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Everything You Need to Know about Homeschooling: A Comprehensive, Easy-to-Use Guide for the Journey from Early Learning through Graduation
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more families than ever before are considering or reevaluating homeschooling. Lea Ann Garfias, homeschooling mom of six and herself a homeschool graduate, has all the information you need to succeed. She guides you through your toughest questions, This complete reference guide will provide you with everything you need to successfully tackle homeschooling in your own style, filling your experience with confidence, grace, and the joy of learning.
592 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2021
42 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Lea Ann Garfias
10 books24 followersAuthor Lea Ann Garfias is foremost a happy wife and mother of six and Nana of two. She lives, studies, reads, and eats in Dallas, Texas. Also, she has a huge dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 9, 2021
I am a mom of three who has been homeschooling for a few years now. I have a kid in high school, one in middle school, and one in elementary. It is a lot to handle sometimes. In addition, I’m lead administrator for our local homeschool group that serves over 900 families. Basically, if it is homeschool related, I’m all about learning more, using it myself, and passing it along to my group. When a friend and fellow homeschooler asked me if I had heard about this new book “Everything You Need to Know about Homeschooling” by Lea Ann Garfias, I had to pull up my reading list and answer no. It didn’t take very long for me to receive a preview copy of this book to read over. I’ve got to be honest, when it comes to homeschool books, I have read a lot. A whole lot. Lea Ann’s book has been different than all of the ones I have read so far. Instead of coming at homeschooling from a perspective of “instruction manual” or “motivational inspiration”, Lea Ann is real. She acknowledges straight off the bat that none of us are perfect, and none of our children are perfect, and none of our homeschool journeys are going to be perfect. Instead, she has us take ownership of that and use it to our advantage. She encourages grace as a parent and a teacher in one, to not beat ourselves up. She has a refreshing blend of Christian inspiration and desperate mother realism. I also really love how the book is broken down. She tells you right off the bat where in the book to go to if you are struggling in a specific area. She breaks things down in to stages of homeschooling and grade levels. There are also some great resources at the back of the book to help along the way. Whether you are a public schooler who is at home doing virtual studies, or a traditional homeschooler, new or veteran, I think this book would be helpful to any parent struggling to find their way in the craziness that is raising AND educating a child.
May 15, 2024
An honest, humble, confidence-building dive into homeschooling from an obviously Evangelical Christian perspective but with loads of practical advice for everyone. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in homeschooling!
I do not share the author's religion and was surprised when I realized how frequently she would bring up her religious perspective. The book cover looks secular (though heteronormative). Turns out she tacks on out-of-context Bible verses and parables and eisegetical perspectives on the Bible and God's will all through the book. It was easy for me to gloss over, but I sure wish it weren't included.
The lowest part was her mentioning an obviously white supremacists, America-is-God's-gift-to-the-world homeschool approach called The Principle Approach, which disappointed me, but there were many other sections that impressed me:
It was clear that the author worked to think outside of her own experience and to be inclusive to the broader population that chooses homeschooling. I was glad to see the author mentioning minority families and families of minority faiths who may choose homeschooling in order to give their children a richer experience with their own culture and background. She mentioned Black families choosing homeschooling in order to opt out of the school to prison pipeline. Near the end of the book when talking about the true struggles of homeschooling, she got real about burnout, teaching children with learning disabilities and neurological differences, and depression and having anxiety and suicidal thoughts, how to support others in the homeschool community, and how to take care of yourself as a homeschool mom.
The main messages I took away: don't take yourself too seriously, you can do this, just start somewhere, and you have permission to change your mind. This book has given me so much more confidence in my decision to homeschool, and while I skipped over plenty of it, I cleaned a lot, too.
I do not share the author's religion and was surprised when I realized how frequently she would bring up her religious perspective. The book cover looks secular (though heteronormative). Turns out she tacks on out-of-context Bible verses and parables and eisegetical perspectives on the Bible and God's will all through the book. It was easy for me to gloss over, but I sure wish it weren't included.
The lowest part was her mentioning an obviously white supremacists, America-is-God's-gift-to-the-world homeschool approach called The Principle Approach, which disappointed me, but there were many other sections that impressed me:
It was clear that the author worked to think outside of her own experience and to be inclusive to the broader population that chooses homeschooling. I was glad to see the author mentioning minority families and families of minority faiths who may choose homeschooling in order to give their children a richer experience with their own culture and background. She mentioned Black families choosing homeschooling in order to opt out of the school to prison pipeline. Near the end of the book when talking about the true struggles of homeschooling, she got real about burnout, teaching children with learning disabilities and neurological differences, and depression and having anxiety and suicidal thoughts, how to support others in the homeschool community, and how to take care of yourself as a homeschool mom.
