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Need Help Getting Started?

How-To-Homeschool 101

It's not as difficult (to get started) as you might think!

Step 1(mandatory)

Prerequisite:  Pray for strength.

Submit Certificate of Enrollment

In Mississippi, the only requirement to begin homeschooling is completion of the Certificate of Enrollment. Submit the completed form to homeschool@mdek12.org.

​*Important Note: In the section where it asks you to provide a description of the educational program, you only need to write "age-appropriate curriculum" or something similar. You are not required to identify or purchase any specific curricula. 

 

​Yep, that's it.

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But just in case you'd like to check for yourself, here are some useful links:

Step 2 (strongly recommended)

Get Connected

The legal aspects of homeschooling may be simple, but the lifestyle...not so much.

Before going out and subscribing to some expensive homeschooling program or purchasing kits and supplies, we encourage families to, first, get out and meet other homeschooling families. Connecting with veteran homeschoolers will save you time and money, make the process a thousand times easier and a million times more fun!

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Here are some useful links to local homeschooling communities and events including ours:

Step 3 (recommended)

Homeschooling can be so much more than school-at-home.  Explore the diversity of homeschooling styles and methods. Find the approach that best suits your family...or create your own! 

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Craft Your Child's Curriculum

Once you've determined how you will approach your homeschooling journey, you can decide what is most important for your child to learn and how they will learn it.

 

Some families' curricula involve their choice of fiction and non-fiction books completely free from the local library. Others choose to use nature and everyday life as their curriculum. Others choose bits and pieces from curriculum developers, and many simply purchase fully packaged curriculum programs.  Here are a few of the popular programs if you're intimidated by the idea of forging your own path. Choose from a variety of popular curriculum options designed for homeschoolers. Tailor your educational resources to fit your child's interests and learning pace.

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*Don't forget, the Bible is an all-in-one curriculum! You can usually find a Bible for free, Bible study apps like YouVersion and RightNowMedia for enrichment, Sunday School/church service with a live teacher, and small group fellowship with supplemental studies.

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A few curriculum recommendations to consider...​

Explore Styles & Methods

Step 4 (optional)

Enrich Your Journey

If you haven't already built enriching, engaging learning experiences and activities into your homeschool program, consider adding them in. Extra-curricular activities, co-ops, and social groups can be for more than socialization. These experiences enhance overall learning, character, and development of the whole-child.

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(Go to Extracurricular Opportunities page for a growing list.)

​​Music

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Art

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​Leadership & Service

 

Sports & Physical Activities​

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​Academic Enrichment​

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A few extracurriculars and enhancements to consider...

Programs marked with * are not faith-based. ECHO recommends parents take caution when utilizing secular resources.

Still have questions?

Share details about your family and your specific homeschooling questions so we can match you with a veteran.  Don't forget to include your availability so that we can get you scheduled.

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