Roadschooling Preparation Guide

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Roadschooling takes a lot of initial preparation. There are tons of things to think about before hitting the road. If you miss a step, your family might be uncomfortable while traveling. Check this massive list to prepare for success!

Here are ten things that will help you prepare for roadschooling

Learn more about RV families
Understand your budgeting situation
Choose an RV
Withdraw children from school
Begin homeschooling your kids
Make a plan for selling stuff
Find a domicile state that aligns with family needs
Buy the right digital products
Research places to travel
Coordinate traveling and lesson planning

This preparation guide will help you plunge into this new lifestyle change. If you are new to roadschooling and this seems a little overwhelming, I wrote an article here about some of the more minor aspects of roadschooling to consider before committing to the change. There are also some pros and cons to consider before committing to the lifestyle change. Hopefully, this article will help you identify steps to work on and steps that you have accomplished.

Are you excited?! Let’s do it!!!

1. Learn More About RV Families

To understand how other families make this change start observing how they live. There are different ways to check out their lifestyles digitally because roadschoolers tend to post on various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

You may be wondering how they make money, educate their children, and find resources.

Connect with other roadschoolers through Instagram and Facebook to prepare questions, make lists, and read about some of their problems during their travels. Pinterest is helpful to find activity ideas and ways to organize.

Understand the risks and benefits of roadschooling by learning more about the community and witnessing the challenges they face and also the joys they experience. Check out this article I wrote about the various pros and cons of roadschooling to learn more!

Search different platforms by using the search terms RV families, roadschooling, and on the road. I found this article that lists RV family’s Instagram accounts!

Here are some social media accounts that talk about roadschooling.

2. Understand Your Unique Budgeting Situation

Some bloggers say that roadschooling is actually way cheaper than traditional housing. RV lifestyles will decrease spending, eliminate some costs, and maintain a minimalist lifestyle.

Here are some questions to ask when preparing for roadschooling.

Where do you want to go?
How will you make money?
How much money do we have saved?
How much should we make– bi-weekly, monthly?
What is your budget for an RV?
What bills will be eliminated –mortgage?
What new bills do you have –RV, insurance?

How to make money while roadschooling?

Your travel goals will help you consider how much money you will need to save and make on the road. Yes, I said make; parents still work on the road. Some people have secured an online job ahead of time; others will work freelancing jobs, workamping, editing papers, or selling digital printables.

It is crucial to understand that roadschooling is a lifestyle change that requires fewer things for more hands-on opportunities. Eliminating some expenses will change the budgeting situation and make your life easier when you start traveling. You will be healthier and have more fun with your family when your figure out the finances early and let your kids in on the new purchasing rules.

3. Choose an RV

If you consider roadschooling, it is critical to consider your living arrangements. Most families will rent RVs or borrow a friends to test one out if they don’t have one already. There are different places to buy or rent RVs and ways to make it easier!

There are motorhomes and towable RVs.

This section discusses the many options for traveling families and briefly describes each type of vehicle. I have also made a list of common questions and described different ways to test an RV before buying and places to find them. Consider making a list of questions, renting before committing, and finding different places to buy them.

Simple rule of thumb:
Small is easy for parking, but tight for living.
Large is easy for living and tight for parking.
The Top 10 Questions Before You Choose An RV – RVshare.com

Depending on your budget, children, and travel intentions, some may be more suitable than others. This article has a rundown on different RVs, ranging from travel trailers to Class C motorhomes.

There are pros and cons to each; decide which is best suited for you. Here is a list of some pros and cons of standard travel options. Another article I found discusses common differences between the popular types of RVs.

Check out this super short video to learn more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh2VpmqhOFY

RVing 101 | Types of RVs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh2VpmqhOFY)

Motorhomes

These styles can offer either gas or diesel options and offer tons of benefits for homeschooling families.

There are a few different types of Motorhomes:

Class A Motorhomes are medium to large RVs that are very plush and are usually a bus shape.

Class B Motorhomes are typically the size of a van and are a slightly different size and shape than class A.

Class C Motorhomes range in size. You can find some that are smaller, full-size, or massive.

Towable RVs

This type of travel option contains options for families, such as massive storage space to affordability. Depending on the model, towable RVs have different ways to connect to trucks and vehicles.

Here are a few types of towable RVs.

Fifth Wheel Trailers are usually pulled by a large truck and are roomy, customizable, and pretty hefty. They are called the fifth wheel because they are drawn by trucks with a specific hitch.

Sport Utility RVs (toy haulers) have many options for storing sports equipment. They are made to have spaces for bikes, golf carts, snowmobiles, motorcycles, etc.

Travel Trailers can also be referred to as conventional trailers and are usually common on campsites. These easy trailers are hitched by a bumper and have many options as they are super customizable.

