What You Need to Know About Homeschool Laws

Did you know that homeschooling laws and requirements vary by state? Here’s what you need to know to ensure you’re homeschooling your child legally and avoiding any potential legal issues.

One of the first and most important steps when deciding to homeschool is understanding the laws and requirements in your state. Since homeschooling regulations vary by state, it’s crucial to ensure that you comply with the specific requirements where you live.

Each State has its own laws and requirements

Homeschooling regulations differ widely across states, with some having minimal requirements and others imposing more extensive rules. In states with low regulations, parents typically only need to notify their local school district of their intent to homeschool, and there may be no further reporting requirements. These states allow for a lot of flexibility and autonomy in how parents manage their child’s education.

In states with moderate regulations, the process is more structured. Parents are still required to notify the school district, but they may also need to submit regular reports, such as test scores or educational evaluations. 

At the other end of the spectrum, high regulation states impose stricter requirements. In addition to notification, these states may require parents to submit test scores, evaluations, and proof of teacher qualifications (such as a certain level of education or certification). Some states also require approval of the homeschool curriculum being used. These states typically offer less flexibility and provide more oversight. 

It’s essential to understand your state’s specific regulations to ensure you comply with the legal requirements. Knowing whether you are in a low, moderate, or high regulation state will help you plan your homeschooling approach and avoid potential legal complications.

Why do you need to follow your state’s homeschool laws?

It is absolutely essential to follow the homeschooling laws in your state. Not only is it your responsibility to comply with the legal requirements, but failing to do so can lead to serious consequences. For example, you could face charges of truancy if you do properly withdraw your child from public school. In some cases, families have even been brought to court for not adhering to their state’s homeschooling regulations.

In addition to personal legal repercussions, not following the rules could have broader implications for the homeschooling community as a whole. When individuals fail to comply with state laws, it can lead to increased scrutiny and a push for more stringent regulations across the state. Lawmakers may see non-compliance as a reason to tighten homeschooling laws, potentially making it more difficult for other homeschooling families to navigate the process. 

For the sake of your child’s education, your family’s legal standing, and the homeschooling community at large, it’s crucial to understand and follow the specific laws and requirements in your state. By doing so, you not only ensure a smooth homeschooling experience for yourself, but you also help maintain the freedom and flexibility that homeschooling families enjoy.

What is a reliable source for finding out your state’s homeschool laws?

The number one source I use and recommend for anything related to homeschool laws is HSLDA. This stands for Home School Legal Defense Association. They make it really easy to find out what is required in your state. There is a map for you to select your state and it brings up all the information you need. They also offer additional articles and videos for each state going over the requirements more thoroughly. If you still have more questions you can contact them and they will be happy to assist you. 

Besides the legal requirements per state, they also have additional homeschool resources that you can access. Although a lot of the information they provide is free they do have a paid membership you can take advantage of as well. 

Are you looking for additional support and protection? HSLDA has you covered. Their paid membership comes with many benefits such as legal protection should you ever need it for any reason. Educational support that is tailored to your specific needs such as learning disabilities, homeschooling your high school student, choosing the right curriculum and so much more. 

They also offer many additional benefits such as templates for high school transcripts, member savings for many national companies, and attorney-designed forms and documents. 

I have been a member of HSLDA since I started homeschooling. I think the membership is very reasonably priced and I feel better knowing I have protection should I ever need it. 

Did you know many states have a state homeschool organization?

Your state’s homeschool organization (should your state have one) is also a very valuable resource for finding out information specific to your state. The easiest way to find this is at Homeschool Freedom. They also have a map making it very easy for you to choose your state and it will bring you to additional resources specific to your state. 

If your state has a homeschool organization you will find it here, as well as information about attending homeschool events or conferences in your state and how to find local homeschool groups. 

Homeschool Freedom also has additional articles about homeschooling that you may find helpful.

Get involved!

HSLDA and state homeschool organizations are always hard at work to protect our homeschool freedoms. There has been a huge increase in recent years of families opting to homeschool. I believe this is wonderful that so many new families are choosing to homeschool, however, with such a huge increase in the amount of homeschooled families it is important to get involved with your state’s organizations and your legislators. This increase could lead to increased proposed homeschool regulations for your state. 

With all that said there is a lot to consider when it comes to legally homeschooling your child. However, if you do your research from reliable sources you can feel confident and know exactly what you need to do. That way you can get to the fun parts of planning your homeschool year. You can enjoy the freedoms you have to homeschool even if you live in a high-regulation state. And the joys of watching your child learn and grow while you are spending quality time with them!