Homeschool Laws by State: Understanding the Complexities

Navigating the complexities of homeschool laws by state can be overwhelming. Every state is different, creating a confusing patchwork of legal requirements for parents and guardians who choose to educate their children at home.

Homeschoolers must stay informed about national educational standards and any additional regulations specific to their state. This is an unenviable task because of the vague language or neglected updates in the summaries provided by authorities.

This article breaks down the relevant statutes within each state to help you select the best homeschool program for your family.

Homeschool Laws by State

1. Alabama

In Alabama, parents who choose to homeschool their children must complete an enrollment form and submit it to the local education authority within five days of the start of the public school year. This form should include the names and addresses of all students to be taught at home.

Parents must provide an official withdrawal letter and the enrollment form if the minors are already attending a public school. There is no requirement for the instructor to have any specific qualifications. However, they are expected to teach 180 days per year, just like a public school teacher.

Even though Alabama doesn’t have an official curriculum, parents should keep a record of their child’s attendance throughout the year.

2. Alaska

Alaska has one of the most convenient homeschooling laws in the U.S. For starters, no mandated hours or days per year must be spent on homeschooling activities.

Second, record-keeping is an option, and independent homeschoolers aren’t subject to standardized testing. In addition, the instructor doesn’t need to meet any particular qualifications or standards.

When it comes to curriculum choices, parents have four options:

• Homeschooling under the homeschool statute
• Homeschooling with school board approval
• Homeschooling with a private tutor
• Homeschooling with a private school affiliated with a given religion, such as Christianity

For children already admitted to a public learning institution, the parent must submit a withdrawal letter to the school district before homeschooling can begin.

3. Arkansas

To begin homeschooling your children in Arkansas, you must file a Notice of Intent to the local school district superintendent no later than August 15th of every school year.

If the child is already enrolled in public school, you must send an official withdrawal letter to the school. Additionally, there are no specific qualifications instructors need to meet. However, if a sex offender lives in your home, you won’t be allowed to homeschool.

Unlike traditional schools, no set hours or days are required for homeschooling in Arkansas. The state also doesn’t require any specific educational subjects to be taught in the curriculum. Parents are encouraged to tailor their instruction to best fit the needs and interests of their children.

4. California

California has four homeschooling options:

• A home-based private school
• A private school independent study program
• The hiring of a private tutor or teacher
• Use of a public school independent study program. Each option has its own specific procedures that must be followed.

The first step is providing a written notification to the Superintendent of Public Instruction that you will be homeschooling your child. After that, a withdrawal letter with the exact withdrawal date must be submitted by mail or in person.

It’s important to note that there are specific qualifications for each of the four homeschool options. These qualifications include age requirements for the child, the amount of time required per day, and the days needed per year.

Finally, there are seven mandatory subjects for each of the four homeschooling options: English, science, mathematics, social studies, health, physical education, and visual performing arts.

5. Arizona

In Arizona, homeschooling families must submit an Affidavit of Intent to the county school superintendent within 30 days from the start of homeschooling. To be accepted, the document needs to be notarized. A copy of the child’s birth certificate must also be provided.

For children transitioning from traditional public schooling, the parent must fill out and send a withdrawal letter to the school the child attended previously.

If the family moves counties while homeschooling, an Affidavit of Intent needs to be submitted to the local county school superintendent. In addition, the superintendent of the previous county needs to be notified that the child is no longer homeschooled there.

Unlike some states, the instructor doesn’t have to meet specified qualifications. However, the homeschooling curriculum must include reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.

6. Colorado

In Colorado, students must be taught at least 172 days per every academic year, which works out to four days per week. This instruction must include seven educational subjects: communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing), civics, history, mathematics, science, literature, and the United States Constitution.

Furthermore, a Letter of Intent to homeschool must be sent to the school district 14 days before homeschooling begins. If the child has to be withdrawn from traditional schooling, another Letter of Intent or an official withdrawal form must be filed within the same timeframe.

It is important to note that only parents, legal guardians, or adult relatives designated by the parent can act as teachers, and all activities should be documented for every student.

