Homeschooling Your Military Family

Homeschooling Your Military Family:
Complete Guide to Tools, Tips, and Support

By: Lynette Wishart, MA LCMFT CISM Instructor, CIMHP

If you’re a military family considering homeschooling, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re part of a growing movement. While roughly 6% of civilians homeschool their children, that number jumps to 12% for active-duty military families and nearly 11% for National Guard and Reserve families—even though they move less frequently. The military lifestyle presents unique challenges that make homeschooling an increasingly attractive option. 

Why Are Military Families Choosing to Homeschool? 

Military families homeschool for many of the same reasons as civilian families, but military life adds its own complications to the mix. Here are the most common reasons: 

• Religious and Educational Values—About two-thirds of military homeschoolers cite religion as a primary factor. Many families want their children’s education aligned with their faith and family values. 

• Addressing Your Child’s Unique Needs—Military moves can create stress on a child’s education. Many families spend years trying to get appropriate special education or gifted support in place, only to face another PCS and have to start all over again. Others have children dealing with chronic illness or simply want to keep their family together in a consistent learning environment. One military child’s parent shared a frustrating story: when she moved to another state during elementary school, the new school was teaching content she’d already learned two years before. That felt like educational progress was lost. 

• Safety and Well-Being Concerns—According to the Military Homeschoolers Association’s 2024 annual report, about half of military homeschoolers cited bullying as a concern. Other families worried about school violence, age-inappropriate content, or educational gaps caused by inconsistent standards from state to state. 

The bottom line? Military families choose homeschooling because it offers flexibility, control, and consistency—things that are hard to come by in a lifestyle defined by frequent moves and changing circumstances. 

What Does Homeschooling Actually Look Like? 

Here’s what many people don’t realize: homeschooling isn’t a free pass to do your own thing without structure. It demands dedication, planning, effort, and honestly, a lot of patience. But what it does offer is flexibility and the ability to tailor your child’s education to their learning style, pace, and interests. 

Different Approaches, One Goal. Military homeschooling families embrace a wide range of educational models. Some use flex schools or text-based curricula, while others prefer online programs accessible from anywhere in the world. Some families participate in hybrid arrangements combining classroom and at-home learning or join installation “pods.” Still others get creative—visiting historical sites to enrich lessons or joining community-based programs where local businesses host students working with their own curricula. According to the Military Homeschoolers Association, most military families prefer an eclectic model, blending multiple approaches to create a personalized learning experience. 

Making Learning Real. One of the best parts of military homeschooling is the opportunity to integrate real-world experiences into your child’s education. Many families use travel as a teaching tool. Older children and teens can gain hands-on learning and work experience—whether that’s setting up a small business selling products online or at local farmers markets, offering services through platforms like Care.com (pet care, tutoring, house cleaning), or joining a family business. These experiences teach life skills and entrepreneurship while building your child’s work ethic. 

Community and Support. Homeschooling military families aren’t isolated. Many participate in homeschool cooperatives where parents share teaching responsibilities based on their expertise. Others tap into Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) programs or public school systems that allow homeschoolers to join sports teams and clubs. Dual-credit opportunities through community colleges are also available—some high schoolers even earn associate degrees while completing their high school requirements, which can significantly lower college costs. 

Getting Started: What You Need to Know 

It’s Legal (Everywhere). The good news: it’s legal to homeschool in all 50 US states and NATO countries. The not-so-good news: requirements vary state by state and are regulated by state government when you’re in CONUS, but not regulated when you’re OCONUS. 

This is where the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) becomes your best friend. When stationed in non-NATO countries, regulations can vary significantly, and HSLDA members can ask questions to lawyers and work with your installation’s family center to find support. This might include attending classes and joining sports, clubs, and activities at DODEA schools. Always contact them before starting, especially if you’re stationed overseas. 

Challenges and How to Handle Them 

Homeschooling military families face genuine challenges, and acknowledging them is the first step to addressing them. 

Common Stressors. Starting homeschooling can feel overwhelming when you’re also managing younger children, toddlers, or infants. Additional stress often appears when children advance to higher-level skills or when teenagers prepare for college and the next chapter. Relocations, illness, and financial constraints can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Building a daily schedule, managing interruptions, and staying organized requires flexibility and determination. 

