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Homeschooling is a popular form of education in the United States, with an estimated 2.5 million children being homeschooled in the country. Homeschooling allows parents to have more control over their child's education, and it can be tailored to the individual needs and interests of the child. However, homeschooling is regulated differently in each state, with some states having more stringent requirements than others.
In general, homeschool laws require parents to provide notice to the local school district of their intent to homeschool, keep attendance and progress records, and follow certain curriculum guidelines. Some states also require regular standardized testing or teacher certification for the homeschooling parent. It is important for parents considering homeschooling to research the homeschool laws in their state and understand their rights and responsibilities as homeschooling parents. In this context, we will provide a brief overview of the homeschool laws in all 50 states, to help parents navigate the legal requirements and regulations surrounding homeschooling.
Here is a brief overview of homeschool laws in all 50 states:
| State | Department of Education Website | Homeschooling Laws |
| Alabama | Alabama Department of Education | Notify superintendent of intent to homeschool annually. |
| Alaska | Alaska Department of Education | Notify school district superintendent of intent to homeschool. |
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Education | File an affidavit of intent to homeschool with the county school superintendent. |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Department of Education | Notify the local superintendent of intent to homeschool. |
| California | California Department of Education | File a private school affidavit with the state. |
| Colorado | Colorado Department of Education | File a notice of intent to homeschool with the local school district. |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Department of Education | File a notice of intent to homeschool with the local superintendent of schools. |
| Delaware | Deleware Department of Education | Notify the local superintendent of intent to homeschool. |
| Florida | Florida Department of Education | File a notice of intent to homeschool with the local school district. |
| Georgia | Georgia Department of Education | File a declaration of intent to homeschool with the local superintendent of schools. |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Department of Education | Notify the local superintendent of schools of intent to homeschool. |
| Idaho | Idaho Department of Education | Notify the local superintendent of schools of intent to homeschool. |
| Illinois | Illinois Department of Education | File a written notice of intent to homeschool with the local superintendent of schools. |
| Indiana | Indiana Department of Education | File a notice of intent to homeschool with the local superintendent of schools. |
| Iowa | Iowa Department of Education | File a written notice of intent to homeschool with the local superintendent of schools. |
| Kansas | Kansas Department of Education | Notify the local superintendent of schools of intent to homeschool. |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Department of Education | Notify the local superintendent of schools of intent to homeschool. |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Department of Education | Notify the state superintendent of schools of intent to homeschool. |
| Maine | Maine Department of Education | Homeschooling is legal and parents must provide annual notification and assessment. |
| Maryland | Maryland Department of Education | Homeschooling is legal and parents must provide annual notification and maintain records. |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Department of Education | Homeschooling is legal and parents must file an annual education plan with the local school district. |
| Michigan | Michigan Department of Education | Homeschooling is legal and parents must provide annual notification and maintain records. |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Department of Education | Homeschooling is legal and parents must provide annual notification and maintain records. |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Department of Education | Homeschooling is legal and there are no state requirements for homeschoolers. |
| Missouri | Missouri Department of Education | Homeschooling is legal and parents must provide annual notification and maintain records. |
| Montana | Montana Department of Education | Homeschooling is legal and there are no state requirements for homeschoolers. |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Department of Education | Submit a form to the local superintendent |
| Nevada | Nevada Department of Education | Submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Department of Education | Notify the local school district annually and keep records |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Department of Education | Submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local superintendent |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Public Education Department | Submit a letter of intent to homeschool to the local school district |
| New York | New York State Education Department | Submit an individualized home instruction plan to the local school district |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Department of Administration | Submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local superintendent |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Department of Public Instruction | Notify the local superintendent and keep records |
| Ohio | Ohio Department of Education | Submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local superintendent |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma State Department of Education | Notify the local superintendent and keep records |
| Oregon | Oregon Department of Education | Register with the local education service district and meet educational requirements |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department of Education | Submit a notarized affidavit of homeschooling to the local superintendent |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Department of Education | Submit a letter of intent to homeschool to the local superintendent |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Department of Education | Register with an accountability association or the local school district |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Department of Education | Notify the local superintendent and keep records |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Department of Education | Submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local superintendent |
| Texas | Texas Homeschool Coalition | Notify the local superintendent and meet educational requirements |
| Utah | Utah State Board of Education | Submit an affidavit of intent to homeschool to the local school district |
| Vermont | Vermont Agency of Education | Submit a notice of intent to homeschool within 14 days of beginning homeschooling, include an outline of subjects to be taught, and maintain records of attendance and progress. |
| Virginia | Virginia Department of Education | Provide evidence of high school diploma or GED, submit a notice of intent to homeschool annually, and provide evidence of progress annually. |
| Washington | Washington Homeschool Organization | File a Declaration of Intent to Homeschool annually by September 15 or within two weeks of beginning homeschooling, maintain a portfolio of student work, and have an annual assessment by a certified teacher, qualified person, or standardized test. |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Department of Education | Submit a notice of intent to homeschool within 30 days of beginning homeschooling, have a plan of instruction, keep attendance and progress records, and have an annual assessment by a teacher or other qualified person. |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Parents Association | File a form PI-1206 with the Department of Public Instruction by October 15 of each year, have a plan of instruction, maintain records of attendance and progress, and have an annual assessment by a teacher or other qualified person. |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Department of Education | File a notice of intent to homeschool, have a plan of instruction, maintain records of attendance and progress, and have an annual assessment by a teacher or other qualified person. |
Homeschooling is a viable option for parents who want more control over their child's education. However, it is important to be aware of the legal requirements and regulations in each state to avoid any potential legal issues. By understanding the homeschool laws in their state, parents can ensure that their child is receiving a quality education while complying with the law.
For more information on homeschool laws and regulations, we recommend visiting the website of our partner, the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). HSLDA provides comprehensive information and support for homeschooling families, including legal assistance and advocacy, resources and tools for homeschooling, and updates on homeschool laws and regulations. With their expertise and guidance, homeschooling families can navigate the legal landscape and provide their children with a quality education.