for kids to master, in line with creativity, communication, and grit. Thinking through the amount of time most of us spend interacting with some form of media each day makes a good case for this.
“Lauren is fantastic and has struck a nice balance of connecting with Cooper and keeping him on task. I'm impressed to see real growth in Cooper around self awareness, reflecting on his “glows and grows,” and goal setting.” -Kym J., Prisma parent
“I've seen growth in my kids, and most importantly a solid relationship between them and their coaches. We feel so grateful for these amazing humans that have entered our kids' lives. My kids' words exactly: ‘These teachers actually want to be here. They really care!’ ” -Katie M., Parent in Kimberly’s Cohort
By introducing these concepts at home, you're setting your child up to be more financially responsible and savvy, giving them the tools to navigate an increasingly complex financial world.
“I’m so happy to have an opportunity to call out Javi. As a math educator myself I am really impressed with how he presents math concepts, differentiates for and challenges learners as needed. From a social-emotional perspective he is so kind, patient and invested in the kids as a whole. I am so happy he is Brynn’s math coach.” -Chandra S., Prisma parent
The ability to tolerate frustration is not merely about weathering the storm of the moment, but about instilling the persistence, adaptability, and resilience that set your child up for future success.
“We are eternally grateful for Prisma and the wonderful people who work there - especially the coaches - whose patience and expertise make our kids feel seen and heard and loved while also coaching them to learn knowledge and skills.” -Ashley S., Parent in Angie’s cohort
We are thrilled to announce that Prisma has earned accreditation from the Cognia Global Education Commission.
Online program? Good old-fashioned workbooks? A mix? Let’s help you unpack the options.
"Thank you for the bottom of our hearts for showing Story what it means to show up and do the hard work.” -Jenna W, Prisma Parent
.png)
Your unique way of processing the world brings with it challenges and rewards that color your parenting journey.
“Kristi sent Madeline a little note saying how much she likes seeing Madeline everyday, and Madeline grinned from ear to ear. Certainly a nice reminder of how different the relationship has been between coach and student compared to what we saw in public school.” -Pamela D., Prisma Parent
Many people assume advanced intellectual ability sets kids up for success in school, so when gifted kids struggle, it can be confusing for educators and parents.
“Despite Levi’s frustrations with science in the past, he had the most ambitious projects for Anne’s class. I love that she was able to inspire him!” -Joy J., Prisma parent
“Cindy is AMAZING! I’m so blown away by her accommodations, reprioritizing Parker’s to do lists, and always providing tons of encouragement. I’m knocked off my socks everytime I overhear her doing anything, really.” -Priscilla W., Prisma Parent
The first big surprise for me was the amazing team I would get to help me. I didn’t feel so alone when it came to supporting my kids' academic education.
“Natalie is so amazing and Karl has become very close with her. This year has seen Karl expand in his learning very much." -Anna H., Prisma parent
“Gwyn has been so wonderful to Jack. She is so relatable and authentic and really kind. She immediately bonded with him, and has really given him the freedom to be creative and take risks. She has made education and the whole "school experience" a safe place for him. With her support and encouragement, she has really made him thrive.” -Wren W., Prisma parent
How do you make sure the projects you design for your learners or homeschoolers are more than just volunteering, but meaningful learning opportunities?
In this blog post, we’ll explain what “school refusal” really means, possible causes of school refusal, and why rates might be rising. We’ll also share concrete strategies you can try if your child is struggling. You are not alone!
All kids need to learn these important cognitive skills, but kids with ADHD and autism might struggle more
Our favorite processes and activities for helping kids achieve their dreams
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” -Milton Berle
How kids can design projects that solve real-world problems
Falling in Love with Science
There are plenty of ways that homeschoolers make friends and engage with their peers, while still reaping the benefits of a homeschool education.
Tools to build self-awareness and resilience
The real world isn’t divided into school subjects. Learn how we design our interdisciplinary curriculum.
Explore the importance of education for children’s overall development and get practical tips for convincing your kids of its importance.
The Superpower that Turns Kids into Lifelong Learners
What would it look like if school prepared us for life?
Why is it that in a world of unprecedented technological advances and time-saving innovations, we seem to be busier than ever before?
Imaginative play isn’t just for preschoolers. Here’s how to spark your child’s imagination.
Engaging kids in the kitchen goes beyond food preparation. Here’s how to incorporate cooking into your weekly lesson plans.
The job landscape is shifting before our eyes. Here’s how to help kids navigate future career choices.
If your child has doubts, here’s how to help them get to a “yes.”
With adolescent mental health in crisis, here’s how to support your high school student’s well-being.
At its core, creativity is the expression of our most essential human qualities: our curiosity, our inventiveness, and our desire to explore the unknown.
The concept of critical thinking can seem vast and abstract. But one of the most meaningful ways you can start to tackle it is by rethinking the role of the teacher.
