The Beacon Blog

Practical advice and encouragement for your journey.

Your First Week of Homeschool: What to Expect and How to Survive It
Getting Started

Your First Week of Homeschool: What to Expect and How to Survive It

Your first week will be messy. That's normal. Here's what to expect and how to set yourself up for success.

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Homeschool Record Keeping Made Simple
Daily Life & Organization

Homeschool Record Keeping Made Simple

What records do you actually need to keep? Depends on your state. Here's how to stay organized without overdoing it.

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Creating a Homeschool Schedule That Survives Real Life
Daily Life & Organization

Creating a Homeschool Schedule That Survives Real Life

Rigid schedules break. Flexible routines bend. Here's how to build a rhythm that actually works for your family.

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How Your Child Learns Best: A Practical Guide to Learning Styles
Methods & Approaches

How Your Child Learns Best: A Practical Guide to Learning Styles

Some kids thrive with workbooks. Others need to move. Understanding how your child learns helps you choose what actually works.

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The Deschooling Guide: What to Do Before You Start Teaching
Getting Started

The Deschooling Guide: What to Do Before You Start Teaching

Pulled your kid from school? Don't dive straight into curriculum. There's a transition period most new homeschoolers skip—and regret.

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Sports, Activities, and Extracurriculars for Homeschoolers
Community & Connection

Sports, Activities, and Extracurriculars for Homeschoolers

Soccer, music, scouts, prom—homeschoolers aren't missing out. Here's where to find activities and how to avoid overcommitting.

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How to Choose Homeschool Curriculum Without Losing Your Mind
Curriculum & Resources

How to Choose Homeschool Curriculum Without Losing Your Mind

Too many tabs. Too many options. Here's a simple framework that cuts through the noise and helps you decide.

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Free and Low-Cost Homeschool Curricula That Actually Work
Curriculum & Resources

Free and Low-Cost Homeschool Curricula That Actually Work

Quality homeschooling doesn't require a big budget. These free and affordable options are used by thousands of families.

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Homeschool Supplies: What You Actually Need (And What You Can Skip)
Curriculum & Resources

Homeschool Supplies: What You Actually Need (And What You Can Skip)

Forget the Pinterest schoolroom. Here's what you actually need to start—most of which you already own.

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 Setting Up Your Homeschool Space (No Pinterest Room Required)
Getting Started

Setting Up Your Homeschool Space (No Pinterest Room Required)

You don't need a dedicated room or matching furniture. Here's how to create a functional space on any budget.

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Finding Your People: A Guide to Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
Community & Connection

Finding Your People: A Guide to Homeschool Groups and Co-ops

Homeschooling doesn't have to be lonely. Here's how to find groups, co-ops, and communities that fit your family.

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What About Socialization?
Getting Started

What About Socialization?

It's the first question everyone asks. Here's what the research actually says—and how homeschool families build social lives.

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Your Homeschool Mission Statement: The 30-Minute Exercise That Changes Everything
Methods & Approaches

Your Homeschool Mission Statement: The 30-Minute Exercise That Changes Everything

When the hard days hit, you'll need to remember why you're doing this. A simple mission statement becomes your anchor.

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Finding Your Homeschool Style: A Guide to Methods That Actually Work
Methods & Approaches

Finding Your Homeschool Style: A Guide to Methods That Actually Work

Classical? Charlotte Mason? Unschooling? The options are overwhelming. Here's how to find your starting point without researching forever.

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What if My Child Falls Behind?
Getting Started

What if My Child Falls Behind?

The fear is common. The data is reassuring. Here's what research shows about homeschool academic outcomes.

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Am I Qualified to Teach My Own Kids If I'm Not a Teacher?
Getting Started

Am I Qualified to Teach My Own Kids If I'm Not a Teacher?

No teaching degree? No problem. Research shows parent credentials don't predict homeschool success. Here's what does.

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How Do I Homeschool If I Work?
Getting Started

How Do I Homeschool If I Work?

Full-time job? Single parent? It's harder—but not impossible. Here's how working families make homeschooling work.

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Will Colleges Accept my Homeschooler
Getting Started

Will Colleges Accept my Homeschooler

Every major university accepts homeschoolers. Many actively recruit them. Here's how the admissions process works.

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How Much Does Homeschooling Really Cost?
Getting Started

How Much Does Homeschooling Really Cost?

Some families spend $200 a year. Others spend $3,000. Here's how to figure out what it will cost for you.

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