Another Not Back to School Year

During the late summer months, there is so much talk of the coming school year. For homeschooling families, though, a better term might be a not back to school year.

not back to school year - kids playing together

What is a not back to school year?

You hear talk among non-homescholing children about their anticipation for a new school year and who will be in class with whom. You see the school supply lists posted in each store (and online) to ensure every parent will fulfill their child’s wishlist of school items.

When everyone finally gets around to talking about who their teacher will be, your kids hesitate, pause, and then state they are homeschooled. (This is when it’s time to crack a joke about how bad your kids’ teacher is!)

Once the official public school year starts, you then have the opportunity to pause and think about how different the opening day of public school is compared to your homeschool “not back to school” experience.

Your Not Back to School Day Might Look Something Like This!

While the families on your street are huddled about at the end of their driveways in anticipation of the school bus’ first stop of the year ….you’re still snuggled in bed–perhaps checking your phone or spending a few moments of quiet prayer time before beginning your day.

Yellow school bus with red stop warning sign parked on empty street with authentic brick building on bright day

While the public school hallways fill up with the hustle and bustle of finding those first classrooms….you are sitting at the kitchen table with your kids enjoying your breakfast together.

While introductions are being made, seat assignments found, and teachers going over their syllabi….you’re already done with math, English, and onto your first art project of the year!

Top view of group of crop anonymous children sitting at table and creating colorful draft and artworks with paper and scissors

While classroom routines are being learned and more introductions made…you sit together with your not back to school class, eating lunch, having finished your “sit down” work, you’re discussing how to spend the rest of your day.

While buses are being found, loaded, and driving kids home….you’re playing pickleball at the park.

As Facebook and Instagram fill up with “first day” photos of children in backpacks waiting for their buses, and beds fill early in anticipation of another early to rise school day….your phone is filled with photos of your kids and their not back to school day.

While day 2 and day 3 are spent settling into public schools, learning to get from class to class on time, and adjusting to the homework load….you spend them at the park (socialization classes, you know) gathering with your fellow homeschoolers (peers) to celebrate yet another Not Back to School Year.