If you have decided that you want to homeschool but you feel overwhelmed at the prospect of creating a curriculum and buying materials, you can look into free public homeschooling options. These options include online public schools and homeschooling programs offered by many school districts and charter schools. K12.com and Connections Academy offer online public schooling in several states.

These programs either have a fully developed curriculum or they will work with you to customize a curriculum. Most textbooks, workbooks and other materials will be provided for free. A teacher will be assigned to monitor your child’s progress and to help with any difficulties you encounter. You will be required to meet with the assigned teacher to monitor progress. Since these are public school programs, your child will have to take any mandated state tests.

K12.com and Connections Academy have lists of states with online public school options on their websites. Contact charter schools in your area to find if they offer any homeschooling program. Contact your local school district to find out if offer a a homeschooling program.

These programs will not be for everyone. Some homeschoolers want the freedom to choose what to teach and when to teach it. But if you feel like you want a lot of guidance and little expense, public homeschooling programs are a great choice.