Imagine your child exploring new countries, meeting people from different cultures, and gaining a deep understanding of the world in a way that simply isn't possible in traditional education.
Unstick your child’s creativity, stretch their thinking, and improve their writing skills with topics that tap into their passions.
I never expected to find a family within my child’s school, but the leadership, teachers, parents and kids have become friends for life
Homeschooling can be overwhelming for parents. Here's how to recognize the signs of burnout & concrete solutions.
What’s behind your child’s complaint — and what to do about it.
If building social skills has been a bumpy road for your kid, here’s how to help them form healthy friendships.
The homeschool day can be quite efficient, compared to a typical public school day. Then, their school work completed, kids have plenty of time for extracurriculars, hobbies, unstructured play and generally... fun.
Possibly. But here’s what to do first.
To instill life-long healthy eating habits, take a hands-on approach
.png)
Distance learning doesn’t have to be a drag. Here’s how Prisma creates a community-centered online learning environment.
Distance learning is gaining popularity. Here’s what you need to know about online learning for high school students.
A bridge into high school, middle school is the time to prepare for independent learning. Here’s how to set the stage.
ADHD is only one reason for a short attention span. Find the cause, then try these tips for helping your child focus.
There’s no roadmap to develop a true passion — but here are ways to make the journey more fruitful.
Kristen Shroff is an experienced educational leader who has been with Prisma from the very beginning, first as a Founding Curriculum Designer & then as Head of School. Now, as CEO, she will lead Prisma into its next stage of growth.
Meet Claire Cummings, our Head of Middle School. Claire started out as a beloved Learning Coach in our middle school program before transitioning to the Head of School role in January 2023! She is based in Detroit, Michigan.
From making a meal to balancing a budget, here’s how to help teens learn to thrive in the real world.
In our Meet the Team blog series, you’ll get to read more about the innovative thinkers behind Prisma. Next up is Emily Veno, one of Prisma's Founding Curriculum Designers. After two years focused on building Prisma's middle school curriculum, in her new role as Head of Learning Innovation she works across both the middle & high school programs.
In our Meet the Team blog series, you’ll get to read more about the innovative thinkers behind Prisma. Next up is Leena Williams, the Lead Coach & Curriculum Designer in our new high school program.
Get to the bottom of your child’s apathy and help them find their ‘why.’
At Prisma, we believe the families and learners who like to call themselves Prismarians—are our ‘secret sauce’! Here we highlight one of our favorite stories from the Prisma community
.png)
From national parks to beach vacations, design an in-the-field learning experience the whole family will enjoy
Online learning takes many forms. Decide why you want to go remote — and the rest will fall into place.
Here’s how parents of ADHD children can set themselves up for successful learning at home.
Online learning doesn’t have to be distracting. These tips can prime your child to thrive at home.
From early childhood through high school, homeschooling provides the ideal setting to facilitate a gifted child’s learning. Here’s how.
And how can you support them in the classroom?
From fostering a love of learning to developing problem-solving skills, child-initiated learning is a pillar of a successful homeschooling journey. Here’s how to get started.
Focus on number sense and you’ll help your child add math skills to their toolkit.
Combine fun with a pinch of self-discipline, and you’ll be well on your way to a wellness routine your child wants to follow.
Kids need to develop their own world as they mature. But the stereotype of the zip-lipped pre-teen doesn’t have to be your reality.
It’s not easy to juggle full-time work and homeschooling — but it is possible. Here’s what we’ve learned about how to thrive.
Learning languages opens doors, offers connections and inspires new ways of thinking. Here’s some advice about which one(s) to pick.
Critical thinking matters for academics, work and relationships. Here’s how to lay the foundations at home.
Read about the hands-on learning opportunities one Prisma high schooler tackled in the Secrets of the Biosphere theme
Creative thinking is the key to problem-solving. Here’s how to foster creativity at home.
Traditional four-year college is only one option. Here’s how to inform your decision.
The Montessori approach focuses on early childhood. Here’s how the popular pedagogical method can lend itself to home-based learning for all ages.
Here’s what parents need to know about the popular social media network.
Here’s what every parent should know about facilitating a routine that works for the whole family.
Hands-on learning benefits all students. Here’s how to incorporate it into your homeschooling.
There’s no evidence to confirm the validity of these popular labels. But here’s how auditory learning strategies can benefit everyone.
Although no studies link these popular labels to academic achievement, here’s how visual learning helps everyone.
Here’s what parents need to know about the free, popular chat app.
Incorporate these reading tips into your routine, and you’ll be on your way to fostering a love of reading in your child.
Ready to Deck the Halls? Here are projects to engage kids of all ages—and tackle your seasonal shopping with DIY keepsakes.
More than just asking questions in the classroom, the Socratic Method helps learners test their own ideas in a real-life context.
Here are some guidelines to help sift through the infinite options.
When students set the conditions of their learning experience, they show more creativity, passion and sticktuitiveness.
