Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Homeschool Journey in Kansas is right here.
Whether you’re considering homeschooling for the very first time, preparing for your first school year at home, or simply exploring your options, welcome!
Choosing to homeschool is a big decision, and it’s natural to have questions. What are Kansas homeschool laws? Which curriculum should you choose? Do you need to join a co-op? How do you meet other homeschool families? The good news is you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
The Manhattan and Flint Hills area is home to a thriving homeschool community with families representing every educational philosophy. From structured, traditional learning to nature-based education, classical education, and everything in between.
This guide will help you understand the basics of homeschooling in Kansas, explore your options, and confidently take your next step.
Looking for local classes, co-ops, museums, homeschool-friendly businesses, and educational resources? Be sure to explore our Manhattan & Flint Hills Area Homeschool Directory coming soon, where we maintain a growing list of local opportunities for homeschool families.
New to Homeschooling? Start Here 
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Nearly every homeschool parent starts exactly where you are now. You don’t need to purchase the perfect curriculum, create a color-coded schedule, or have your entire school year planned before you begin.
Instead, focus on these six simple steps:
- Learn Kansas homeschool requirements.
- Decide what type of homeschool best fits your family.
- Choose a curriculum that feels like a good starting point.
- Connect with other homeschool families in the community.
- Explore local enrichment opportunities, co-ops, or hybrid programs if they fit your goals.
- Give yourself permission to learn alongside your children.
Remember: homeschooling is flexible. Your routines, curriculum, and goals will likely change over time and that’s perfectly normal.
Kansas Homeschool Laws 
Kansas is considered one of the most homeschool friendly states in the country.
Families who homeschool register as a non-accredited private school with the Kansas State Department of Education. Registration is simple and Kansas offers families significant flexibility in how they educate their children.
Kansas does not require:
- Annual standardized testing
- State-approved curriculum
- Teacher certification
- Reporting instructional hours to the state
Parents are responsible for providing instruction in the required academic subject areas and maintaining their own educational records.
Because laws can change, always verify current requirements through the Kansas State Department of Education before beginning your homeschool journey.
Choosing Your Homeschool Style 
One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is that there isn’t one “right” way to do it. Many families combine several educational philosophies to create an approach that works best for their children. Some of the most common homeschool styles include:
- Traditional – Structured lessons using textbooks and workbooks.
- Charlotte Mason – Literature-rich learning with an emphasis on nature study and short lessons.
- Classical Education – History, language, logic, and critical thinking taught in developmental stages.
- Montessori – Child-led, hands-on learning that encourages independence.
- Nature-Based Learning – Using the outdoors as a classroom through exploration and real-world experiences.
- Unschooling – Interest-led learning that follows a child’s curiosity.
- Road-Schooling – Learning through travel and real-world experiences.
- Online or Virtual Learning – Digital coursework completed from home.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure which style fits your family. Many homeschoolers adjust and refine their approach over the years.
Choosing Curriculum 
One of the first questions new homeschool families ask is, “What’s the best curriculum?” The honest answer is: the best curriculum is the one that works for your child. There is no perfect curriculum, and it’s common for experienced homeschool families to try several before finding their favorites.
Popular options include:
Traditional
- The Good and the Beautiful *what our family uses for science and art
- Master Books
- Abeka
- BJU Press *what our family uses for math
Classical
- Memoria Press
Charlotte Mason
- Simply Charlotte Mason
- Ambleside Online
Literature-Based
- BookShark
- Build Your Library
English & Reading
- All About Reading
- Logic of English *what our family uses for English & Reading
Math
- Beast Academy
- Math-U-See
- RightStart Mathematics
- Saxon Math
If you’re looking for additional curriculum ideas and local recommendations, be sure to connect with other homeschool families or visit our upcoming Curriculum Resource Guide.
Should You Join a Co-Op? 
One of the biggest misconceptions about homeschooling is that every family belongs to a co-op. The truth is that co-ops are completely optional. They offer additional support and community and can vary depending on their own standards. Some families love the friendships, enrichment classes, and community they provide, while others prefer learning independently or participating in extracurricular activities instead.
The Manhattan and Flint Hills area offers several homeschool co-ops and support organizations serving a variety of educational philosophies and family needs. You can learn more about local options in our Manhattan & Flint Hills Area Homeschool Directory, which is coming soon.
Hybrid Schools & Alternative Learning Options
If you’re looking for a blend of classroom instruction and learning at home, hybrid programs may be a great fit. Several programs in the Manhattan area offer flexible educational models that combine the benefits of homeschooling with structured classroom experiences. If you’re considering a hybrid approach, our Homeschool Directory, which is coming soon, includes current local programs and resources.
Finding Your Community
One of the greatest gifts homeschooling offers isn’t found in a curriculum, it’s found in community. Connecting with other homeschool families can provide encouragement, answer questions, and open the door to field trips, clubs, extracurricular activities, and lasting friendships.
Whether you join a Facebook group, attend a co-op, visit library programs, or simply meet another homeschool family at the park, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. The Manhattan and Flint Hills area homeschool community is known for being welcoming and supportive.
Frequently Asked Questions 
Q: Do homeschoolers follow the public school calendar?
A: No. Homeschool families create schedules that work best for their own families.
Q: Do homeschoolers take standardized tests?
A: Kansas does not require annual standardized testing for homeschool students.
Q: Can homeschool students play sports?
Yes. Eligible middle and high school students may participate in KSHSAA activities through their local public school. Many younger children play sports through their local Parks & Rec or private / travel teams.
Q: Can homeschoolers receive speech therapy or special education services?
A: Many students qualify for services through their local school district. Contact your local district to learn more about available resources.
Q: Can homeschoolers attend college?
A: Absolutely. Colleges and universities regularly admit homeschool graduates.
New Homeschool Checklist 
☐ Learn Kansas homeschool requirements
☐ Register your homeschool
☐ Choose a homeschool style
☐ Select a curriculum
☐ Connect with local homeschool families
☐ Explore co-ops and hybrid programs
☐ Visit your local library
☐ Plan your first field trip
☐ Remember that your homeschool doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
You’re Not Alone
Every homeschool journey is different. Some days will be full of excitement. Others may leave you wondering if you’re doing enough. That’s completely normal. Homeschooling isn’t about recreating school at home, it’s about creating an education that reflects your family’s values, your children’s needs, and the freedom to learn in meaningful ways.
Whether your classroom is around the kitchen table, on a hiking trail in the Flint Hills, inside a museum, or curled up on the couch with a favorite book, learning happens every day.
We hope this guide helps you feel informed, encouraged, and excited for the journey ahead. When you’re ready to explore local resources, don’t forget to visit our Manhattan & Flint Hills Area Homeschool Directory, where you’ll find co-ops, hybrid schools, educational attractions, homeschool-friendly businesses, enrichment opportunities, and more, all in one place.
