homeschooling in las vegas

Homeschooling in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin

Homeschooling is on the rise nationwide.  You may be considering homeschooling in Las Vegas area, but not sure where to start.  That was me, last fall!  Iโ€™m sharing what Iโ€™ve learned along with awesome resources, books, groups, and more!

Where To Start

Books To Check Out

Here are great books that have helped me when I was considering homeschooling, unschooling, etc.

You might even be able to find some of these books for free through your local library via e-book, physical book, or audiobook with your library card and Libby or Hoopla App.

You can learn more about the Benefits of Getting a Library Card & Access To Free Perks.

Choosing A Curriculum

Choosing your homeschool curriculum can seem overwhelming.  Cathy Duffy Reviews is a helpful website that offers reviews on the most common curriculums. Choose a curriculum that fits your families goals and dynamics.

You will definitely want your kids to take a placement test to choose the current level as some curriculums are more advanced than others.

P.S. You do not need to purchase a curriculum and follow it to a T. There are so many free homeschooling resources, free printables, etc out there. You can do a combination of different curriculums or just one. Do what is best for your family.

Homeschool Style Quiz

This quiz helped me find what my homeschool style was and also gave me curriculum suggestions at the end of it! We ended up using some of the suggestions and are loving it! I am also a member of her private group for homeschoolers and it has been an amazing support and resource for me!

Update: The original quiz I mentioned is no longer available, but hereโ€™s a similar one that still gives great insight and worth checking out!


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How to Start Homeschooling In Las Vegas

Nevada makes it fairly simple to homeschool, but the exact steps arenโ€™t always obvious if youโ€™re new to the process. Hereโ€™s what you need to know:

Step 1: File a Notice of Intent

If your child is currently enrolled in the public school system:

  • First, officially withdraw your child. Contact the schoolโ€™s principal to complete the withdrawal.
  • After withdrawing, you have 10 days to submit the Notice of Intent to Homeschool (NOI) to the school districtโ€™s superintendent.
  • If youโ€™ve just moved to Nevada, you must submit the NOI within 30 days of your move.

If your child has never attended public school:

Download the NOI form here.

Optional: Join Activities & Programs

Homeschoolers in Nevada can still join public school sports, extracurricular activities, and certain programs. To participate, fill out this form in addition to the NOI.

Step 2: Create an Educational Plan

Along with your NOI you will have to submit your educational plan for each child you are homeschooling in Las Vegas.  Your educational plan needs to include:

  • English โ€“ reading, composition, writing
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies โ€“ history, geography, economics, government

Here are two examples of what an educational plan can look like:

Wild Desert Kids | Nature School | Forest School

Southern Nevada Homeschool Facebook Groups

Check out this list of Henderson and Las Vegas homeschooling groups on Facebook:

Local Co-Ops & Groups

Local co-ops and meetup groups are a great way to connect with like-minded families who may also have kids around a similar age.

We recommended checking out a few to see what works for you. Some are free, while others may have a small cost associated to running their groups.

There is something for everyone!

Wild Desert Kids

Wild Desert Kids offers nature-inspired learning through everyday experiences & exploration of art, music, and literature.

They are a homeschool co-op, a nature school, a forest school in the desert. Programs are offered for Ages 0-6 and they offer a Nature Walking Group for all ages. Their goal is to connect like-minded families who are natural-minded, possibly want to homeschool, and enjoy the outdoors.

This is run by a local mama (co-founder of Southern Nevada Moms) and all programs are parent-child centered.

Once a month field trips, guest speakers, and workshops!

Henderson Christian Homeschoolers 

Henderson Christian Homeschoolers (HCH) exists to provide resources, encouragement, and support for families who choose to raise and educate their children in a manner consistent with their Christian beliefs.

EAGLES Homeschool Group

EAGLES Homeschool Group is a ministry of Canyon Ridge Christian Church and seeks to support families as they educate their children at home. They offer a variety of activities including park days, coop, moms’ night out, field trips, dances, PE, and more!

Henderson Homeschool Explorers

This group is open to all kinds of homeschooling families with at least one child 3 years of age or older. Theirย vision is to have regular park days, meet-ups,ย  and activities in Henderson.

