"Done by lunch" is a popular homeschool scheduling approach where families complete all formal academic work before noon, freeing up afternoons for play, enrichment activities, and family time.
What Does "Done by Lunch" Mean?
In homeschool circles, "done by lunch" refers to completing the day's formal academic lessons before lunchtime, typically by noon or 1 PM. This approach has roots in Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy, where her schools structured formal lessons to wrap up before lunch, reserving afternoons for free play and enrichment. Modern homeschoolers have adopted this concept because one-on-one instruction is dramatically more efficient than classroom teaching. When a child has your full attention without waiting for twenty other students, four focused morning hours can accomplish what takes a full school day in traditional settings.
Key Takeaways
- One-on-one instruction is far more efficient than classroom teaching
- Most states require the equivalent of 4-5 hours of instruction, easily achieved by lunchtime
- Afternoons free up for outdoor play, hobbies, and enrichment activities
- Works best with morning routines and minimal distractions during school time
- Not every family or learning style fits this schedule, and that's okay
Why This Schedule Works
Traditional classrooms spend significant time on transitions, classroom management, and waiting for everyone to understand concepts. When you're teaching one or a few children at home, you eliminate all of that overhead. A child who grasps a math concept immediately moves on; there's no waiting for the class to catch up. Research suggests that homeschool students often accomplish equivalent learning in substantially less seat time. This efficiency is why many homeschool families find themselves genuinely finished with academics by lunch without sacrificing educational quality. It's not cutting corners; it's cutting waste.
Making It Work Practically
Families who successfully finish by lunch typically start school around 8 AM with focused, distraction-free instruction. Many begin with "Morning Time" covering shared subjects like literature, history, or nature study before moving to individual work. The key is being 100% present during school hours, which means no checking emails, folding laundry, or handling other household tasks until academics wrap up. Some families prep lunch in a slow cooker before school starts so there's a hot meal waiting when lessons end. Weekend meal planning and freezer cooking also prevent the midday scramble.
When This Schedule Might Not Fit
Not every family thrives with an early-morning academic push. Night owl families might shift school later and finish by dinner instead. Children with learning differences may need more breaks or different pacing. High schoolers tackling rigorous coursework or dual enrollment often work beyond lunch. Multiple children at vastly different grade levels can complicate tight schedules. The "done by lunch" concept works best as an aspiration rather than a rigid rule. Plenty of successful homeschool families take all day, and that's perfectly valid if it serves their children's needs.
The Bottom Line
The "done by lunch" approach reflects one of homeschooling's greatest advantages: efficiency. Without the overhead of managing a classroom, direct instruction accomplishes more in less time. Afternoons become available for the exploration, play, and interest-led learning that often can't happen in traditional school settings. Whether you adopt this schedule depends entirely on your family's rhythms, your children's needs, and your educational philosophy. It's a tool, not a mandate.
