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How to Switch Mid-year in Homeschooling

by Jessica Parnell | Jan 10, 2019 | 3 min read

You are probably familiar with the phrase, “Don’t change horses in midstream.” That may be good advice in some situations, but when it comes to your child’s education, a change may be necessary. If your homeschooling program or current school situation isn’t working, if your child is frustrated, if your day is full of battles — a change is necessary. Your child’s education is too important to stay in a pattern of struggle. With this new year, now is the time to hop on the better horse! If you’re wondering how to switch mid-year in homeschooling, read on, Brave Soul! 

Why switch mid-year

Is your child frustrated daily? Does school seem like a constant uphill climb? Has a family situation required a change in school? If so, switching mid-year is critical to maintaining or regaining your child’s educational footing. There’s still time to reclaim this year for you and your child. But it will take bravery and support. If you’re ready to make the switch mid-year to homeschooling, know that you don’t have to go it alone — and you can do it armed with the right knowledge.

Tips for making a mid-year switch in homeschooling

  1. Recognize that a change is needed.

    Change is hard, but it’s also the only way we grow! Put the change in a positive light and you’ll find it easier to get on board with a mid-year switch.

  2. Discuss problems and potential changes with your family

    so the children feel involved, important, and buy into the changes. Keeping your child involved in the process will help make the transition easier and give them ownership over their education (which they need to be independent learners!).

  3. Change your curriculum or program, if necessary.

    With so many curriculum options available, it’s no wonder that each child relates to some publishers or types of programs better than others. But changing mid-year is scary. Here’s how to determine what new curriculum to try: 

    Have your child take a Learning Style Assessment to determine how they retain information best. Finding curriculum that teaches in ways your child understands means they will see real-life application, and not just study for a test. Bridgeway has a full Learning and Personality Style assessment that can get you on the right track. And it is available for the whole family to take so you can learn how to best communicate and teach to each child!

  4. Expect some tough times.

    Making the switch mid-year can be tough, and may come with more than a few battles. “But I liked the other way better.” “It’s too hard.” “No!” Change brings challenge and pushback, but keep calm and carry on. (Side note: Make sure everyone understands the reason(s) for the change! The “why” is very helpful for diffusing frustration!).

  5. Find your own rhythm.

    If you can’t do it exactly the way the experts say, that’s OK. It’s YOUR family and you know what is best for them. Homeschooling is all about flexibility, so be sure to find a program that allows you to be yourself and chart your own course each day. Choosing the right homeschool partner is critical for ensuring you maintain the flexibility and autonomy you need to make homeschooling work for you!

  6. Be flexible with your changes.

    Nothing is set in stone. Take comfort in knowing that change can be changed as well! Be flexible and find what fits, especially as your kids grow.

Let your guiding principle for change be that you are doing what you believe is best for your family and your child’s future success. Your child needs to know that they have the family’s complete support, and that you will have the support of others who have achieved homeschool success. The experts at Bridgeway Academy welcome the chance to support you through every change. Visit us at www.homeschoolacademy.com or call us at 800-863-1474. You are never alone with a homeschooling expert at your side!

Jessica Parnell
Hello everyone! I’m Jessica Parnell — mom, homeschool evaluator, teacher, and CEO of Bridgeway Academy. In my 20+ years of experience as a homeschool mom and evaluator, I have had the privilege of meeting homeschoolers that take a variety of approaches to their education. It is their many stories and successes that inspire me in my own homeschooling and I love to pass on the knowledge that I have gained from them to other homeschooling families. The one constant that always remains true is that there’s no such thing as a “cookie cutter child.” Each child is fearfully and wonderfully made and as a result, learns and functions differently. It’s our job to ensure that we’re raising each child to fulfill their individual purpose and when we can teach in a way that inspires them, we are on our way to homeschool success. When I’m not writing or teaching my children, I like to ski, write and participate in triathlons. I graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters in English and I am currently pursuing a degree in Neuroleadership.
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