I knew I wanted to homeschool from the moment I had my daughter. Back then, I was on the path to becoming an intervention specialist, passionate about education and supporting kids with unique needs. But when she was born, everything shifted. I made the decision to stay home and it was one of the hardest and best choices I’ve ever made.
Now, as a local Cleveland Photographer and a mom of four (two being homeschooled, one in preschool, and one sweet baby), I’m walking the wild, grace-filled journey of homeschooling and learning so much along the way.
Getting started was overwhelming. I won’t sugarcoat that. Between choosing the right curriculum, figuring out legal requirements, and just doubting myself daily, it felt like a steep learning curve. But thanks to the support of my friends and our incredible local homeschool community, I’ve found so much confidence and joy in the process. And now, I’m passionate about helping others do the same.
If you’re just starting out or even just thinking about homeschooling in Northeast Ohio, I want you to know this: you don’t have to do it alone. There is a strong, welcoming community right here, ready to walk beside you. This post is my way of paying forward the support I’ve received, sharing what’s worked for us, what I’ve learned, and some encouragement for the road ahead.
1. Know the Homeschool Laws in Ohio
Ohio is a relatively homeschool-friendly state, but there are still steps you need to take legally:
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Submit a notice of intent to homeschool to your local school district each year.
You can find more detailed guidelines on the Ohio Department of Education website or connect with a local homeschooling group that can walk you through the process (which I highly recommend!).
2. Find Your People
I cannot stress this enough: community matters. Homeschooling can feel isolating, but in Northeast Ohio, there is such a vibrant, welcoming network of homeschool families. We’ve been so blessed by local co-ops, park meetups, and even Facebook groups where I can ask questions, vent, or swap curriculum ideas.
Tips for finding the right homeschool community:
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Search Facebook for local groups (try “Northeast Ohio Homeschoolers” or “[Your City] Homeschool Co-op”).
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Visit your local library—many offer homeschool programming or can connect you with groups.
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Ask around! That mom at the park might be a fellow homeschooler.
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Attend a homeschool convention or curriculum fair (they’re inspiring AND informative).
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Church communities often have support for faith-based homeschooling families.
3. Choose a Curriculum That Works for You
One of the biggest joys of homeschooling is that you get to choose how and what your kids learn. For our family, it was really important that God be present in our curriculum. That’s why we fell in love with The Good and The Beautiful. It’s:
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Open-and-go (aka: no hours of prep).
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Beautifully designed.
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Rooted in strong moral values.
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Surprisingly fun, my kids actually enjoy the lessons!
But every family is different. Some families love hands-on unit studies, while others thrive with online programs or classical methods. Don’t be afraid to try things out and make changes.
4. Benefits of Homeschooling (Without Guilt Trips for Anyone Else)
There are so many benefits we’ve found through homeschooling:
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Flexibility: We can adjust our schedule around my photography sessions or a random Tuesday zoo trip.
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Faith Integration: We pray, read scripture, and see God’s hand in every subject.
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Individualized Learning: My kids move at their own pace and that has made a huge difference in their confidence.
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Stronger Family Bonds: Spending more intentional time together has changed our dynamic in the best way.
But I want to say this loud and clear: homeschooling is not for everyone, and that’s okay. Every family has its own rhythm, needs, and circumstances. What matters most is that we’re all loving and nurturing our children in the ways that suit them best.
5. Give Yourself Grace
Homeschooling isn’t about doing it perfectly. Some days are magical and others… not so much. But I remind myself daily: I was chosen to be my children’s mother for a reason. And whether they’re reading on the couch while I nurse the baby, or we’re all just surviving on grace and coffee, it’s still worth it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a parent in Northeast Ohio thinking about homeschooling, I hope this encourages you to take that first step. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need a willing heart, a bit of community, and the courage to begin.
From one tired, grateful, slightly overwhelmed mom to another—you’ve got this.
And if you’re local and looking for updated school portraits—whether your child is homeschooled, in public or private school—I’d love to photograph them! I have school portrait minis coming up, and they’re a great way to capture your child’s personality in a relaxed and fun setting (without the awkward forced smile 😅).
📸 Send me a message to book your spot or get more info, I’d be honored to be part of your school year memories.
If you ever want to chat about homeschooling (or photography, or surviving on coffee and Jesus), don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re in this together.
With love,
Danielle