7. Connecticut

Connecticut has some of the most flexible homeschooling laws in the U.S. To begin homeschooling, no official notification needs to be made to the school district. But a Notice of Intent must be submitted within ten days of commencing homeschooling each year.

Additionally, no qualifications are needed for the instructor in charge, and there is no requirement for how many hours or days must be spent on education each year. However, the letter of intent must indicate the number of hours your child will homeschool per year.

The average public school year across Connecticut is 180 days.

Finally, students don’t need to participate in yearly testing.

8. Delaware

In Delaware, homeschooling is regulated by the state’s Department of Education. Parents must open a non-public school to register their children and report their attendance.

A straightforward process, it begins with submitting the necessary paperwork and documents to the department for approval. Once accepted, the parent will receive an acknowledgment page, which can be used to withdraw the child from any public school they may have been attending.

It should be noted that there are no qualifications or certification requirements for homeschool instructors in Delaware. Parents must ensure that their teaching materials meet established educational standards and objectives.

Furthermore, there is no set number of hours or days per year that a student needs to attend. Instead, homeschoolers are evaluated based on performance outcomes such as test scores, portfolios, and other assessments. This flexibility ensures students can learn independently while meeting the state’s necessary academic goals.

9. Washington, D.C.

Homeschooling in Washington DC requires families to submit a Notice of Intent by August 15th, or 15 days before homeschooling begins, if it’s the first year.

Instructors must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and there are no specific requirements relating to the number of hours per day or days per year a student must receive instruction. However, they must be provided with a quality education to progress academically.

The eight compulsory subjects are language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. Suppose you must withdraw your child from homeschooling anytime during the year.

In that case, you must submit a Notification of Intent and contact the school for any additional forms necessary for official withdrawal.

10. Florida

In Florida, homeschooling is a popular form of education for parents who want to provide their children with an individualized learning experience. Families must first file a Notice of Intent with the local school district superintendent within 30 days of homeschooling to ensure that all homeschooled students receive the proper resources and instruction.

For children six or older, the Notice of Intent only needs to be completed once, before February 1st.

Unlike public schools, there are no requirements for homeschool instructors or a mandated number of hours per day or days per year your child needs to be homeschooled. Furthermore, parents have complete autonomy in deciding which educational subjects are included in their student’s curriculum.

However, Florida Homeschool Law requires all homeschooling families to maintain a portfolio of records and materials documenting the student’s progress. The superintendent will inspect this portfolio periodically as proof of academic achievement and compliance with state laws.

11. Georgia

In Georgia, a Declaration of Intent to homeschool must be filed with the state’s Department of Education (DOE)no more than 30 days after commencing homeschooling. The document must be renewed annually by September 1st.

For Georgia, only parents can provide private study for their kids. In other words, you can’t hire a private instructor for your kids. In addition, you can only homeschool your kids if you possess a high school diploma or higher.

Homeschooling must entail at least 180 days, which works out to a minimum of 4.5 hours of instruction per day. The five mandated subject areas are language arts, mathematics, reading, science, and social studies.

An annual progress assessment report should be filed with the Department of Education. In addition, you should make sure you have copies of your child’s test scores and other academic documents. In grades 3, 6, and 9, homeschooled children in Georgia are required to participate in a national standardized test.

12. Hawaii

In Hawaii, homeschooling is a popular educational option for parents who wish to provide their children with a more tailored learning experience. Prospective homeschooling families must submit a Notice of Intent to the school principal. This should be submitted before withdrawing the child from school.

Instructors don’t need to meet specific qualifications, and the number of hours or days per year isn’t specified. However, the instructor must track how often the child is being instructed.

Elementary-level students must cover eight subjects, including mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, music, health, art, and physical education. For students at the secondary level, there are only seven subjects: social studies, health, mathematics, English, health, physical education, and guidance.

13. Idaho

In Idaho, homeschooling doesn’t require families to notify the school district. But the parent must contact the school and fill out a withdrawal form for cases where the student transitions from a public school to a private study.

Homeschoolers don’t need to comply with a specified set of academic credentials. Still, students must receive instruction in seven core subjects: physical education, social studies, mathematics, fine arts, language arts and communication, science, and health.

