5 Things Homeschool Moms Need to Do Now to Prepare for Back to Homeschool

The sun may still be shining, and the pool might still be calling, but let’s be honest, homeschool moms are already thinking about the fall and back to homeschool season.

The next school year is coming quickly, meaning now is the perfect time to get a head start planning and preparing.

I know you want to rest and relax as much as the kids do, but trust me, friend, a little due diligence now will save you all from some heartache later. So, harness your inner proverbial grasshopper and let’s look at five simple, smart, and sanity-saving things you can do right now to set yourself up for success in the next homeschool year.

Preparing for Back to Homeschool

Before we get going, let me be clear: this isn’t your typical “how to plan for back-to-school” post. I’ve written plenty of those before (and if you really want them, I’ll link a few below!). Today, I want to talk about something a little deeper—something that goes beyond supply lists and curriculum charts.

Let’s talk about evaluating and investing in your homeschool—and in yourself.

Yes, we could chat about my favorite programs and resources (and we probably will at some point), but this post is about preparing you, the homeschool mom, for the incredible role you play in your family’s learning journey.

Because here’s the truth: your homeschool is only as strong as you are. The best curriculum in the world can’t replace a mom with a steady heart, clear vision, and confident sense of purpose.

So let’s dive into five things you can do this summer, in those moments between popsicles and pool time, to prepare yourself and your homeschool for the year ahead. These aren’t just to-dos… they’re heart work and head starts that will set you (and your kids!) up for a joyful, peaceful, and purposeful homeschool year.

5 Things To Do Before Starting Your Homeschool Year

1. Evaluate Last Year

Before you fill your calendar with new plans, take a moment to pause and reflect. What worked beautifully last year? What drove you (or the kids) bananas? What felt life-giving, and what needs to be ditched?

Before you can move forward in your homeschool planning, you need to pause and honestly evaluate last year.

Take a quiet moment to journal a few thoughts, and maybe even ask your kids for their input. Honest reflection is your homeschool superpower.

👉 Action Step: Grab a notebook and do a simple what went well list for each child & curricula. Be sure to get your children’s opinions, too. This little exercise can spark huge clarity as you work on planning for back to homeschool.

2. Research New Curriculum Options

Curriculum for your homeschool doesn’t have to be confusing or expensive. It can be if you want it to be, or if it’s in your budget, but it doesn’t have to be.

Once you’ve evaluated your past year, you’ll have a better sense of where you might need to try something different. Whether you’re looking for more independence, more structure, more delight, or more book based homeschooling, there’s something out there that can support your unique homeschool goals.

And don’t forget, summer is the BEST time to score deals! Back to Homeschool sales, curriculum bundles, and even Amazon Prime Days are loaded with savings.

👉 Action Step: Make a list of subjects or topics you need to shop for, then set a timer and dive into your favorite curriculum websites (or chat with a friend who’s one step ahead). And if you find curriculum shopping to be overwhelming, check out my tips for stress free curriculum shopping!

3. Buy a New Planner (one that you’ll actually use!)

There’s just something magical about starting a fresh planner. With beautiful, uncrumpled pages, there is nothing ahead but the promise of a more organized, less chaotic homeschool year.

That is, until you realize the planner isn’t all that it promised. It’s lacking and unable to keep up with the busyness of a homeschool family.

This year, let me encourage you to choose a planner that actually supports your unique life as a homeschool mom. One that’s big enough to cover all things home & homeschool, including meals, family obligations, homeschool, and more.

My personal recommendation? The Ultimate Home & School Planner! It’s beautifully designed, functional, and includes planning pages for your home life and your homeschool. Oh, and did I mention that you can customize it to fit your busy life?! Win!

You don’t need to plan every single lesson today, but having a system in place will make the whole year flow better.

👉 Action Step: Buy your copy of The Ultimate Home & School Planner today and set a date on your calendar to do a “Back to School Planning Retreat” (even if it’s just at your kitchen table with coffee and no interruptions).

