Steps to Get Started
1. Pray
Starting Your Homeschool Journey
Begin with Prayer
The first step in homeschooling isn’t curriculum or planning—it’s prayer. God has called you to this journey, and He will walk with you each step. Bring your fears and hopes before Him, and trust that His peace will guard your heart.
Philippians 4:6–7
Trust His Provision
Homeschooling can feel overwhelming at times. Remember, God doesn’t call you without also equipping you. He provides wisdom when you ask, strength when you are weary, and joy in the everyday moments with your children.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Rest in His Peace
You don’t have to have it all figured out on day one. Lean on the Lord, and allow His peace to steady your steps. Homeschooling is more than academics—it’s a chance to grow together as a family in faith and love.
Isaiah 26:3
2. Understand Montana Homeschool Laws
In Montana, a home school is defined as:
“instruction by a parent of the parent's child, stepchild, or ward in the parent's residence.”
To comply with Montana law (20-5-109(2) MCA)*, homeschool families must meet four requirements:
- Notify
File a notice with the County Superintendent of Schools each school year stating your child’s attendance at your home school. Click HERE for a list of Superintendents.
- Keep Records
Maintain attendance records and make them available to the County Superintendent ONLY upon request.
- Instruction Hours
Provide at least the minimum aggregate hours of instruction required by law (20-1-301 and 20-1-302). Records of Instruction Hours may not be requested by the County Superintendent.
- Course of Study
Offer an organized program of study that includes the subjects required in Montana public schools (20-7-111). Records of your Course of Study may not be requested by the County Superintendent.
*Note that as of May 13, 2025, HB778 was signed into law by Governor Gianforte. This law eliminates the requirement of homeschoolers to provide immunization records upon request and to " be housed in a building that complies with applicable local health and safety regulations."
3. Choosing a Homeschooling Method and Curriculum
When it comes to homeschool curriculum, the options can feel endless—and sometimes overwhelming! A helpful first step is to consider which teaching method best fits your family’s style, goals and your child's learning style.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a “perfect” method. What works wonderfully for one family may not work at all for another—and that’s okay! Every child is unique, every family is different, and homeschooling allows you to find what truly fits.
Many families begin with one approach and then discover a different method that works better as their children grow. That flexibility is one of the greatest strengths of homeschooling!
To help you get started, follow the link to see some of the most common teaching methods, along with links to sample curriculum for each.
Check out the Free Homeschool Survival Kit from Schoolhouse Rocked!
4. Get Connected with the Local & National Homeschool Community
That’s where Homeschool Montana comes in! We’re here to bring families from across the Big Sky State together into welcoming community, full of support, encouragement, and resources for your homeschool journey.
- Connect online: Join our Homeschool Montana Facebook group to meet other families, ask questions, and share ideas. Also check out the many Facebook groups for the different Montana regions.
- Share adventures: Add in field trips and free days for some extra spice in your homeschool schedule. Check out our Field Trip Ideas list, grab some friends and make adventure happen!
- Join a local group: Whether it’s a co-op, field trips, or parent support gatherings, connecting with nearb.y homeschool families is a great way to share experiences and encouragement. We are building a list of regional support groups-check back soon for more details!
- Attend the Montana Homeschool Convention: Every other year join with homeschoolers from across the state for education, an expansive exhibitor hall, encouragement and support. Don't miss the 2026 Convention in Helena on April 16-18, 2026!
- Protect your homeschool rights: We highly recommend joining Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). They provide legal support for homeschooling families and help protect homeschool freedoms nationwide—including right here in Montana.
We’re excited to help your family thrive in Montana homeschooling—because no family should homeschool alone!