What are the Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in My State?
One of the very first questions new homeschooling parents ask is: “Is homeschooling even legal where I live?” The good news is yes—homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. The not-so-simple part? Each state has its own set of requirements. Understanding the legal requirements for homeschooling in your state is an important step as you begin your journey.
Why You Need to Know Your State’s Laws
Every state sets different guidelines for homeschooling families. These requirements can cover things like:
- Notification – Some states require you to notify the local school district or state department of education that you intend to homeschool. Sometimes it’s only required at the beginning of your journey; other times it’s required yearly.
- Qualifications – A few states require parents to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Attendance – Some states mandate a minimum number of school days or instructional hours per year.
- Subjects – Certain states require parents to teach specific core subjects, such as math, language arts, history, and science.
- Recordkeeping – Some states ask parents to keep attendance records, lesson plans, or portfolios of student work.
- Testing/Evaluation – A handful of states require standardized testing or periodic evaluations to demonstrate academic progress.
Because the requirements vary so much, it’s essential to check your own state’s laws carefully.
Where to Find the Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in Your State
Thankfully, you don’t have to figure this out alone. There are excellent resources that make it easy to see what your state requires. Here are two to get you started:
- HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association):
Visit HSLDA’s state law page and click on your state to see a clear breakdown of homeschooling regulations where you live. - U.S. Department of Education:
The DOE’s state regulation page also provides links to each state. (Tip: once you click on your state, scroll down until you see the section on homeschooling.)
Both of these resources are updated regularly and provide a solid foundation for understanding what’s required where you live.
The Value of Local Support
While national websites are incredibly helpful, nothing beats connecting with local homeschooling families. Joining a homeschool group in your state can give you:
- Firsthand insight into how other parents follow state regulations
- Practical advice on recordkeeping, testing, or paperwork
- Encouragement and support from families walking the same road
Homeschool groups often host workshops, co-ops, or Facebook groups where you can ask questions and learn how the laws apply in real life.
A Gentle Reminder
It’s important to note:
No part of this blog post constitutes legal advice.
Always verify requirements directly with your state’s department of education or through an organization like HSLDA. Use the information you find online as a guide, but rely on your state’s actual laws when making decisions.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling gives you the freedom to shape your child’s education, but that freedom comes with responsibility. Taking the time to learn the legal requirements for homeschooling in your state is the first step toward building a homeschool that is not only legal but also strong, flexible, and tailored to your family.
Once you know what’s required, you can confidently move forward—designing a homeschool plan that fits your children’s needs and keeps your family in good standing with the law.
Wondering if homeschooling is right for your family? Check out this post!
Ready to dive into homeschooling but have questions about choosing curriculum? Check out this post!
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