4. Read a Few Amazing Homeschool Books

Summer is the perfect time to fill your cup, too. Grab a cozy chair and pick up a homeschool book for mom. One that inspires, encourages, and equips you to teach with confidence and peace. Whether you love Charlotte Mason, delight-directed learning, or simple routines, there’s a book out there for you.

This isn’t “homework,” friend, this is heart work. Fuel your mama mind and soul with voices that remind you: you can totally do this.

👉 Action Step: Choose one or two titles that speak to your season and read just 10 minutes a day. Need ideas? Check out my list of the best books for homeschool moms to get started! I’ve included my personal favorites, including Anyone Can Homeschool by Nicki Truesdell, Homeschool Bravely by Jaime Erickson, and Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden.

5. Find Your Homeschool Community

You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. Some of the greatest encouragement and wisdom you’ll receive won’t come from a curriculum… It will come from other homeschool moms who have walked this road before you.

Whether you connect through a local homeschool convention, an online summit, a co-op, or an encouraging community like the Homeschool Mom Collective, surrounding yourself with like-minded moms can make all the difference. Sometimes all it takes is hearing, “Me too,” to remind you that you’re doing better than you think.

👉 Action Step: Choose one way to connect with other homeschool moms before your school year begins. Attend a homeschool convention, register for an online summit (such as the Charlotte Mason Online Summit), join a local group, or become part of an encouraging online community such as Homeschool Mom Collective. (If you’ve never been to a convention before, be sure to read Why Every Homeschool Mom Should Attend a Homeschool Convention first!)

Back To Homeschool Mom Tips

Getting ready for a new homeschool year doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little intention and a lot of grace, you can start this school year with joy, not stress.

And if this is your first year homeschooling, let me encourage you to work through the last four steps on this list (and perhaps grab a copy of The Complete Beginner’s Guide To Homeschooling). Not only will you get support & encouragement, you will be more than ready on day 1 of your brand new homeschool journey.

So, friend, clear your calendar, get a notebook & pen, open a window, grab yourself your favorite tea or coffee, and take the next right step. Your future self (and your kids) will thank you!

Happy homeschooling, friend! 😊

Which of these steps will you do first? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on! 🥳

Want More Help Planning for Back to Homeschool?

Do you need more back to homeschool mom tips as your plan the upcoming year? These great posts are sure to help!

• The Ultimate Stress-Free Guide To Homeschool Curriculum Shopping
• Tips to Avoid A Homeschool Planning Crisis
• Planning Your Homeschool Year
• 25 Fun & Exciting Ideas for Back To Homeschool

Enter the Back to Homeschool Giveaway (2025)!

As you’re gearing up for a fresh homeschool year, evaluating what worked, choosing new curriculum, and stocking up on supplies, you might also be wondering how to stretch the budget just a little further. Homeschooling on one income or teaching multiple kids can definitely add up.

That’s why I’m thrilled to share something extra special with you, the 12th Annual Back to Homeschool Giveaway! I’ve teamed up with some amazing homeschool bloggers to bless families just like yours, and this year we’re giving away three $250 gift cards to the homeschool curriculum company of your choice.

That’s right! You get to choose where you gift card goes to, meaning you can spend it exactly as you’d like to.

🗓 Giveaway Dates: July 9–18, 2025
🎁 Prizes: Three winners will each receive a $250 gift card to the curriculum company of their choice

To enter, just use the Rafflecopter form below. There are quite a few entries available, but that’s because each blogger has contributed generously to make this giveaway happen. And the more entries you complete, the better your chances of winning!

We hope this giveaway is a blessing to your family as you prepare for another meaningful, memory-filled homeschool year!

Giveaway ends July 18th at 11:59pm ET.  Winners will be drawn and emailed the following day. The winners will have 48 hours to respond to email to claim the prize.  By entering this giveaway you will be added to the email lists of the participating bloggers. Please be sure to read the Terms & Conditions upon entering the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway