I'm doing the class with an instructor and I'm not sure exactly how much it differs from the home study. We started last week at 28 weeks. Our instructor said we could start a few weeks later if we wanted because it's only a 6 week course but we decided to go with 28 weeks since we may have to skip some weeks here and there due to the holidays. She said after the classes finish I'll have lots of time to practice and get really good. I don't see how starting early could hurt. Also, I've only been doing it for a week but I LOVE it. I hope you do too