The main messages I took away: don't take yourself too seriously, you can do this, just start somewhere, and you have permission to change your mind. This book has given me so much more confidence in my decision to homeschool, and while I skipped over plenty of it, I cleaned a lot, too.
December 8, 2025
An honest, encouraging and informative guide to homeschooling.
July 17, 2023
This is fine if you're looking for a purely Christian homeschooling manual, and there are some good tips if you take the time to look. But if you're needing a well-rounded, objective view of how and why to home-school, I suggest looking elsewhere.
Also, a lot of the language in this book makes me wonder if the author actually likes homeschooling or kids. It's clear she feels like she has to do it, but most of it comes across as a duty, instead of something she genuinely enjoys or thinks is best.
Also, a lot of the language in this book makes me wonder if the author actually likes homeschooling or kids. It's clear she feels like she has to do it, but most of it comes across as a duty, instead of something she genuinely enjoys or thinks is best.
May 14, 2024
Another book full of useful information ruined by the interspersed religious garbage. Honestly could have been a best seller if it was just not so preachy, I actually enjoyed the author’s writing style.
April 2, 2024
Some good information but fairly religious, not what I was expecting. I read the chapters of interest to me. Unnecessary long.
March 31, 2022
4.5 Stars
This was the most solid, jam-packed book about homeschooling that I've read to date. It's huge. It took several days to read the whole thing but it was well worth it.
Pros
It's comprehensive and well organized into sections. Don't need info about high school yet? Then just skip that part. Done with elementary? Easily move on.
It's written from a Christian perspective but even non-Christians could gather great advice from it.
The homeschool resources appendix contains quite a few links to homeschool publishers, books, and bookstores, some of which I've never heard of. (And I'm a homeschool graduate as well as a homeschool mom so I'm familiar with many resources.)
Cons
Resources didn't include some well-known curriculum publishers such as Gather 'Round and others.
The writer's tone of voice was too chummy. I hate slogging through friendly slang to get to the main point. That's just my preference. Others may appreciate it.
Some of the legal advice was not accurate. For example, she mentioned that a physical school diploma was probably not necessary. However, at both colleges I've attended, I've been required to submit a copy, and in my state of Virginia, it is (usually) required to homeschool your own kids. Just take the legal advice with a grain of salt and research your own state's laws.
This was the most solid, jam-packed book about homeschooling that I've read to date. It's huge. It took several days to read the whole thing but it was well worth it.
Pros
It's comprehensive and well organized into sections. Don't need info about high school yet? Then just skip that part. Done with elementary? Easily move on.
It's written from a Christian perspective but even non-Christians could gather great advice from it.
The homeschool resources appendix contains quite a few links to homeschool publishers, books, and bookstores, some of which I've never heard of. (And I'm a homeschool graduate as well as a homeschool mom so I'm familiar with many resources.)
Cons
Resources didn't include some well-known curriculum publishers such as Gather 'Round and others.
The writer's tone of voice was too chummy. I hate slogging through friendly slang to get to the main point. That's just my preference. Others may appreciate it.
Some of the legal advice was not accurate. For example, she mentioned that a physical school diploma was probably not necessary. However, at both colleges I've attended, I've been required to submit a copy, and in my state of Virginia, it is (usually) required to homeschool your own kids. Just take the legal advice with a grain of salt and research your own state's laws.
February 9, 2021
I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering homeschooling, new to homeschooling, or even veteran homeschoolers. I would even recommend this book for those doing virtual public school from home. This is a homeschool reference book you'll reach for again and again over the years.
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. I honestly thought I wouldn't get much of anything out of it as I've been homeschooling for so long. But I thought I'd just read it to see if it was worth recommending to new homeschoolers. I will definitely be recommending this book! I'm so glad I didn't miss out on this book thinking I didn't need it!
Lea Ann makes you feel like you're sitting in a coffee shop with an old friend. Chatting away, laughing over your collective past failures, wrestling through the problems at hand, and looking toward the future with hope and encouragement.
It's not a book you'll sit and read cover to cover. It's a book you'll keep on your shelf for years and reach for over and over.
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. I honestly thought I wouldn't get much of anything out of it as I've been homeschooling for so long. But I thought I'd just read it to see if it was worth recommending to new homeschoolers. I will definitely be recommending this book! I'm so glad I didn't miss out on this book thinking I didn't need it!
Lea Ann makes you feel like you're sitting in a coffee shop with an old friend. Chatting away, laughing over your collective past failures, wrestling through the problems at hand, and looking toward the future with hope and encouragement.
It's not a book you'll sit and read cover to cover. It's a book you'll keep on your shelf for years and reach for over and over.