Tiny (teardrop) trailers are memorable due to their teardrop shape and are typically used by infrequent travelers that need basic accommodations. According to this website, it is a “bedroom on wheels.”

Popup Campers can be family-friendly because they create space for multiple people by popping into place. It is best for camping, especially if it is an everyday family occasion. They are also considered the most budget-friendly.

Questions to consider

Many parents have questions about how to pick the best RV. Your list may dictate how to decide on an RV and look different for your family’s unique situation.

Make a list of some of the requirements for your family’s comfort and bring them with you as you research different travel options.

If your family is into biking, consider a toy hauler; if you want a lot of space and have the budget, try researching motorhomes. There might be things you have to bring with you, like a desk or a washer and dryer. Creating a list of things you can give up and comparing it to a list of things you can’t live without will help you make this choice.

Here are some questions to consider during the initial stages of deciding on an RV.

What is my family’s budget?
Can we make payments?
Will we camp on a campsite or mostly travel?
New or used?
How long will we travel?
How many people does it need to accommodate?
Do we have a proper vehicle for towing?
How safe is it?
Do we need to consider comfort?
How much space do we need?
What non-negotiable appliances will we use?
Do I feel comfortable driving a massive RV?

Trail run with a rented RV

Before purchasing, think about how you can trial run an RV to see if it accommodates your family’s lifestyle.

If you have a friend or neighbor who has one, think about talking to them first. If not, try renting.

There are different ways to rent RVs. This website says that people who don’t actively use their RVs will rent them. It’s similar to the way people rent out their vacation homes.

Crazy Family Adventure has a great post on tips for renting an RV. It is comprehensive. I recommend checking it out. She says to consider the prices, plan your trip, and find an excellent company to buy from.

Find the right websites, input your information –zip code, motorhome, van, etc.– and they will find some for you to rent.

Here are some websites that help you find some to rent!

Places to buy RVs (new and used)

If you have decided on the type you want, now you must take the leap. Buying an RV could be an overwhelming task, but if you have taken the time to consider your budget, comfort, and appliances, then it should be as seamless as purchasing a car.

Going to an RV dealer will be the best bet! Use Google search and type in “where to buy an RV” to find a local RV dealership.

Places like RVtrader, Camping World, and GeneralRV, will help you find new and used models in your area too!

4. Withdraw Children From School

I am not a lawyer.

You will eventually need to pull your kids out of school. They could still be enrolled at school and likely will be if you are in the beginning stages of buying an RV.

Or, you could already have been homeschooling your kids and don’t need to withdraw your kids from school. If you are actively homeschooling, you can skip a couple of steps.

There are certain laws on how to withdraw your child from school. If your child is in school, you must consider the timing and be aware of compulsory subjects, testing, and requirements.

Parents must understand education laws and their parental rights. They will download or write a letter to withdraw their children to send to the school.

Depending on the state, there may be different requirements for withdrawing children from school and operating as a homeschool family. This legal website says to do three things if you want to remove a child from school. You should be mindful of education laws, send a form letter, and qualify as a private school if needed.

You will need to learn about your parental rights, download a form, send the form, and find online communities.

HSLDA says to consider becoming a member because they advise people on ways to withdraw, homeschool, and understand the laws.

Here are some steps they recommend for starting homeschooling.

Comply with the laws in the state
Withdraw the child from school
Find homeschooling resources and curriculum
Special education provisions for each state
Public school access for homeschoolers, especially on extra curriculum activities
Homeschooling options available in your state
Record-keeping requirements and end of year assessments

5. Begin Homeschooling Your Kids

To start homeschooling, you must first understand what makes parents qualified to homeschool. You should understand your state’s guidelines, which you can find at HSLDA. Some states require 45 college credits, while other states have low regulations. It all depends on where you live and your situation.

These steps will help you begin homeschooling your kids.

Research different ways to homeschool children
Understand the different online curriculums, activities, and resources
Decide how you want to incorporate learning into your routine
Budgeting: Learn about the free and paid options

There are different types of homeschooling methods. Some are very relaxed, like unschooling, while others incorporate more religious studies into the curriculum. Decide which is best for your family by considering temperaments and family values. Here is a list of different ways to homeschool.

When you start homeschooling, decide on ways to provide the best education for your child at home, or in your case, on the road. The Homeschool Mom has a great website with many in-depth articles on choosing the best curriculum. Many resources are found online, in community centers, and at libraries. Check out your social media and search for homeschool groups to immerse yourself in the methods. Consider searching for roadschooling groups too!

Many roadschoolers understand that learning may look a bit scattered at times. But, when was learning ever tidy? 😉 There are many ways that hands-on experiences can reinforce ideas and lessons. You might want to discuss how you will enforce a particular learning routine to ensure your children have the best learning experience.

