ABC Upfitters

RV Education on the Road for Families Who Travel Full-Time

—

by

Janelle Harting
in

RV Education often comes with a lot of question marks – rightfully so.  

There’s a growing trend of families hitting the road full-time (also known as #vanlife). With the appeal of more time together, escaping the 9 to 5 grind, and being able to explore as a unit, it is a unique possibility for families. But one of the biggest concerns for parents is this: How do we handle our kids’ education while living in an RV?

Welcome to “Roadschooling!” Full-time travel doesn’t mean sacrificing a quality education. In fact, it opens the door to learning in new and meaningful ways. Whether through traditional curriculum or hands-on experiences, roadschooling proves that education doesn’t have to happen inside four walls—it just looks a little different. Your kids will learn history from visiting national monuments, science through nature exploration, and geography through mapping routes.

Family of three holding a back to school sign in front of a RV

RV Education – Where Freedom Meets Structure

The first step a parent or guardian will need to take is educating themselves on the legal side of homeschooling. Every state has its own set of rules, and staying compliant—especially when you’re constantly moving—is essential.

Know the Laws
Homeschooling laws vary widely across the U.S. Some states require detailed record-keeping and regular testing, while others take a more hands-off approach. Make sure you understand the requirements of your “home state” (usually where you’re legally domiciled) and keep up with any necessary documentation.

Registering While on the Move
Even if you’re traveling full-time, you’ll need to declare a home base for legal and educational purposes. This is typically tied to your state of domicile. From there, you’ll register your homeschool according to that state’s guidelines—whether that means submitting a notice of intent, maintaining a portfolio, or scheduling standardized tests.

Designing a Flexible Curriculum
One of the biggest perks of RV education is the ability to tailor your curriculum to your lifestyle. Whether you follow a structured program or create your own learning path, the key is flexibility. Many families blend core subjects like math and language arts with travel-based learning—turning hikes into biology lessons and historical landmarks into living history classes.

Resources for Full-Time RV Education

If we could recommend one thing, it’s to create an accessible space with portable printers, apps, and planners that work in small spaces. We also suggest you invest in internet solutions like cellular boosters, Starlink, or campground Wi-Fi alternatives.

There are options out there for accredited online schools and virtual academies. The benefits include a structured learning process and the drawback is time zone challenges or connectivity issues. In rv education, you can choose a blended model: combining online classes with your own curriculum or road-based learning.

Family camping outside RV having a class session at a desk

Curriculum Resources for Roadschoolers:

  • Time4Learning – Online, self-paced curriculum (K–12) that’s great for travel.
  • Outschool – Live, interest-based classes on everything from algebra to astronomy.
  • Khan Academy – Free, high-quality lessons and practice in all core subjects.

What About Friends? Building Community on the Road

One of the biggest questions families have when considering RV life is, “What about friends?” It’s a fair concern—after all, school isn’t just about academics; it’s also where kids build friendships, learn social skills, and create lasting memories. The good news is that RV living doesn’t mean giving up those opportunities—it just means finding them in different ways.

RV Family Meetups and Co-ops

Across the country, RV families are finding creative ways to build meaningful communities on the road. Groups like Fulltime Families and Escapees/Xscapers offer events, rallies, and co-ops specifically designed for traveling families. These gatherings are more than just social time—they often include educational workshops, field trips, group activities, and themed events that help kids (and parents) bond with others living a similar lifestyle.

Online Communities That Lead to Real-Life Friendships

Social media groups and forums play a huge role in connecting RVers. Many families join regional Facebook groups or use platforms like the Fulltime Families app to find others traveling nearby. It’s common to see families coordinating campground stays, planning caravan trips, or organizing spontaneous meetups at local attractions.

Extracurriculars on the Road

Just because you’re not living in one place doesn’t mean your kids have to miss out on extracurriculars. Many RV families enroll in:

Little boy looking out the window of a RV while holding a book
  • Local sports leagues or day camps (especially during longer stays in one spot)
  • Online enrichment classes like music lessons, coding, art, or foreign languages
  • Homeschool co-ops or community centers that welcome part-time or visiting students
  • Interest-based clubs such as book clubs, scouting groups, or virtual game nights

Some families even schedule their travel around annual camps, tournaments, or multi-family events, ensuring their kids can participate in the things they love while staying connected to a wider community.

Real Lessons from Full-Time RV Parents

Featuring Chris Cox from 4 C’s in an RV

When Chris Cox and his family hit the road full-time in their RV, they transformed the way they learn, connect, and live as a family.

“Our kids have discovered that everything is connected—history, geography, culture, and even their own place in the world.” 

From hiking through rainforests and deserts to watching geysers erupt in Yellowstone, their daughters are learning through real-world experiences. They’ve stood where Revolutionary War soldiers once marched, planned travel routes, managed trip budgets, and asked questions that rarely show up on a multiple-choice test. Along the way, they’ve built confidence and grown into adaptable, open-minded learners.

“These lessons, the kind you can’t grade, are shaping them in ways we never imagined. It’s learning that sticks because it’s lived.”

Chris is quick to acknowledge that this lifestyle comes with uncertainty. But if he could offer just one piece of advice to a family thinking about it, it’s this: “Don’t wait for the perfect time—just start where you are, with what you have, and grow into it.”

Since starting their journey, the Cox family has found more than beautiful views and historic sites, they’ve found deeper connection, a love for simple living, and a community of fellow travelers.

You’ve Got This

Education on the road is not just doable—it can be extraordinary. Every roadschooling family starts somewhere; usually with a lot of questions and a little uncertainty. The good news? There’s no single “right” way to do this. Start small, be adaptable, and lean into the flexibility this lifestyle gives you and your kids. It will teach your family to be curious and engaged learners, and the road will be full of lessons along the way!

Comment with your experience as a full-time family, or subscribe to our social channels for more RV tips! We’d love to hear from you!

You May Also Enjoy:

About ABC Upfitters: ABC Upfitters provides premium, customer-focused, upfitting services to RV clientele who are looking for the ultimate off-grid experience. The close-knit company originated from the rising demand for aftermarket Li-Ion battery upgrades for recreational vehicles. By using Mastervolt components, ABC can meet this need and provide an unmatched level of integration and quality for their customers. Contact one of the ABC team members today to learn about their services!