Homeschool Freedom: Do You Have to Stick to State Requirements?

One of the most common questions in homeschooling circles is: “Do I have to follow my state’s requirements?” It often comes up in discussions about transcripts (“Does my child need two years of a foreign language?”) or testing (“Does my 5th grader need to take a standardized test?”).

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I have strong personal feelings about the subject of homeschool freedom. But if you’re new here, let’s dig in and take a balanced look at the issue together.

Homeschooling vs. School-at-Home

Before we talk about requirements, it’s important to clarify what kind of education we’re discussing.

There are really two types of home education:

• Traditional Homeschooling – Parents are fully in charge of choosing curriculum, setting schedules, and awarding credits. You have the freedom (and responsibility) to shape your child’s education.
• School-at-Home (Virtual School) – State-funded programs like Epic Charter, K12, or Connections Academy fall under the public school system. In this model, you are still teaching at home, but you’re accountable to the state and must follow their requirements.

If you’re enrolled in a virtual, state-funded program, there’s no debate: you are bound to state requirements. But if you’re homeschooling independently, the picture looks very different.

Who’s Really in Charge?

In traditional homeschooling, the answer is simple: you are!

You decide:

• What subjects to teach.
• When your child studies them.
• How those classes are recorded on their transcript.

That said, homeschool freedom comes with responsibility. Your child’s future matters, and honesty is key. While you don’t have to mimic the public school system, you also shouldn’t “pad” a transcript. If your child spent hours studying documentaries, biographies, and reference books to complete a full World History course, by all means, award them a credit. But don’t claim credits for work they didn’t do.

Pros and Cons of Following State Requirements

So, should you follow your state’s requirements anyway, even if you don’t technically have to? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Pros of Following State Requirements

• Less guesswork. Your child’s transcript will look like every other student’s, with no extra planning on your part.
• Peace of mind. Following state guidelines can ease the concerns of skeptical family members or friends who question homeschooling.
• Easier transitions. If your child ever re-enters public school, having aligned coursework can make placement smoother.

Cons of Following State Requirements

• Cookie-cutter transcript. Your child’s records may look exactly like every other student’s, leaving little room for unique electives or passions.
• Frustration with pacing. What if your child isn’t ready for fractions in 3rd grade—or what if they’re ready for Algebra in 6th? Lockstep requirements can hold them back or push them too soon.
• Repetition. State mandates often require subjects like state history at a specific grade. That means you may end up teaching the same course multiple times if you have several children.
• Stress. Advanced learners or late bloomers may not fit neatly into grade-level boxes, creating unnecessary pressure.

Do You Have to Choose One Path?

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to be “all in” or “all out.” Many homeschoolers naturally stay close to their state’s requirements without even trying. After all, most of us want our children to graduate with a solid education that equips them for life, work, or further schooling.

You might decide to:

• Follow state requirements loosely, using them as a framework while still customizing to your child’s needs.
• Pick and choose which state standards matter most to you, ignoring the rest.
• Design your own course of study entirely, focusing on your child’s passions and future goals.

Whatever you choose, remember that your homeschool doesn’t have to look like the public school system.

Homeschool Freedom

Don’t let anyone guilt you into thinking you’re “less than” if you don’t check every box the state has laid out. Homeschooling is about creating an education that works for your family—not fitting into someone else’s mold.

At the same time, don’t dismiss requirements altogether. They can serve as a helpful guide, especially if your child has college aspirations or a career path that requires specific courses.

The key is balance. You are the parent, the teacher, and the guide. You know your child’s strengths, struggles, and dreams better than anyone else. That makes you the best person to decide what requirements to follow—and when.

Final Thoughts

So, should you follow your state’s requirements? The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

• If you want the simplicity and security of mirroring the public school system, go for it.
• If you want the flexibility to design a transcript that highlights your child’s passions and unique strengths, that’s your right as a homeschooler too.

Most likely, your homeschool will naturally cover much of what the state requires—just in a different order or at a different pace. And that’s perfectly okay.

At the end of the day, remember this: you are in charge of your homeschool. Pray over your decisions, keep your child’s best interests at heart, and move forward with confidence.

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