Homeschooling: A Guide for Military Families

Homeschooling as a military family

Homeschooling is an increasingly popular choice among military families. In fact, military households homeschool at twice the national rate, with about 17% of active‑duty families and 11% of National Guard and reserve families choosing this education option. Families cite academic stability, flexibility, educational quality and social‑emotional well‑being as top reasons.

If your family is exploring homeschooling, here’s what to know — and how Military OneSource can help you get started if you decide it’s right for your family.

Deciding if homeschooling is right for your family

As you make educational choices for your student, it’s important to reflect on whether homeschooling aligns with your family’s lifestyle, educational values and current circumstances. Consider the following factors when deciding if homeschooling is right for your family.

Stability during frequent relocations

Because military families move every two to three years, parents who homeschool sometimes do so because it can provide both flexibility and stability through transitions that may disrupt a student’s education.

Academic fit and family values

Many families homeschool to tailor education to their student’s needs, especially when local school options vary widely from duty station to duty station.

Emotional and social well‑being

New schools mean new curricula, peers and expectations — sometimes every few years. Homeschooling can be one way to reduce stress for students affected by frequent transitions.

• Families who have chosen to homeschool report that homeschooling increased quality family time by allowing learning around the military schedule.
• Many homeschooling parents report that their homes are safe places for learning, and that they can control accommodations for their students with special needs.

Homeschooling considerations for families with special needs

• Enroll your family member with special needs in the Exceptional Family Member Program for tailored support, care and services.
• Contact Military OneSource special needs consultants, who are available to help you navigate services for your family and connect you with military and community-based support.
• Work with your local school liaison.
• If you choose to homeschool, consider drafting an individualized education program, or IEP, to help with clear academic achievement and goal setting.

Support for military homeschoolers

Access information, resources and support designed to help you navigate homeschooling should you choose this option.

School liaisons

The School Liaison Program offers an array of services and resources to support children and parents who are considering or have chosen homeschooling for their students. Your installation school liaison can:

• Connect you to local homeschooling resources
• Share state education and course requirements
• Answer your education-related questions
• Help families navigate PCS and military transitions
• Provide referral for special education needs
• Assist with college and career planning

Tap into additional support resources:

• Learn how the Education Commission of the States connects state policymakers and supports education policymaking for early care, education, workforce development and more.
• Find additional trusted resources and support in the Five and Thrive Homeschooling Guide, which provides military parents essential homeschooling information, tools and support services in one convenient place.
• Use DOD MWR Libraries for academic and supplemental learning resources.
• Access Tutor.com for U.S. Military and Their Families, which offers live, online tutors who can help with homework, studying, test prep, proofreading, organizational skills and more.

Getting started with homeschooling

If you’re considering homeschooling, you can:

• Review state regulations and best practices for homeschooling
• Connect with your installation school liaison for local guidance
• Explore organizations that support homeschooling, like the Military Homeschoolers Association, Military Child Education Coalition and Blue Star Families
• Listen to episodes of the Base2Base Military Homeschooling podcast, which covers various topics connected to homeschooling
• Use DOD MWR Libraries for academic and supplemental learning
• Look into experiential and social activities available at your installation and in your community to further support the emotional and social well-being of your student

If you choose the homeschooling option while living overseas, check with your installation school liaison to learn about home school guidance by country, as host nation requirements may apply to military-connected homeschoolers.