The Ultimate Back-to-Homeschool Checklist

Start the Year with Confidence (Not Chaos) The start of a new homeschool year can feel exciting… and a little overwhelming. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned homeschooler, having a simple checklist can help you feel prepared, focused, and ready to go.

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Use this list as a guide to get your family ready for a joyful and successful start to the year.

✅ Curriculum and Learning Materials Ordered
Make sure you’ve ordered your core curriculum as well as any supplemental resources like manipulatives, science kits, or art supplies. Double check that you have digital access set up or books scheduled for delivery.

• Secure your core curriculum early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
• Include supplemental resources—think math manipulatives, science kits, art supplies, and hands-on tools.
• Double-check digital access: logins, passwords, and app downloads.
• Confirm shipping dates for physical books or materials so they arrive before your start date.

✅ Supplies Purchased (Paper, pencils, printer ink, binders, etc.)
Stock up on the basics before back-to-school sales end. Think beyond notebooks—don’t forget glue sticks, dry erase markers, folders, tape, index cards, and anything else your kids regularly use.

• Stock up while back-to-school sales are still running—this saves money and stress later.
• Go beyond basics: glue sticks, dry erase markers, tape, sticky notes, folders, and index cards.
• Have an “extras” bin for backup supplies to avoid mid-year store runs.
• Don’t forget tech supplies: printer ink, charging cords, and headphones.

✅ Homeschool Space Set Up (decluttered, inviting, functional)
Your space doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect, but it should be functional. Declutter, restock, and refresh your learning area so it feels ready and welcoming.

• Your space doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy—it just needs to work for your family.
• Declutter old papers, broken supplies, and unused items.
• Refresh the space with organized bins, labeled shelves, or a small seasonal décor touch.
• Keep the area stocked so you can start the day without hunting for materials.

✅ Schedule or Routine Outlined (use a planner or rhythm chart)
Sketch out a daily or weekly routine that gives your days structure. Whether you use a loop schedule, time blocks, or visual charts, having a flexible plan makes a big difference.

• Create a framework for your days—this reduces decision fatigue.
• Choose a method: loop schedule, time blocks, or subject rotation.
• Use visual charts for younger kids to build independence.
• Keep flexibility in mind—life happens, and that’s okay.

✅ Educational Goals for Each Child Set
Set 1–3 academic or character-based goals for each child. This helps you track progress and stay intentional throughout the year.

• Identify 1–3 specific goals—both academic and personal growth.
• Keep them realistic and measurable so progress is easier to track.
• Write them down in a planner or on a vision board.
• Revisit goals monthly to celebrate progress or make adjustments.

✅ Local Homeschool Requirements Reviewed (file paperwork, testing, etc.)
Every state or region is different. Make sure your homeschool is in legal compliance—submit notices, record attendance plans, or check on required evaluations.

• Laws vary by state or country—know your area’s rules.
• Submit required paperwork like your intent to homeschool or yearly plan.
• Check deadlines for any mandatory assessments or reporting.
• Keep a compliance folder with all important documents in one place.

✅ Books and Read-Alouds Prepped (library holds or book basket ready)
Start the year with a fresh stack of books! Reserve titles at the library or create a seasonal book basket. Having engaging books on hand helps ease into learning.

• Start the year with a fresh stack of engaging books.
• Reserve library books in advance so they’re ready when you are.
• Build a themed or seasonal book basket to spark curiosity.
• Include a mix of picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction titles.

✅ First Week Plans Made (keep it light, fun, and confidence-building!)
Plan a gentle start! Focus on relationship-building activities, review games, and fun projects rather than jumping straight into heavy academics.

• Focus on building excitement and routines, not strict academics.
• Include icebreaker games, art projects, or outdoor learning activities.
• Plan short review sessions to ease into the workload.
• End each day with something fun to keep spirits high.

✅ Meal Ideas or Prep Done for the First Week
Avoid meal-time stress by planning simple lunches and dinners in advance. Prepping a few things ahead of time can give you more margin in those first busy days.

• Plan a week of easy-to-make breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
• Prep grab-and-go snacks to keep kids fueled between lessons.
• Consider batch cooking a few freezer meals.
• Reduce decision fatigue by making a simple meal rotation for week one.

✅ Family Meeting Held to Set Intentions and Get Excited
Gather your family to talk about hopes, goals, and what everyone is excited about. You can create a vision board, decorate the learning space together, or set a family motto.

• Gather everyone to share hopes and goals for the school year.
• Let kids have input on subjects, projects, or field trips they’d enjoy.
• Create a family vision board or motto together.
• Use this time to set a positive, collaborative tone for the year.

✅ Optional: Field Trip or Fun Day Scheduled to Kick Off the Year
Start your year with a memorable adventure! A hike, museum visit, or picnic in the park can set the tone that learning happens everywhere.

• Start with an experience that reminds everyone learning is everywhere.
• Choose a museum, zoo, park, or historical site.
• Bring journals or sketchbooks for kids to capture what they see.
• Use the outing as a launch point for future lessons and discussions.

Want a Printable Version? I’ve created a simple printable version of this checklist to hang on your fridge or tuck into your homeschool binder.

Just drop your name and email below to grab your copy!

The goal of this checklist isn’t to add pressure—it’s to help you feel empowered and prepared. Start slow, start simple, and give yourself lots of grace. You’ve got this!

Here’s to a joyful, organized, and inspired homeschool year! 🖤