CHIEFS Christian Homeschool

CHIEFS Christian Homeschool offers monthly field trips, a writing inspiration program, Co-ops, park days, holiday socials are events, parent meetings, and monthly teen events.

Homeschooling in Las Vegas & Henderson Classes and Activities

Note that the times and costs of any activities below can change at anytime and without notice.

Intro to Music for Homeschoolers

Dynamic Music Therapy hosts 45-minute classes where kids ages 5โ€“10 can learn music fundamentals through hands-on play and group activities. The Thursday schedule fits perfectly with homeschooling, but all kids are welcome. Each 5-week session is $125, registration is required.

Gotta Dance

Add some rhythm to your homeschool routine! Gotta Dance offers four classes made specifically for homeschoolers: Homeschool Acro, Homeschool Dance (Kโ€“6th and 7thโ€“12th), and Homeschool Dance Technique.

Southern Nevada Homeschool Performing Arts

SNHPA hosts a music program in the Las Vegas Valley that teaches music from the ground up, starting at the Elementary Music program and continuing into the beginning instrument and choir classes that help students learn the basics of their instrument/voice and the language of music.

Homeschool P.E.

Held at the Centennial Hills Y, this class gives homeschoolers ages 5โ€“12 a chance to build physical fitness and social skills, whether theyโ€™re seasoned athletes or complete beginners.

Stable Connections Homeschool Program

If youโ€™re looking for something unique, Hold Your Horses facilitates a homeschool program for ages 6+. Kids explore core academic subjects while enjoying interactive activities with horses. Each class is kept small (maximum 6 kids with 2 instructors). Limited spots available.

Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

Field trips are a great way to enhance your homeschooling experience!  Here are some recommendations to add to your list!

Our Go-to Homeschool Curriculum & Must-Haves

Since we began homeschooling, weโ€™ve found a handful of homeschool essentials that have really earned their place in our home. These are the programs, books, and extras we keep reaching for.

Organization & Storage

School Supplies

Learning Tools & Curriculum

Everyday Essentials

FAQ

Homeschool Hours

The state of Nevada does not have a requirement on days/hours for homeschool. Every state has different laws. How long you homeschool each day will definitely vary depending on the age of your child and the curriculum you use! The chart below is a great guide.

We currently homeschool year round 2.5 each day/3-5 days a week and we take breaks/vacations when we need to.

What Curriculum do I use?

This is undoubtedly one of the most frequently asked questions I get. My usual recommendation is to carefully review the curriculum and make decisions based on how well it aligns with your family’s dynamics, beliefs, and goals.

Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize that what works well for one of your children may not be suitable for another. That’s part of the beauty of homeschooling โ€“ the ability to tailor education to each individual child!

For the 2023-2024 school year, this is what I used:

  • LA/Reading: Christian Light Education
  • Math: CTCMath
  • Science: The Good and Beautiful
  • Typing: Typsy.com
  • History: Notgrass History
  • Handwriting: A Reason for Handwriting
  • Spanish: Homeschool Languages
  • Bible: Exploring God’s World

Are there subjects you do everyday?

We do Bible, language art, math, and handwriting daily. We rotate in our other subjects. What you choose is up to you!

What age did I start/should I start?

You can start when your kids are ready! Keep in mind the chart above. Kids kinder and younger will be learning mostly through you reading, songs, and play.

My kids where all enrolled in preschool and public school when I decided to homeschool. I withdrew them from school and started homeschooling with a curriculum when my kids were 3, 4, and 8.

Do I need to be a teacher?

No, you do not have to be a teacher to homeschool.

Am I worried about socialization?

Short answer – no! We have made a great group of friends homeschooling that we meet up with regularly. My kids are also all involved in extracurricular activities, a weekly co-op, field trips, and sports.

Teaching letter sounds

Teaching my kids to read will go down as one of the greatest things. Honestly don’t rush it, it takes patience and time. Make it fun! Listen to songs, play games, when you read let them find the letters in the book your working on and say the sound, etc.

Do I plan to homeschool through high school?

I am really not sure yet. My oldest is in 4th grade so I still have time. We will reassess as that time gets closer for us.

Enjoy the Process of Homeschooling in Las Vegas

Homeschooling in Las Vegas is totally doable. They have some amazing classes and co-ops.  Are we missing your favorite group or resource?  Share them in the comments below.