Additionally, no set number of hours or days per year must be taught; this decision lies in the hands of parents or guardians. And although parents aren’t required to keep records of the student’s academic progress, documenting everything is highly encouraged.

Finally, the state government doesn’t mandate testing, but families may choose to participate.

14. Illinois

Homeschooling laws in the U.S. vary from state to state, but Illinois offers a notably relaxed approach for families wishing to educate their children at home.

In Illinois, you don’t have to notify the local school district if you opt to pursue homeschooling as soon as your child is ready to attend school.

There are no specific credentials for homeschool instructors and no minimum or maximum number of hours/days required per year. There are six mandated educational subjects: language arts, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, physical development, and health.

If you decide to withdraw from private tutoring, you need to submit a withdrawal letter to the local school district. The withdrawal letter must accompany a detailed record of the child’s educational journey.

In addition, you and your child must stay at home on the date indicated on the withdrawal letter when the school district representatives are scheduled to visit.

15. Indiana

No formal notification is required in Indiana if you homeschool your child. However, a withdrawal letter must be sent to the school district superintendent if the student is already enrolled.

But when switching to home-based learning at the high school level, the student has to schedule a meeting with the school principal to discuss legal requirements and sign a form.

Homeschool instructors don’t require specific qualifications. But they must ensure that the student receives instruction equivalent to what would be taught in public schools for at least 180 days each year. Additionally, attendance records must be kept for each student.

Finally, you’re required to keep records of your child’s academic progress. This can help prove or validate the student’s academic credentials when seeking jobs or moving to a different state.

16. Iowa

In Iowa, homeschooling has gained in popularity in recent years due to the flexibility in the state’s Homeschool Law.

This is one of the few states where parents aren’t required to notify the school district when enrolling their six- or seven-year-olds in a homeschooling program. But when switching from a public learning institution to home-based tutoring, you must alert the school and provide any required documents.

Private instructors don’t have to meet a specific set of requirements. Instead, parents pick the instructor they would like to work with. In the same breath, there is no requirement to keep homeschooling records.

According to Iowa’s Homeschool Law, the five subjects that must be taught are mathematics, reading, language arts, science, and social sciences.

17. Kansas

The Kansas Homeschool Law requires parents to register their homeschool with the state’s board of education, and if they need to withdraw their child, they may do so by phone, in person, or by letter. Parents must also be considered “competent instructors,” though no specific requirements exist.

Homeschool students must be instructed 6 hours a day and 186 days a year from grade one through eleven. However, there are no required educational subjects for students.

In addition, records of academic accomplishments don’t have to be kept, and homeschoolers aren’t required to participate in standardized testing.

18. Kentucky

For children getting introduced to home-based instruction in first grade, Kentucky’s homeschooling laws require parents to file a Letter of Intent to the district superintendent ten days before school begins and each year after that. The letter must also be filed when withdrawing a child from public instruction.

There are no specific qualifications for homeschool instructors. Still, students must receive at least 185 days of instruction per year in eight core subject areas: spelling, reading, writing, grammar, history, mathematics, civics, and science.

Homeschoolers must also keep a record of attendance, courses taken, and grades given.

19. Louisiana

In Louisiana, no state laws require homeschooling parents to register with the local school district or the state Department of Education. However, some regulations must be followed.

First, the instruction should be provided by either or both parents and/or a tutor with a high school diploma or equivalent. The teaching must include at least 180 days of school work each year and cover the essential subject areas chosen by the parent.

In addition to these requirements, parents of homeschooled students must notify the local superintendent of their intent to homeschool before instruction begins or within 15 days. The notification letter must be resubmitted at the beginning of every academic year.

During resubmission, administrators assess the student’s academic progress using records such as attendance logs, lesson plans, and other documentation related to the homeschooling program.

20. Maine

Maine has one of the strictest homeschooling laws in the U.S.

To homeschool legally within the state, parents must submit a Notice of Intent to their school and commissioner within 10 days of the start of homeschooling.

Each year after that, a new Notice of Intent must be submitted by September 1st, including a detailed summary of the student’s accomplishments. If the child needs to be withdrawn from the homeschool program, a withdrawal letter must be sent to the school.

While no specific qualifications exist for homeschool instructors in Maine, students must receive 175 days’ worth of instruction per year. The 11 core subject areas that need to be covered are Maine studies, English, math, language arts, social studies, physical education, science, library skills, fine arts, health education, and computer proficiency.

Additionally, parents should keep copies of all original notices and records verifying attendance and assessments for each year.

Perhaps most importantly, all homeschooled students must sit a standard statewide test every year.

21. Maryland

Like Maine, Maryland has some of the most stringent homeschooling laws in the U.S.

To begin homeschooling in this state, parents must submit a Homeschool Notification Form to the county school superintendent no later than 15 days before home-based classes start. Additionally, they must submit a Letter of Intent to continue homeschooling annually and provide official written consent when withdrawing their child from school.

The qualifications for a homeschool teacher aren’t specified by Maryland law. However, the law includes the minimum number of hours of instruction per day for each grade.

Eight core subjects are required by law: science, English, mathematics, art, social studies, health, music, and physical education.

Finally, a portfolio of each child’s work must be kept and handed over to a school district representative at the end of every semester.

22. Massachusetts

Homeschooling laws in Massachusetts are some of the most flexible in the United States.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all parents who homeschool their children to register with a local school district or one of three approved organizations. Parents must also file an annual progress report with their chosen organization or school district.

Tutors providing instruction for homeschooled students aren’t subject to a specified set of qualifications. However, the tutor must provide at least 900 hours of instruction per year.

Some of the courses taught include English, math, science, geography, physical education, and the history of the United States constitution.

Furthermore, Massachusetts recognizes elective courses beyond those required by state law, including foreign language, art, music, and vocational training programs.

Instruction in physical education may be provided by joining an organized sports team or taking private lessons.

In addition, parents must provide documentation that proves they are actively providing instruction in all the core areas.

23. Michigan

In Michigan, parents don’t have to notify the county school district of their homeschooling decision. However, a withdrawal letter must be sent to the regular school when a student withdraws to start home-based instruction.

Furthermore, there are no specific qualifications for instructors, and instructors can tinker with study hours as long as the student grasps the concepts at the end of the day.

Students must cover eight educational subjects: writing and English, reading, spelling, science, mathematics, civics, literature, and history. Additionally, Michigan doesn’t require records to be kept regarding homeschool achievements.

Lastly, Michigan doesn’t require homeschooled students to participate in standardized testing.

24. Minnesota

In Minnesota, homeschooling laws are pretty strict. Parents wishing to homeschool must withdraw their child from school and then submit a Letter of Intent to the local superintendent. After the initial filing, subsequent letters must be submitted by October 1st of each year.

Additionally, homeschool instructors must meet specific requirements. For instance, they may be required to provide a valid Minnesota teaching license or complete a teacher competency exam for the grade level being taught.

Though there is no minimum required hours per day or days per year for homeschooling in Minnesota, parents must file annual reports with their local superintendent.

Minnesota has 13 mandated subjects: literature, reading, writing, arithmetic, fine arts, science, and history. Others are geography, citizenship, government, economics, health, and physical education.

Finally, parents must keep records of their education plans, courses taught, and their descriptions.

25. Mississippi

Mississippi Homeschool Law requires that a certificate of enrollment be submitted to the school each year by September 15th for each homeschooled child. Parents, guardians, or custodians can withdraw their child from homeschooling anytime during the year by sending a withdrawal letter to the school and contacting the county’s attendance officer.

To adhere to Mississippi state law, students must be taught for at least 180 days per year, but the law stops short of specifying the subjects to be taught. Additionally, no records or tests are needed to prove what has been taught.

26. Missouri

In Missouri, homeschooling is relatively easy since the state doesn’t require parents to notify the school district when they decide to homeschool their child. Furthermore, no qualifications for instructors are needed.

To ensure adequate instruction, students must undergo 1,000 hours of education annually, with 600 hours dedicated to the five required subjects: reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.

Additionally, parents must keep records of all subjects, academic evaluations, and co-curricular activities.

27. Montana

Montana’s homeschooling law requires parents to notify the county superintendent annually of their intentions to homeschool their children. Most schools offer multiple methods for those needing to withdraw their child. In some cases, you just need to place a call to a school district representative.

There are no specific qualifications for homeschool instructors. However, homeschooled students must receive instruction for a minimum number of hours each year depending on the grade level (360 hours for kindergarten, 720 hours for grades 1-3, and 1,080 hours for grades 4-12).

Students must also be taught basic educational subjects as local public schools require. Additionally, parents are expected to keep records of attendance and immunizations.

Lastly, Montana doesn’t require homeschooled students to participate in testing.

28. Nebraska

To homeschool, parents and guardians must first file for Exempt Status as a non-accredited school by July 15th of every year. This must be accompanied by an exit interview with the school district superintendent the child would have otherwise attended, a notarized release form with the Commissioner of Education, and other paperwork.

There are no specific qualifications required for instructors, but homeschoolers must be taught at least 1,032 hours per year for elementary students and 1,080 hours for high schoolers. There are five core subjects: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health.

In this state, students aren’t mandated to participate in standard tests, and parents don’t have to document the student’s academic progress and achievements.

29. Nevada

U.S. homeschooling laws sometimes require parents to visit the local school district offices multiple times. But in Nevada, you file a single Letter of Intent that doesn’t need to be reviewed or updated. You’ll only need to reengage the office when moving to another state or canceling the homeschool program to return to the traditional public schooling system.

Homeschooled students aren’t mandated a specific number of hours or days per year, and no standardized statewide tests exist. However, all students must be enrolled in four subjects – English, social studies, mathematics, and science – to ensure they receive a comprehensive education.

Homeschoolers also don’t have to keep formal records for each student, although this may be beneficial for tracking progress over time.

30. New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, homeschoolers must notify the district superintendent within five business days of starting homeschooling and file an official form when withdrawing their child. And while there are no specific qualifications for homeschool instructors, only the legal parent or guardian can homeschool the child.

There are also no required minimum hours per day or days per year. Still, students in New Hampshire must learn 11 educational subjects: history, government, reading and writing, science, health, mathematics, language, spelling, art and music appreciation, and U.S. and N.H. constitution.

Every homeschooled student has to be evaluated by a certified teacher or sit the National Student Achievement Test or the Student Assessment test.

Lastly, Nevada requires homeschoolers to maintain a portfolio of writing samples and workbooks alongside a reading log for each student.

31. New Jersey

Withdrawal from the public school system requires the school and district superintendent’s notification, followed by a withdrawal letter submission. Though no required educational subjects are mandated by the state, parents must ensure their children receive equivalent instruction in various subjects.

Furthermore, New Jersey doesn’t require any records or testing of homeschooled students, making it an attractive option for many families who wish to provide their children with a unique learning experience without worrying about paperwork or standardized tests.

In addition, local schools can also provide supportive services such as guidance counseling and special education services. Students can also access extracurricular activities such as sports teams and clubs through the local district if they wish to participate.

Finally, the Homeschool Law in New Jersey doesn’t mandate specific tests for homeschooled students.

32. New Mexico

In New Mexico, specific requirements must be met to homeschool lawfully.

Parents must provide notification of their intent to homeschool within 30 days of beginning the program and provide evidence of their qualifications (minimum high school diploma or GED).

Additionally, they must keep immunization records, attendance records, and a calendar showing the student has met the minimum hours of instruction required.

Homeschool students must receive at least 180 days of instruction each year (or 990 hours/year for K-6 or 1,080 hours for grades 7-12). There are five core subjects: reading, mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. However, students aren’t required to sit standardized, statewide tests.

33. New York

Homeschooling laws in the U.S. are usually similar, but New York has quite a unique set of regulations.

In New York, parents wishing to homeschool their children must send a Letter of Intent to the school district 14 days after starting homeschooling. After that, an Individual Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) must be completed and returned.

Parents must officially withdraw their child from the school they previously attended and provide proof that they are the legal guardians or parents.

According to New York Homeschool Law, homeschooled students must be taught 900 hours for grades 1-6 and 990 hours for grades 7-12. There are four required education subjects for all grade levels: traffic and fire safety, substance abuse, patriotism, and citizenship.

There are additional subjects for elementary, middle school, and high school. For example, children in grades 1-6 must study English language arts (reading, writing, and spelling), U.S. History and geography, music, science, health and physical education, and mathematics.

Lastly, parents must keep the child’s attendance sheet and a copy of the Letter of Intent, IHIP. And quarterly academic progress reports.

34. North Carolina

Parents must send a Notice of Intent to the Department of Non-Public Education to homeschool in North Carolina. The document should be sent after July 1st for the first year of homeschooling and accompanied by a copy of the parent’s high school diploma or GED. If the student needs to withdraw from public schooling, an additional note stating “Priority Handling Request: Child is currently in a year-round school” should be included with the other two documents.

Instructors for North Carolina homeschool programs need a high school diploma or equivalent, and students must attend instruction for at least nine months annually.

Additionally, no specific educational subjects must be taught, but parents must keep records of their child’s attendance and activities. These records prove that the child has received adequate education in case questions arise in the future.

North Carolina also requires students to take standardized tests each year until they reach 8th grade – either the Stanford Achievement Test or an equivalent test approved by the State Board of Education.

Homeschooled students attending college must ensure they meet all admissions prerequisites beforehand. Many colleges require applicants to pass standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, to qualify for admission.

35. North Dakota

In this ruggedly beautiful Midwest state, parents must submit a Statement of Intent to the local superintendent 14 days before homeschooling starts.

Coursework requirements stipulate that homeschool instructors must possess a high school diploma or GED, and all students must receive instruction for at least 4 hours each day and 175 days per year.

What’s more, elementary through middle school students must learn six subjects: English, science, mathematics, health, social studies, and physical education. High school-level students must be instructed in these six subjects plus four more: foreign languages, fine arts, career, technical education, and an advanced placement course.

Parents must keep detailed records of their children’s academic journey, including the courses taken, the tests attempted, and the scores attained.

Finally, children in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 must participate in a statewide or national standardized test.

36. Ohio

Homeschooling laws in Ohio are designed to ensure that students receive the same education and support as those attending traditional schools. Homeschoolers must provide 900 hours of instruction each year, covering 13 required educational subjects.

These are mathematics, language, reading, spelling, writing, history, government, geography, science, health, fine arts, physical education, first aid, safety, and fire prevention.

A homeschool instructor must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and parents must file an annual Home Education Notification form with the superintendent.

Unlike most homeschooling laws in the U.S., the laws in Ohio provide parents with the freedom to choose how they want to educate their children while maintaining accountability.
But to ensure a comprehensive academic experience for children, the state has developed stringent regulations to govern the process.

For example, a regular assessment measures student progress and achievement. Any educational materials must also meet the state Department of Education standards.

37. Oklahoma

Oklahoma has some of the most lenient homeschooling laws in the U.S.

Families who homeschool their children aren’t legally obligated to notify their local school district or provide an explanation before keeping their child at home. Furthermore, there are no minimum hours per day or days per year that a student must attend. However, the state recommends a minimum of 180 days.

In addition, there are no required educational subjects, but parents are encouraged to teach the same topics taught in public schools. They can customize lesson plans and curriculums according to each student’s needs and interests.

Finally, Oklahoma doesn’t require parents to keep any records of a student’s academic history. Students aren’t required to participate in any type of testing or assessment.

These relaxed regulations make homeschooling an attractive option for many families who wish to take an active role in their children’s education.

38. Oregon

Homeschooling laws in Oregon are among the most flexible in America. The first step for parents who wish to homeschool their children is to inform the Education Service District (ESD) within ten days of commencement and send a withdrawal letter to the child’s school if they need to withdraw.

Families have no minimum educational requirements or required subjects to adhere to, though assessments must be taken in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 – all before August 15th. Records of homeschooling aren’t mandated either.

This allows families unprecedented freedom while structuring their own curriculum, time, and education goals while providing an optimal learning experience tailored perfectly for them.

39. Pennsylvania

Some of the homeschooling laws in the U.S. generally lack detail, but Pennsylvania has some of the most comprehensive legislation.

In Pennsylvania, homeschooling families must submit a notarized affidavit to their superintendent before August 1st each year. Parents must also fill out and submit a withdrawal letter if they have already attended the traditional teaching system.

Instructors must have either a high school diploma or GED, and students must attend for at least 180 days or 900-990 hours per year, depending on grade level. Required subjects for K-6 are English, music, art, science, civics, geography, history, safety, health and physiology, and physical education.

Grades 7-12 require these subjects plus additional subjects such as algebra or a foreign language.

Homeschool parents can use resources such as public libraries or online courses to meet these requirements. In the process, they allow their children to learn at their own pace in an environment tailored to them.

In Pennsylvania, homeschooling parents are responsible for maintaining a portfolio and written academic evaluation for each of their children. This must include documentation of the student’s educational activities and progress throughout the homeschooling program, such as tests taken, grades received, and the books used.

Additionally, all homeschooled students in grades 3, 5, and 8 must take a national standardized test to ensure they are on track with their learning objectives.

40. Rhode Island

Homeschooling laws in Rhode Island are some of the most stringent in the United States.

Families must submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool before beginning the process. Once approved by the evaluation committee, homeschool instructors don’t need specific qualifications, but students must enroll in at least 180 days of instruction each year.

Additionally, eight educational subjects are required: arithmetic, reading, writing, arithmetic, history of the U.S. and Rhode Island, civics, health, and physical education. Parents must keep attendance records throughout the year to demonstrate compliance with regulations.

While there is no requirement for participation in standardized tests, parents should work hard to ensure their children get an education comparable to what they would receive at school.

41. South Carolina

In South Carolina, parents who wish to homeschool their children have three options:

• Receiving approval from their local school district’s Board of Trustees and completing a homeschool application.
• Becoming members of the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools and remaining in good standing with academic standards set by the association.
• Membership in a state-recognized homeschooling association with at least 50 members.

Parents who homeschool their children must have a high school diploma, GED, or baccalaureate degree. Homeschooled students must attend at least 4.5 hours per day for 180 days each school year and complete the required core subjects, including reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, composition, and literature for grades K-12.

As part of homeschooling regulations in the state, parents must keep records of their child’s work samples and evaluations. Children must also participate in yearly testing using the same assessments required for public school students.

42. South Dakota

Parents who opt to homeschool their children in South Dakota must submit an Initial Notification for Public School Exemption Certificate to their local school district. The certificate must be renewed on an annual basis.

There are no specific qualifications for homeschool instructors. However, certain educational requirements must be met: 437 hours per year for kindergartners, 875 hours per year for grades 1-5, and 962 hours per year for grades 6-12.

Children must also receive instruction in language arts and mathematics. Parents should keep a copy of their child’s birth certificate on file with the school district to ensure compliance with the law. Children in all grades can also participate in standardized testing if they opt to.

43. Tennessee

A Notice of Intent to Homeschool and an attendance sheet are required to homeschool in Tennessee. The documents must be shared with the County Director of Education every academic year. Furthermore, instructors must have either a high school diploma or GED, and students must attend for at least 4 hours daily for 180 days every year.

Suppose the child needs to withdraw from the traditional schooling system. In that case, you must share a copy of the Notice of Intent with the school and fill out any other document that may be required, including a Declaration of Intent, where you pledge to take your child through a schooling program that is at least as thorough as the public school system.

The state also outlines several educational requirements. First, there are no required academic subjects; students only need to take standardized tests in grades 5, 7, and 9. Second, test scores must then be reported to the Director of Schools.

44. Texas

In Texas, parents aren’t required to notify the school district when they begin homeschooling their children. The only step necessary is to submit a withdrawal letter and contact school officials.

Qualifications for instructors are also not regulated, so it’s incumbent upon parents to employ an instructor who suits the child’s needs. Additionally, no minimum number of hours or days per year must be attended. However, the five required subjects (math, spelling, grammar, reading, and good citizenship) must be covered.

Though records aren’t mandatory in Texas, keeping some is highly recommended to ensure students are receiving quality education and making adequate progress. Homeschool students aren’t obligated to participate in yearly tests either.

45. Utah

In Utah, parents wishing to homeschool their children must submit a notarized affidavit to the school district. Upon completing the necessary paperwork, parents can officially withdraw their child from public or private school and begin homeschooling.

There are no qualifications for instructors nor regulations regarding minimum hours per day or days per year that the child must attend homeschooling. Furthermore, there are no required subject areas of instruction, and parents don’t need to keep records of their homeschooling activities.

Additionally, there is no requirement for yearly testing of homeschooled students. This flexibility allows parents to structure their curriculum around their student’s needs and interests while providing them with a quality education meeting the state’s expectations.

46. Vermont

Homeschooling laws in Vermont are unique compared to other states in America. Parents must submit a written notice of enrollment to the Commissioner of Education every year before homeschooling their children.

There are no specific qualifications for instructors, nor is there a minimum time requirement for students to attend classes. The 11 required subjects are reading, writing, communication skills, U.S. citizenship, health, literature, physical education, fine arts, history and government, the use of numbers, and natural science.

Parents aren’t required to keep any records of their homeschooling activities. You must only withdraw your child from their school and send a formal enrollment notice.

47. Virginia

Homeschooling laws in Virginia state that parents must send a Notice of Intent to the superintendent every year by August 15th, which should include a list of subjects the student will be learning and proof that they are qualified to teach. Furthermore, the parent must withdraw the student from their previous school before homeschooling can begin.

Homeschool instructors must either possess a high school diploma or higher, have a Virginia teaching certificate, enroll their child in a distance learning program, or show evidence that they can sufficiently educate their children.

Per most homeschooling laws across America, 180 days of instruction are mandated yearly, but no specific educational subjects must be taught. Also, keeping attendance records or coursework isn’t compulsory, but many parents do so for their benefit.

48. Washington

Washington state has some of the most comprehensive homeschool laws in America.

Homeschoolers must submit a Declaration of Intent to the school district superintendent by September 15th of each year and contact their child’s school to formally withdraw them before beginning homeschooling.

The instructor must meet one of four qualifications:

• 30 college semester credit hours
• A parent-qualifying course in instruction
• Having a certified person oversee the homeschooling
• Approval from the superintendent in the district.

Students must also attend 180 days of instruction every year. The eleven required subjects are math, reading, language, writing, spelling, science, history, health, social studies, art and music appreciation, and occupational education.

49. West Virginia

Parents who decide to educate their children at home in West Virginia must send a Notice of Intent to the district superintendent and officially withdraw their children from school before beginning the homeschool program. Home instructors must have a high school diploma or GED to comply with the regulations.

There is no minimum number of hours that students must attend each day or year. Still, five core educational subjects must be covered: reading, language, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Additionally, Washington requires homeschooled students to have records of assessment results for up to three years and participate in yearly assessments. The state also has a variety of other rules and regulations, which can be found on its Department of Education website.

50. Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, all homeschoolers must submit an affidavit to the Department of Public Instruction before October 15th each year. If you need to withdraw your child from their existing school, you must contact the school and submit the affidavit before beginning the homeschooling program.

There are no specific requirements for instructors apart from ensuring instruction for 875 hours per year across six educational subjects: reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health.

Homeschoolers aren’t required to participate in yearly testing or keep records of their homeschooling activities.

51. Wyoming

In Wyoming, parents must submit a detailed curriculum list to the school board of trustees at the start of every school year. If a child needs to be withdrawn, parental consent must first be submitted with a withdrawal letter to the school board. There are no qualifications or certifications required for instructors, and minimum hours of instruction per day or year.

Wyoming still has seven core educational subjects that must be taught: reading, writing, mathematics, civics, history, literature, and science. Furthermore, homeschoolers must evaluate their children’s learning progress through a comprehensive assessment every semester.

Make an Informed Decision

Homeschooling Laws across the U.S. vary significantly from state to state, and understanding everything can be complex. Parents, guardians, and those interested in homeschooling need to understand the complexities and nuances of each state’s regulations. This way, they can make an informed decision and choose the best option for their family.