I believe firmly in an interest-led, parent-directed education, in which the natural bent of the child is considered and fostered, and in which the child is given tools to overcome his natural weakness, with a healthy dose of character development on the side.
Homeschooling on the Road: How to Roadschool (wandrlymagazine.com)

Many homeschoolers know the value of digital products and learn how to find them. It is crucial to budget some more expensive items –like a curriculum– and rely on some free services on the way. Khan Academy and Ambleside online are free curriculums; there are also free learning apps and websites with games and activities.

6. Make a Plan for Selling Stuff

Okay, this is exciting, right?! It is time to sell your material possessions.

This could take a lot of time, but it is an essential step because you can not bring all your stuff with you. Younger children might have an easier time parting with their things, but older kids could be more emotionally attached.

Families who want to commit to traveling should learn that the mindset is part of the plan. The goal is to make experience-based learning possible through gaining travel experience.

Here are a few steps to follow for selling your stuff.

Start as early as you can
Find different platforms
Create large lots of things

Start early! Try to make lists and piles as early as possible to ensure tidiness when the time comes to collect your things for the RV. It is not wise to push this off until the last minute because there is so much to do. Separate items early and often to begin feeling the new lifestyle change.

Decide on using the different platforms to sell your things to make the most side cash possible. There are websites like Craigslist, eBay, Facebook groups, and Tradesy. Consider grouping items in large lots to make it more worth it for the buyer and quicker for you. Some art supplies might be sold in one large lot, as well as clothing and books.

7. Find a Domicile State That Aligns With Family’s Needs

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but each state’s rules may impact your RV vibe. People who travel with children must change their address to a domicile state that allows them to travel and teach freely.

Different states have various guidelines that dictate how you must homeschool children. Some states, like Idaho and Texas, have no regulation. Pennsylvania and New York have very strict rules, requiring more notarized documents, detailed record-keeping, and professional evaluations.

Many roadschooling families choose to record a domicile state. This ensures that the previously documented address (your current residence) does not impact your homeschool choice. A domicile address is like a residence, but it is an “intended address” instead of a permanent address.

The most common states that roadschoolers use to establish domicile are Texas, South Dakota, and Florida.

This article has a list of steps to follow when choosing to change your residence.

Here are four steps that will help you find a domicile state.

Understand different states’ homeschool requirements
Record a domicile if regulations are too strict in your home state
Change your address to a domicile state
Research different umbrella schools

8. Buy the Right Digital Products

There are some things that kids won’t be able to live without –paper, glue, pens, laptops, etc. Some of them should be digital. Search for the “best digital roadschooling supplies” to find some lists other roadschooling have recommended.

Likely, other families have found what works for them. Reading their ideas will give you some of your own. You may want to invest in an excellent online curriculum if you have the money, some programs, and compact devices for your children to use.

All-in-one digital products like Sonlight’s online curriculum will replace many heavy textbooks and workbooks. You may certainly purchase workbooks and activity books; they will take up a lot of space. Some things may be more essential than lots of homework books.

Techie homeschool mom says to use the Chromebook, a Tablet, and get good speakers and earphones. This article is thorough and describes many tech-related items to consider. This website has many different recommendations for online curriculums and software programs for kids.

9. Research Places to Travel

There are tons of travel opportunities and many different options for specific areas. If you don’t have a particular place in mind yet, The Crazy Outdoor Mama has fantastic guides that describe various national parks, fees, and other things to consider before going. Each guide is split up roughly by location; West, Southeast, Rockies, etc.

Here are some other places to consider in your research.

New York
The Black Hills
Yosemite
Grand Canyon
Honolulu
Washington, D.C.
Lake Tahoe
The Yucatan
California’s Central Coast
The Outerbanks
Cape Cod
Historical Places in Virginia
Yellowstone National Park

Fulltime families and Worldschooling Central are other websites committed to roadschooling. There are tons of guides, resources, and ways to connect with other roadschoolers. Suppose you aren’t going the traditional “Places to travel with kids” route. In that case, I recommend considering membership or connecting with their Facebook groups to learn more about how other families decide where to travel.

Other roadschoolers likely connect at State and National parks at various campsites, so it may be in your interest to start building connections that way!

10. Coordinate Traveling and Lesson Planning

Plan some things ahead of time during the initial packing stages or while you are on the road. Let the travel area dictate some lessons because there will be things to learn from each area. Try customizing learning for each child and let them be involved in how they want to schedule their online classes between the more active days.

Kids should probably save work for travel days, so they learn travel patterns. They won’t want to be online if you go to the Grand Canyon, right?! Allow them to explore different ways to complete lessons, activities, and homework at first. It takes practice and depends on their temperament.

Schedule learning into each child’s experiences to reinforce different themes, geography, and problem-solving ideas. Roadschooling is flexible; this is one of its many advantages.

Consider the location, let the kids be part of the process, and they will be fine!