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Homeschooling In Northern Nevada – Tips on Getting Started

Kacey Queen
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Homeschool is on the rise nationwide.  You may be considering homeschooling in Northern Nevada, but not sure where to start.  That was me, last fall!  I’m sharing what I’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.

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. I also recommend watching youtube reviews or videos on curriculums your considering.

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

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 here’s a similar one that still gives great insight and worth checking out!

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How to Start Homeschooling In Northern Nevada

Nevada makes it fairly simple to homeschool, but the exact steps aren’t always obvious if you’re new to the process. Here’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 school’s principal to complete the withdrawal.
  • After withdrawing, you have 10 days to submit the Notice of Intent to Homeschool (NOI) to the school district’s superintendent.
  • If you’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.  Your educational plan needs to include:

  • English – reading, composition, writing
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies – history, geography, economics, government

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

Mailing your NOI and Educational Plan Addresses

We have shared the address of most counties in Northern Nevada.  If you don’t see your county listed contact us and we can help get it added to our list.

We suggest mailing your NOI via certified mail.  Keep a copy for your records.

Carson City School District
Superintendent
Attention: Homeschool
PO Box 603
Carson City, NV 89702

Churchill County School District
Administrative Secretary, Stacy Fisk
690 S. Main Street
Fallon, NV 89406

Douglas County School District
Superintendent
Attention: Homeschool
1638 Mono Ave.
Minden, NV 89423

Elko County School District
Superintendent
Attention: Homeschool
PO Box 1012
Elko, NV 8980

Esmeralda County School District
Attention: Homeschool
PO Box 560
Goldfield, NV
89013

Lyon County School District
Attention: Homeschool
25 E. Goldfield Ave.
Yerington, NV 89447

Storey County School District
Attention: Homeschool
PO Box “C”
Virginia City, NV 89440

Washoe County School District
Superintendent
WCSD Extended Studies
380 Edison Way
Reno, NV 89502

Local Educational Support Services + Co-ops

EAGLE Co-op

Comprised of Christian homeschool families, EAGLE Co-op is a community that provides an opportunity for homeschool children to make learning social and fun. They host group learning opportunities at local venues and park meet-ups, creating space for both education and friendship. Open to all homeschool families in the Greater Reno/Sparks area and beyond.

IMPACT Co-op

IMPACT is a parent-run home school co-op made up of families from a wide variety of backgrounds united by their shared goal of providing a high-quality educational experience of enrichment to supplement and support established home school programs. Meet-ups are located at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Reno. Classes are taught by parents or local contracted teachers.

Battle Born Homeschool Co-op

A supportive, faith-based group for families homeschooling in North Carson City. Battle Born Homeschool Co-op hosts field trips, community days, and social gatherings for kids from kindergarten through high school. Families come together each Tuesday, beginning in August, and continue for about 30 weeks.

Light, Truth and Intelligence Educational Commonwealth 

This group is family-centered homeschool community that focuses on four educational phases of learning: Core, Love of Learning, Scholar, and Mission. They meet every Wednesday from 9:30am to 1:00pm for up to 32 weeks per school year.

Freedom Co-op

Freedom Co-op operates as a Private Membership Association (PMA) and offers a drop-off program for children ages 3–18. Each family participates as a homeschool family in their Cooperative Educational Enrichment Centers. Locations are available in Carson City, Gardnerville, and Reno.

Classical Conversations

Classical Conversations is a parent-created, Christian homeschool program. Their Christ-centered, family-friendly approach focuses on three key areas: Classical, Christian, and Community. Find a community near you here.

Northern Nevada Homeschool Facebook Groups

Many homeschooling in Northern Nevada Facebook groups plan weekly or monthly outings.  We have shared several local homeschool Facebook groups below.

Extracurricular Activities

Homeschooling gives families flexibility, and there are tons of activities and programs available for students. Be sure to confirm dates, times, and costs as these are subject to change.

Enrichment Programs

  • WILD Enrichment Program
    • For homeschoolers located in Sparks
    • Currently offers classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays
  • Outschool
    • An online platform with classes for all ages
    • You can sign up for single or recurring classes in subjects like language arts, Lego challenges, coding, dance, and more

Sports & Physical Activities

Archery | High Desert Archery

  • Class options on Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays

Ice Skating | Reno Ice

  • Classes available for homeschoolers on Tuesdays and Thursdays (30-mins class + 30-mins practice)
  • Designed for skaters who are available during the day
  • Parents are welcome to register and participate

Golf | First Tee Golf

  • Offers programs in the Fall and Spring for children ages 7+

Martial Arts

Farm & Nature Programs

Urban Roots Farm Homeschool Program

  • Located at the Urban Teaching Farm in Reno
  • Farm School Programs occur Tuesdays and Thursdays from September–November and February–May.
  • Your child may attend one or both sessions each week

Field Trip Ideas

  • Battle Born Hall

Our Go-to Homeschool Curriculum & Must-Haves

Since we began homeschooling, we’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

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 3-4 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 encounter. 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 – the ability to tailor education to each individual child!

Here is what I am using for the 24-25 school year:

  • Language Arts: Christian Light Education
  • Reading: Christian Light Education
  • Math: Teaching Textbooks and Christian Light Education
  • Science: Multiple Resources and co-op classes
  • Typing: Typsey
  • 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 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 in Nevada. I think if you have a heart and desire to homeschool anyone can homeschool without a degree. I am consistently learning new things beside my children and I actually love that part of homeschooling!

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 5th grade so I still have time. We will reassess as that time gets closer for us.

Enjoy Homeschooling in Northern Nevada

What other questions can we help with? Homeschooling In Northern Nevada doesn’t have to be a solo journey, there are tons of families to help! What other resources should be included?  Leave us a comment below!