What to Do When Homeschooling Might Not Be Working for Your Family

If you feel homeschooling might not be working for your family, you are not alone. Many parents face seasons where the journey feels challenging, and it’s okay to pause, adjust, or explore other options.

The truth is, homeschooling is a journey. Sometimes it’s the right fit for a season, and other times families discover that they need to make a change due to life circumstances. If you ever find yourself at that crossroads, know this: you are not a failure. You are a parent doing your best to make wise, prayerful decisions for your child’s future—and that’s something to be proud of.

Let’s walk through a few things to consider if you feel homeschooling might not be working for your family.

Can I Re-Enroll My Child in School if Homeschooling is Not Working?

Yes, it is possible to re-enroll your child in public or private school if you feel homeschooling might not be working. However, the process can vary depending on:

• Grade level – Elementary and middle school students usually transition back more smoothly. High schoolers may face more challenges.
• School district policies – Some districts may require placement tests, portfolio reviews, or transcripts.
• Credit transfer – At the high school level, many districts will not accept homeschool credits at face value. In some cases, students may be placed back as a freshman, regardless of their age or grade level at home.

If you are homeschooling a high schooler and considering a return to traditional schooling, pray carefully over the decision. Sometimes a curriculum switch, additional support, or creative planning at home can make the difference between continuing successfully and starting over in a traditional system.

Exploring Your Options When Homeschooling Might Not Be Working

Just because one method of homeschooling—or even one season of it—feels challenging doesn’t mean you’ve reached the end of the road. Today’s families have many choices beyond simply “homeschool or public school.” Consider these possibilities:

• Switching Curriculum – Sometimes the problem isn’t homeschooling itself, but the curriculum style. A hands-on learner may thrive with unit studies, while a child who loves structure may prefer video or online-based lessons.
• Online/Video School – These programs provide structured lessons and teacher support while still allowing your child to learn from home.
• Hybrid Programs – Co-ops, tutorial groups, and part-time charter schools give students a blend of at-home learning and classroom experiences.
• Traditional Schooling – Whether public or private, sometimes a return to the classroom is the right fit for your child and family.

When homeschooling might not be working as you hoped, it’s important to step back and discern whether this is a temporary challenge or a sign that a change is needed.

Is Homeschooling Really Not Working, or Is This Just a Rough Season?

Homeschooling has its hard days—every family experiences them. Before making a big decision, ask yourself:

• Is my child truly struggling to learn, or are they resisting out of stubbornness?
• Am I feeling overwhelmed because of outside pressures (work, health, family dynamics) rather than homeschooling itself?
• Would additional support—a co-op, tutor, or even a Mother’s Helper—lighten the load?
• Have I prayed about whether this is just a temporary season?

Sometimes what feels like “failure” is simply a call to adjust, not to quit.

Giving Yourself Grace

As much as I believe in it and have seen its incredible fruit, I know homeschooling might not work for every family—and that’s okay. The Lord gives each parent wisdom for their unique family situation.

Before you begin homeschooling, and especially before you call it quits, take time to:

• Pray together as a couple.
• Weigh the pros and cons of each option.
• Consider not just academics, but the emotional, spiritual, and family impact.
• Seek wise counsel from trusted friends, mentors, or fellow homeschoolers.

Final Encouragement

Choosing how to educate your children is a deeply personal decision. If homeschooling might not be working right now, know that adjusting your approach or exploring other options does not make you a failure—it makes you a wise, prayerful parent.

Above all, remember this: your family unit is what matters most. Whether your children are learning at home, in a co-op, or at a traditional school, the love, discipleship, and care they receive from you will shape them more than any curriculum ever could.

Just Starting?

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