Before we answer that, we would like you to consider your reasons for wanting to homeschool your child. Homeschooling is a serious commitment, which will have a tremendous impact on your entire family. If you are considering homeschooling because of a recent conflict with a teacher, or school district employee, ask yourself if, given a few days to think it over: would you still be willing to make such a big change in your child’s life? Given some time to cool off, perhaps you might have thought of a new strategy to work the problem out. Consistency in your child’s education is important. If you are considering homeschooling, then you need to make a real commitment to undertaking it for at least a year, and probably longer. You certainly don’t want to take your child out of a school environment because of a conflict that might have been resolved, then place him or her in a homeschool, only to decide a few weeks later that you didn’t have the resolve to do it.
 
If you are sure that the present educational options are not working for your child, then the best time to change your child’s schooling choice is during a school break, preferably in the summer. By making the decision to homeschool in the summer, you will have ample time to prepare for the adjustments schooling at home will mean for your family. This will be less pressure for you and for your child.
 
Under the current laws, you will need to send a notice of intent to the local school board regarding your private (home) school. See the Home School Legal Defense Association Kentucky page. Also, see the Best Practices information on our Kentucky Laws page. The letter must be sent within two weeks of the beginning of the school year. See Related Documents for a sample letter.
 
If you decide to homeschool during the school year, your decision may result in an inquiry by the school district’s director of pupil personnel to determine that you are operating a legitimate private school. (See our Kentucky laws page). This does not mean you cannot begin homeschooling during the school year, but it’s best to be fully informed about the responsibilities of director of pupil personnel, and your responsibility as a parent, to insure compliance with the compulsory education laws.
 
Once you make the decision to homeschool and notify the local school board, then you must decide on a curriculum and routine that is beneficial for your child. It is common for many families to experience a period of adjustment to the new schooling choice, so give your child time to make the adjustment, and don’t put an inordinate amount of performance pressure on him or her.