I'm in Texas, one of the least rigid states. My kids (over five kids) worked and read books and traveled with us while they were young, didn't start any real 'official' studying till they were teens (we were 'unschoolers').

It's easier when they begin to enjoy it and it's not forced. They then attended community college and that's when they really began to learn (actually it's just memorizing and not critical thinking).

Three got scholarships, one became a minister, one took over the family business and one is still finding his way but he's productive and intelligent, doesn't know what he wants. One is now a vice president of communications company (marketing) and one is lead sales of a large metal company.

They grew up absolutely free, homeschooled and home business, we traveled to many places, Washington to see Congress, Civil War battlefields, state and national parks, even London and even Trump's mum's hometown in Scotland.

Etc, etc, we were blessed and are thankful.

They were well adjusted having grown up mostly around adults. We were pioneers, in the eighties, and had to be somewhat quiet about it. The San Antonio DA (Bexar County) homeschooled so he stood up for us, we also got a lot of help from Jay Sekulow's organization.

It varies by state, but the most straightforward path is to get onboard with an umbrella program accredited by the state. There are many options, some religious and some secular. They provide the basic course materials, which of course you can supplement however you see fit. You provide info back to the umbrella who in turn keeps the state updated on the progress of your child in his/her education.

I have found the quality of the materials to be well-beyond the materials our kids received even in private school. The textbooks go into surprising depth for each grade level. It's much more of an old-fashioned school vibe. Tough, but fair and free of social engineering bullshit.