February 10, 2021
I received a preview copy of this book. This is my unbiased opinion. As a seasoned homeschooling mom of 21 plus years and already graduated 3, I found this book very rich in information. I wish it had been around when I started all those years ago. You will also learn what your teaching style is, as well as the learning style of our child as you go through the book. Yes, you can become your child's teacher and homeschool from preK all the way to High School. Lea Ann Garfias guides you along on the homeschool journey with insight and guidance. Giving you all the information needed to succeed. One of my favorite chapters, chapter 8, Books and Stuff, will save you a lot of struggle in what curriculum to buy and how? This is not a book you read all at once. You find the chapter you need information on and can go right to what you need to know. I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of homeschooling or even if you have for years. You will not be disappointed.
February 9, 2021
Every homeschooler wishes they had a "handbook" to tell them exactly what to do, or someone who has "been there, done that" we could ask all our questions to. We have a secret fear we will "ruin our kids" and we spend tons of time and money trying so hard to find the PERFECT homeschool path. Lea Ann Garfias has put together a great resource to address everything from "How to get started" to "How to finish well". Her candid, and often humorous, style is like having a friend to have coffee with and ask all those questions... I LOVE this quote - "Your homeschool must be as different as the family you lead. Because each child is unique, each family culture is unique, and each day has its own unique challenges."
February 9, 2021
I began homeschooling in January of this year and really just jumped in head first. To say I was scared is an understatement! I don’t know many homeschooling parents and haven’t really had many places to turn to for help and questions. Lea Ann Garfias has written the ultimate homeschooling resource book! Having just started homeschooling, I’m still learning daily what to do and what not to do. Everything you need to know about homeschooling has been a blessing to my family! I love how she keeps it lighthearted and fun throughout the book, she definitely keeps you interested in reading! I’m so thankful to have this book at the beginning of my homeschooling journey, I feel so much more prepared for what’s to come!
February 9, 2021
Everything You Need to Know About Homeschooling is an invaluable resource. I've been homeschooling since my oldest was in K4 and she's in 11th grade now, so I've been doing this for a while. I didn't think I'd get much out of this book, but I actually have! Reading this book is like talking to a friend you've known for years. And she breaks down homeschooling into bite-sized, manageable pieces, exploring our children's physical, social, academic, spiritual, and emotional needs. And this isn't the kind of book you'll read once and say, oh, man, that was a great book! No, this is the kind of book that you'll come back to again and again. It'll be highlighted, dog-eared, and much used.
I received a preview copy of this book. This is my unbiased review.
I received a preview copy of this book. This is my unbiased review.
February 6, 2021
As someone who is planning to homeschool my son next year, I cannot recommend this book enough. I love the fact that it covers how to be a great teacher, has you look at the way you teach best and how children learn. As a previous educator in the public school system for over 10 years, reading specialist, and now counselor, I love that the author covers motivation and learning styles. These are key ingredients to educating a kid that have nothing to do with the subject matter but everything to do with creating lifelong learners.
Michelle Nietert, MA, LPC-S
Professional Counselor and
Certified School Counselor
Michelle Nietert, MA, LPC-S
Professional Counselor and
Certified School Counselor
February 9, 2021
Lea Ann Garfias has done an excellent job with the book Everything You Need To Know About Homeschooling. This comprehensive and easy to use guide is a treasure for all homeschooling families. This is great for the first time homeschooling mom who is nervous and has self doubts but it’s also great for the experienced homeschool family who has kids moving from middle school to high school or who has a child ready to graduate. This book truly answers all of the how to’s, what’s, and why’s of homeschooling. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in homeschooling or to anyone who is already homeschooling.
February 7, 2022
Book 15 of 2022
This was a wonderful, practical book. As a newcomer to the homeschooling world, this was laid out in a clear way. I loved the set up, the personal advice and all the practical commentary. It is that perfect book to sit on my shelf that I can go back to as a resource again and again depending on the age of my child and the different academic space he’s in. At the end of the day it is also encouraging for those of us who feel God has called them to a homeschooling lifestyle— it is empowering and needed, and oh so appreciated. I would highly recommend this as the first practical resource for anyone starting in this journey.
Rating— five stars
Format— paperback
This was a wonderful, practical book. As a newcomer to the homeschooling world, this was laid out in a clear way. I loved the set up, the personal advice and all the practical commentary. It is that perfect book to sit on my shelf that I can go back to as a resource again and again depending on the age of my child and the different academic space he’s in. At the end of the day it is also encouraging for those of us who feel God has called them to a homeschooling lifestyle— it is empowering and needed, and oh so appreciated. I would highly recommend this as the first practical resource for anyone starting in this journey.
