How Much Time Should You Really Be Homeschooling Each Day?

Homeschooling can be a wonderful opportunity for families to customize education, work at their own pace, and avoid the distractions and pressures of traditional schooling. However, one of the questions that often comes up for those new to the homeschooling journey is how much time they should be devoting to schooling each day. The answer, as with many things related to homeschooling, is that it depends. The amount of time you spend homeschooling each day will depend on a variety of factors, including the age and grade level of your child, their learning style, the curriculum you’re using, and your family’s schedule and priorities.

That being said, most homeschooling experts agree that 2-3 hours of focused, intentional schooling each day is more than enough for elementary and middle school-aged children. For high school students, the amount of time may need to be slightly increased, but many homeschooling families still find that they can complete high school coursework in just a few hours each day.

It’s important to note, however, that this time should be focused and intentional. Simply sitting down for 2-3 hours and doing busy work or mindlessly filling out worksheets isn’t going to provide the same educational value as 2-3 hours of engaged and purposeful learning.

Remember, too, that homeschooling isn’t just about sitting at a table with textbooks and workbooks. Many of the experiences and activities that homeschooling families engage in can be counted as educational time. Field trips, nature walks, project-based learning, and even time spent cooking or doing household tasks can all be valuable parts of a child’s education. Real-world experiences and hands-on learning activities can be just as valuable as sitting at a desk, so don't be afraid to mix things up.

Ultimately, the amount of time you devote to homeschooling each day will depend on your unique situation and priorities. But by focusing on intentional and engaging learning, you’ll be able to provide your child with a quality education without sacrificing your entire day.