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Deschooling: the first weeks after leaving school

A rest period before lessons, what to do in it, and what your state still expects meanwhile.

Deschooling is a rest period after leaving school, before formal lessons start. There is no set length; families choose how long to rest. Your state's homeschool law still applies from the day you withdraw, so check your state law page for notices and records first.

Checked October 27, 2026.

By Peabody editors.

This is a plain-words summary, not legal advice. Laws change: check your state's current law (each state page links to the statute) and its education department before you act.

What is deschooling?

Deschooling is the rest between leaving school and starting lessons at home. Children (and parents) are used to bells, worksheets and being told what is next. Taking time to unlearn that makes it easier to find out how your child likes to learn.

How long does deschooling take?

There is no set length. Some families rest for a couple of weeks; some take a term. A child who left a hard school situation may need longer. Watch your child: when they start asking questions or wanting to do things, they are ready.

What do we do during deschooling?

  • Sleep in, play, go outside, cook together, visit the library.
  • Read aloud every day. It is easy, it counts, and it needs no preparation.
  • Follow what your child is curious about and notice what they pick up on their own.
  • Talk about what they liked and didn't like about school, and listen.
  • Keep a simple record of what you did, in case your state asks (below).

Do I still have to follow my state's rules during deschooling?

Yes. A rest period isn't a legal category. Your state's notice, attendance or record rules apply from the day you withdraw, so read your state's law page and the steps for leaving school first. Most records can be a short log; the attendance tracker and reading log take a minute a day.

When and how do we start lessons?

Add one thing at a time, short and at the same time each day: a read-aloud, then math, then writing. Take the homeschool style quiz for ideas, and see plan your first week.

What if I'm worried my child is falling behind?

One month of rest rarely changes a year of learning, and one-to-one teaching is fast. Check where your child is with a short read-aloud and a few math problems, then begin from there. A curriculum guide helps you pick.

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