What Actually Helps. If you’re working with a counselor or therapist to support your family’s homeschooling journey, here are the kinds of approaches that make a real difference: 

• Practical Planning. Working with someone to build a realistic daily schedule with productive blocks of time and regular breaks can be transformative. Some families benefit from planning in downtime—a rest period, reading time, or even scheduling a day or two a week when kids learn at another site (a local co-op, Montessori school, or community program) so that the homeschooling parent can take a breather, prep lessons, or handle other responsibilities. 

• Stress Management and Self-Care. Don’t underestimate the power of practical self-care ideas and coping techniques for the whole family, especially during challenging seasons and transitions. This might include stress management strategies tailored to your family’s needs or support in prioritizing competing demands. 

• Understanding Your Family. Support for understanding your children’s developmental needs and sibling relationships is valuable—especially as babies are added to the family or when older children transition to new learning stages. 

• Childcare and Respite Options. Many installations offer respite care for families with special needs or experiencing deployment. Care.com lists options for childcare, camps, tutoring, and other services. Some homeschool families organize “mom’s night out” or trade childcare time with other homeschooling families to give each other breaks. 

Resources That Can Change Your Game 

The good news is that there are more resources available now than ever before. In May 2025, Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, signed a memo emphasizing the Department of War’s commitment to improving education and well-being for military-connected students. He wrote: “Through these efforts, the department will uphold the directive to improve the education, well-being and future success of military-connected students, supporting parents in choosing the best educational options for their children. This is vital to the department and the quality of life of our service members, who deserve no less.” This move is opening up new opportunities for on-base space reservations and additional support at the installation level. 

Installation and Local Resources 

• Find Your People. Start by connecting with local homeschool coops and social media groups through your family center or Facebook. Groups like the Keesler AFB Home School Group and Elgin AFB Homeschool pages connect families, answer questions, and offer community. These groups are invaluable when you need advice, encouragement, or just someone who understands the military homeschooling lifestyle. 

• Connect with School Liaisons. Your installation’s family center likely has a school liaison who can connect you with resources, help coordinate installation-based needs, and sometimes arrange special accommodations. Some installations allow homeschool groups to use facilities like swimming pools during school hours or make other arrangements. Definitely reach out to them. 

• Seek Out Specialized Programs. Several programs exist to support military families: 

• FOCUS (Families Overcoming Challenges Under Stress) offers strength-based assistance for navigating challenges and improving family communication at some locations. Visit focusproject.org for more information. 

• The Military HealthySteps Program provides non-medical developmental guidance and parenting support for children under three at some pediatric clinics. Visit zerotothree.org for more information. 

• The New Parent Support Program offers in-home support and parenting education from a nurse or social worker for families with at least one child under age three. Search www.militaryonesource.mil for more information. 

• Financial Support Personal Financial Counselors at your installation can help you develop financial readiness and achieve financial goals specific to your family’s situation. The Installation Relocation Department may offer information and trip activities for families PCSing, often coordinated through the family center. 

Family Support Services 

• Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC) are available at select schools associated with a military installation—search the Military OneSource website to find one near you. ARAMMU Couple and Family checkups are also available through this program. 

• The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) offers support for handling care and support for a spouse, child, or dependent adult with special needs. 

• Recreation and Learning Opportunities. Look for playgroups, teen hangout opportunities, and the many clubs and activities available on base or through local groups. Museums, nature centers, and public libraries often offer events and learning opportunities perfect for homeschoolers. 

• Discounts and Special Programs. Many homeschool families qualify for free park days, museum days, off-season discounts at entertainment businesses, and discounted classes at local establishments. Local businesses often offer everything from coffee roasting courses to stained glass, craft classes, sign language instruction, and discounted ice skating or roller skating days on designated homeschool days. 

• Enrichment Opportunities. Public and private schools may open their doors for sports, club involvement, or à la carte classes. Theater groups, dance clubs, science centers, and chess clubs are readily available through social media, homeschool groups, or your public school district. 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) are particularly popular among homeschooling families. 

• Graduation. As your homeschooled student approaches graduation, local homeschool organizations often plan graduation ceremonies, giving your child a milestone celebration. 

