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Starting is less complicated than it looks. Most families can be up and running in a week. Follow these steps in order.
This comes first. Some states need no notice at all; others want a notice of intent, an affidavit, a portfolio, or testing. Find your state on our 50-state guide, which links to HSLDA's current law page for each state. This is general information, not legal advice.
File any required notice before you withdraw, then send a short written withdrawal letter and keep a copy. See how to withdraw from public school.
"Read chapter books independently." "Catch up in fractions." Goals tell you what to keep and what to drop.
Decide how much planning you want to do. An all-in-one program saves hours a week. Look for: all core subjects, lessons your child can follow, automatic grading, and records you can show your state. Try before you pay. Every grade's Week 1 is free at Life Academy.
Not sure where to start? Use the free placement check.
Keep attendance or hours, a few work samples per subject, and grades. Our hours log, weekly report, and portfolio tools do this for you. Read the record-keeping guide.
Start with shorter days. A rough guide: 45–90 minutes for K–5, 1.5–2.5 hours for middle school, and 2–3 hours for high school. Add time as you find your rhythm.
Join a local co-op or state homeschool association (linked on each state page) for field trips, classes, and friends.
In most states, no. You are the school. Read homeschool accreditation, explained honestly. Life Academy is not accredited; it's built to help meet homeschool requirements in all 50 states.
Week 1 of every grade is free, with no card needed. Start Week 1 free
Not sure yet? Take the 2-minute Am I ready? quiz and cost calculator.
Many families start within a week: check your state's law, file any notice, choose a curriculum, and begin.
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. Some states require a notice or approval steps; check your state's rules on HSLDA.
Yes. Follow your state's withdrawal and notice rules, then begin at your child's level. Our placement check helps you pick a starting grade.
Life Academy is a parent-directed online K–12 curriculum, built to help meet homeschool requirements in all 50 states. It is not accredited, and parents issue the homeschool transcript. Nothing here is legal advice. Check your state's law at HSLDA. Questions? Email david.dukes77102@gmail.com.