Rating— five stars
Format— paperback
April 12, 2023
Should Be Required Reading For Homeschooling Parents!!!!
This is a fantastic resource! It will be my homeschooling bible for years to come! It literally covers everything and more!
Even the topics that she doesn’t have personal experience with are very well researched and she is very honest about it. Her religion might not be for everyone, but she doesn’t say anything like “you have to practice xyz to be a successful homeschool parent”.
The best part is that she is funny! Being a mom and a homeschooling parent is hard. We all need someone who has been there and can laugh about it with us. Lea Ann is that person!
This is a fantastic resource! It will be my homeschooling bible for years to come! It literally covers everything and more!
Even the topics that she doesn’t have personal experience with are very well researched and she is very honest about it. Her religion might not be for everyone, but she doesn’t say anything like “you have to practice xyz to be a successful homeschool parent”.
The best part is that she is funny! Being a mom and a homeschooling parent is hard. We all need someone who has been there and can laugh about it with us. Lea Ann is that person!
February 9, 2021
Wow! Lea Ann packed this book with much more than $20 worth of information! The question/answer format helps you find exactly what you need. The resources section at the back blows me away.
Both beginners and veterans will benefit from the resources, encouragement, ideas, and abundant information. Lea Ann has talked to many experts and done countless hours of research so you don’t have to. Then she compiles it with compassion, grace, and humor. May this book find a happy home on your bookshelf, waiting to give you just what you need when you need it.
Both beginners and veterans will benefit from the resources, encouragement, ideas, and abundant information. Lea Ann has talked to many experts and done countless hours of research so you don’t have to. Then she compiles it with compassion, grace, and humor. May this book find a happy home on your bookshelf, waiting to give you just what you need when you need it.
February 9, 2021
Practical information for the homeschooler and the curious told with the author's trademark wit. Thorough explanations, hilarious anecdotes, and encouragement galore. More than 500 pages of homeschool gold from a homeschool graduate turned homeschool mom. Whether you are a home education devotee or teaching your kids because the schools are closed, this is the book you've been wishing someone would write.
February 9, 2021
*I received a preview copy of this book, but this is my unbiased and honest review.
This book is blowing me away! It covers all things homeschooling. I have been homeschooling for 11 years and this book would have been such a help to me over the years, but I am so thankful to have it now! I so appreciate how Lea Ann did all of the work to gather resources, tips, and tricks that took me years to find. If you homeschool, plan to homeschool, or are even just considering it, you need this book!
This book is blowing me away! It covers all things homeschooling. I have been homeschooling for 11 years and this book would have been such a help to me over the years, but I am so thankful to have it now! I so appreciate how Lea Ann did all of the work to gather resources, tips, and tricks that took me years to find. If you homeschool, plan to homeschool, or are even just considering it, you need this book!
February 21, 2024
This is a great resource for homeschooling parents. There are a lot of details here, written in a personable way that really helps to paint a picture of what homeschooling will look like for your family. Whatever the style is you are going for, there is something in here that will help to shape your expectations and vision. The only thing missing here is some more details on unschooling, in my opinion. But, I think I am looking for a book that solely focuses on that anyways.
January 3, 2021
I listened to the audiobook version of this which is abridged on the hoopla app. This was the best comprehensive yet digestible overview that I have seen so far. I skipped the middle school and high school sections and just concentrated on elementary when she started chapters on each level. I still count this as finishing a book though :-)
June 9, 2024
This book is very much for religious-based homeschooling. It's an overwhelming book and the information isn't divided up like a usual how-to book. It's kind of all jumbled together. I wouldn't recommend this book for someone who is just starting to do their research, you will get so overwhelmed and just stop reading it.
February 16, 2022
This is a good reference for people thinking, starting out or have been doing it for years and for others who are just wondering about homeschooling.
... teach the way you teach best for the way your child learns best
... teach the way you teach best for the way your child learns best
February 24, 2024
This is a very detailed guide into the world of homeschooling, and I feel when my daughter is a little bit older I will go back to this book. She is about to be in 3rd grade and it seemed overwhelming for me. A great resource though, and it's staying on my shelf for sure.
July 3, 2021
Although it’s not a secular homeschooling book, this is full of helpful and very useful information. It’s one I’ll keep around for future reference, for sure.
July 29, 2021
I love everything about this! & don't think you need to be Christian to enjoy reading it. They way she incorporates the Lord into life is pleasing to read!
March 20, 2022
The best!
February 18, 2024
Loved this book- checked it out from the library but have plans to order my own copy. Something I can reference back to and have told friends about it.
January 31, 2025
This has so much good information and I'm glad that I bought this, so that I can go back to it. It is such a good reference.
February 28, 2026
This is a great resource!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews