Navigate homeschooling laws and regulations with our comprehensive guide to legal requirements across the United States.
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but the requirements vary significantly from one state to another. Understanding and following your state's specific regulations is essential for legally homeschooling your children. This guide provides an overview of common legal requirements and how to ensure compliance.
States generally fall into one of four categories regarding how they regulate homeschooling:
Requirements: Minimal or no notification to the state
Examples: Alaska, Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri
Typical features: No required subjects, testing, or professional evaluations
Requirements: Notification to state or local officials
Examples: California, Florida, Oregon, Arizona, Georgia
Typical features: May require certain subjects, some record-keeping
Requirements: Notification, test scores, professional evaluation
Examples: New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Rhode Island
Typical features: Required subjects, parent qualification requirements, curriculum approval
Requirements: Register as a private school
Examples: California (option), Illinois (option)
Typical features: Must meet private school requirements which vary by state
What it is: Formally informing your state or local school district of your intent to homeschool
How it varies: Some states require annual notification, others only once, and some have no requirement
Tips: Keep copies of all submitted forms and delivery confirmation if applicable
What it is: Requirements for who can teach homeschooled children
How it varies: Some states require parents to have a high school diploma or GED; others have no requirements
Alternatives: Some states allow non-certified parents to homeschool under the supervision of a certified teacher or by enrolling in an umbrella school
What it is: Specific subjects that must be taught in your homeschool
Common required subjects: Reading, writing, math, science, social studies/history, art, health, physical education
Tips: Even in states with no subject requirements, covering core subjects is advisable for comprehensive education
What it is: How student progress must be documented or evaluated
Common options:
Tips: Maintain thorough records even if not required by your state
What it is: Documentation of your homeschooling activities and student progress
Common requirements:
Tips: Create an organized system for maintaining records that works for your family
Meeting legal requirements for homeschooling can be complex. Learning Corner's AI-powered tools help you stay compliant and organized:
| Compliance Need | Learning Corner AI Solution | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Required Subject Coverage | Subject Explorer | Helps track and document how your activities meet state-required subjects |
| Learning Documentation | Subject Explorer | Helps easily document and track your student's learning progress across various subjects |
| Activity Planning | Custom Worksheet Creator | Generates customized worksheets tailored to your student's needs and state requirements |
Learning Corner's tools can automatically generate state-specific documents and reports that meet your homeschooling legal requirements.
Explore Our ToolsDid you know? Learning Corner's AI can help you prepare for portfolio reviews, create documentation that meets state standards, and even assist with generating professional-looking progress reports to satisfy regulators and record-keeping requirements.
Start by thoroughly understanding what your state requires. Check our State Homeschooling Requirements section for specific information about your state.
Maintain a calendar of your homeschool days, noting subjects covered and activities completed. Many states require a minimum number of instruction days or hours.
Even if not required, keep thorough records of:
Many state and local homeschool associations provide guidance on legal requirements and can help you stay compliant.
In some states, enrolling in an umbrella or cover school can simplify compliance by handling some of the legal requirements for you.
Homeschool laws can change. Stay updated through homeschool organizations, newsletters, and your state's education department.
Legal Protection: Consider joining the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) or similar legal advocacy group, which can provide advice and representation if you encounter legal issues.
If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or receives special education services:
If withdrawing a child from public school during the school year:
For homeschooling high school students:
If relocating to a new state:
Be cautious if you experience any of these situations:
If you encounter these issues, contact a homeschool legal advocacy group immediately.