State-Specific Resources 

Each state has its own regulations regarding homeschooling record-keeping, reporting, and requirements. Check your state’s education department website for local regulations and community resources in your area. Here’s an example of what’s available in Mississippi: 

• The Homeschool Mom: thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschooling-in-mississippi/ 

• Mississippi Department of Education: mdek12.org/ocsa/home-school/ 

• Facebook groups including South Mississippi Homeschoolers, Mississippi Homeschoolers, and Pearl River County Home Educators Association 

• Regional groups like Stella Maris Explorers (Biloxi) and Coast Christian Home Educators Association (Harrison, Jackson, Hancock counties) 

Virtual Resources 

• DOD MWR Libraries: dodmwrlibraries.org offers free online library access 

• HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense): hslda.org provides teaching resources, legal guidance, memberships, webinars, group connections, military family support, and podcasts. For military families specifically, visit hslda.org/explore/military-families 

• Military OneSource: militaryonesource.mil offers virtual and local counseling, spouse employment resources, and countless materials to support your family 

Community Connection 

• Military Homeschoolers: militaryhomeschoolers.org connects military homeschoolers, enhances awareness for school liaison officers, mentors support group leaders, and offers the Base2Base Military Homeschooling Podcast 

• Online Military Homeschoolers Group: facebook.com (search for Online Military Homeschoolers Group) 

• Homeschooler Education Network (HEN): henforparents.org supports working parents with a blended approach—classroom learning during the day combined with at-home support 

• Midwest Parent Educators: midwesthomeschoolers.org 

• Partners in PROMISE: thepromiseact.org advocates for the rights of military children in special education 

Money-Saving Opportunities: Scholarships, Grants, and Programs 

• Scholarships. Military-specific scholarships are available through military organizations like the VFW and American Legion, as well as installation-specific programs and contests. Many scholarships open to the public go unclaimed simply because families don’t apply for them. Post-secondary scholarships for older students often involve writing projects that lead to actual college funding. These scholarship projects can be woven into your child’s daily lessons while providing real financial benefits. 

• Grants. The Navy SEAL Foundation reimburses up to 50% of homeschool expenses through their remote location grant—a significant help for military families. 

Free Resources 

• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: imaginationlibrary.com sends free books to children monthly 

• Red Cross Classes: First Aid, Babysitting, CPR, and other courses that require a basic fee. (not free) 

• Junior CERT (Community Emergency Response Training): offered by fire departments for teenagers 

• Police Citizen Training Programs: similar training through local police departments 

Dual-Credit and Career Options 

Junior colleges often offer dual credit courses (counting for both high school and college) starting around age 15-16. Many also offer free trade classes like HVAC, plumbing, American Sign Language, or culinary arts. Summer camps and even non-credit courses like beekeeping, edible gardens, beginning farming, or interior design can combine learning with practical skills. High schoolers can sometimes earn associate degrees while completing high school requirements, substantially reducing college costs. 

Tutoring Support 

Free tutoring is available for military families through tutor.com. Additional options include Care.com, local resources, and Varsity Tutors (varsitytutors.com). 

Curricula Swaps 

Curriculum swap events and homeschool conferences give families opportunities to learn, consult, purchase, or trade curricula with other families—a great way to save money. 

Most military homeschoolers look for curricula that offer flexibility, are often resold or swapped among families, and can be shared with others. The current top choices are: 

• Classical Conversations: A Christian homeschool community with locations almost everywhere (classicalconversations.com) 

• The Good and the Beautiful: goodandbeautiful.com 

• ABEKA: abeka.com 

• Saxon Math: Available wherever books are sold 

You’ve Got This 

Homeschooling your military family isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely doable—and it’s increasingly becoming a thriving option for military families navigating the unique demands of military life. You’re not reinventing the wheel; thousands of military families are doing this successfully, and the resources and community support available today are better than ever. 

Whether you’re just considering homeschooling or you’re already in the thick of it, remember that you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to your family center, connect with other homeschooling families, tap into available resources, and be gentle with yourself during transitions and challenging seasons. 

Your military family’s education story is uniquely yours—and with the right tools, support, and community, you can make it a success.