Ultimate Guide to Homeschool Laws & Requirements in All 50 States: Navigate Your Homeschooling Journey with Confidence

Please consult the State’s Department of Education website or the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for the most current information on homeschooling regulations in your State.

Table Of Contents:

Alabama:

In Alabama, homeschooling can be done through one of three options:

Establishing a church school:

Parents must enroll their child in a church school and provide regular instruction.
The church school must report attendance to the local superintendent on a monthly basis.
There are no specific requirements regarding subjects, assessments, or teacher qualifications.

Enrolling in a private school that offers homeschooling programs:

Parents enroll their child in a private school that offers a homeschooling program.
The private school is responsible for attendance records and reporting to the local superintendent.
No specific subjects, assessments, or teacher qualifications are required.

Enrolling in a private tutor program:

Parents must hire a private tutor who is a certified teacher in Alabama.
The tutor must teach for at least three hours per day, 140 days per school year.
The tutor is responsible for teaching subjects such as language arts, math, social studies, and science.
Attendance records must be kept and submitted to the local superintendent.

Alaska:

In Alaska, homeschooling is relatively straightforward, and the state offers a lot of flexibility. There are two options for homeschooling:

Homeschooling under the homeschool statute:

No need to notify the state or local school district of your intent to homeschool.
No specific subjects, assessments, or teacher qualifications are required.
There are no attendance requirements.

Homeschooling in partnership with a state-funded correspondence program:

Alaska has several state-funded correspondence programs that provide financial assistance for homeschooling expenses, such as curriculum materials, technology, and extracurricular activities.
Parents must enroll their child in a correspondence program.
The program will provide an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) outlining the subjects to be taught.
Parents must submit progress reports and work samples as required by the correspondence program.
Assessments may be required, depending on the program.

Arizona:

In Arizona, homeschooling falls under the “homeschool” option, which has the following requirements:

File an affidavit of intent:

Parents must file an affidavit of intent to homeschool with the county school superintendent within 30 days of beginning homeschooling.
The affidavit must include the child’s name, birthdate, and address, as well as the parent’s name and signature.
Parents must also provide a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate within 30 days of filing the affidavit.

Instruction:

Parents must provide instruction in at least reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.

Recordkeeping:

Parents are required to maintain records of their child’s educational progress, including samples of work and test or evaluation results.
These records must be kept for a minimum of four years and be made available if requested by the county school superintendent.

Immunization:

Parents must submit proof of immunization or a statement of exemption to the county school superintendent.

Testing:

There is no state-mandated testing requirement for homeschooled students in Arizona.

Arkansas:

Parents must provide written notice of their intent to homeschool to the local public school superintendent by August 15 each year, or 14 days before withdrawing a child from public school.
Homeschooling instruction must include language arts, math, social studies, science, and health.
Homeschooled students in grades 3-9 must participate in standardized testing, but there is no minimum score requirement.
Parents are not required to have specific qualifications to homeschool their children.

California:

Establishing a private school: Parents must file a Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education and meet private school requirements, such as maintaining records and reporting attendance.
Enrolling in a private school satellite program: Parents can enroll their children in an accredited private school offering homeschool programs.
Using a certified tutor: Parents can hire a certified tutor or become one themselves if they hold a valid California teaching credential.
Enrolling in an independent study program: Parents can enroll their children in a public school independent study program.

Colorado:

Parents must provide a written notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district 14 days before starting homeschooling.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, history, civics, literature, science, and the United States Constitution.
Parents must maintain records, including attendance, test and evaluation results, and immunization records.
Standardized testing is required in grades 3, 5, 7, and 9.

Connecticut:

There are no specific homeschooling statutes in Connecticut, but it is considered a legitimate educational option.
Parents are encouraged to submit a Notice of Intent to homeschool to the local school district, but it is not legally required.
There are no specific subject, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements.

Delaware:

Parents must provide written notice to the local school district of their intent to homeschool.
There are no specific subject requirements or assessment requirements.
Teacher qualifications are not required for homeschooling parents.

Florida:

Homeschooling under the homeschool statute: Parents must provide a notice of intent to homeschool, maintain a portfolio of work, and submit annual evaluations.
Enrolling in a private school offering homeschool programs: Parents can enroll their children in a private school that offers homeschool programs and follow the school’s requirements.
Enrolling in a public school virtual program: Parents can enroll their children in a public school virtual program, such as Florida Virtual School.

Georgia:

Parents must submit a Declaration of Intent to homeschool to the Georgia Department of Education.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, social studies, science, and reading.
Homeschooling must occur for 4.5 hours per day, 180 days per year.
Parents must write an annual progress report and retain records for three years.
Standardized testing is required every three years, starting in grade 3.

Hawaii:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local public school principal.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, social studies, science, health, physical education, and fine arts.
Parents must maintain records and submit an annual progress report.
There are no specific assessment requirements or teacher qualifications.

Idaho:

There are no specific homeschooling statutes in Idaho.
Parents are not required to notify the state or local school district of their intent to homeschool.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Idaho.

Illinois:

There are no specific homeschooling statutes in Illinois, but homeschools are considered private schools.
Parents are not required to notify the state or local school district of their intent to homeschool.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Illinois.

Indiana:

Parents must provide an equivalent education to public schools, including instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
There are no specific notification, recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Indiana.

Iowa:

There are two homeschooling options in Iowa:

Competent Private Instruction (CPI): Parents must file a CPI form with the local school district, provide instruction for 148 days per year, and follow a course of study that includes language arts, math, science, social studies, and health.
Independent Private Instruction (IPI): Parents can homeschool without reporting to the local school district if they provide instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, and health, and if they teach no more than four unrelated students.

Kansas:

Homeschools in Kansas are considered “non-accredited private schools.”
Parents are not required to notify the state or local school district of their intent to homeschool.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Kansas.

Kentucky:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school superintendent within 10 days of starting homeschooling.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, history, and civics.
Parents must maintain attendance records and report attendance to the local superintendent each year.
There are no specific assessment or teacher qualification requirements in Kentucky.

Louisiana:

Homeschooling options in Louisiana include:

Homeschooling under the “home study” program: Parents must submit an application for approval to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, provide a curriculum that is equal to the quality of public schools, and submit annual evaluations.
Registering as a nonpublic school “not seeking state approval”: Parents must submit a letter to the Louisiana Department of Education and provide 180 days of instruction per year.

Maine:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district and the Maine Department of Education within 10 days of starting homeschooling.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health, library skills, fine arts, and computer skills.
Parents must maintain records and submit an annual assessment.
There are no specific teacher qualification requirements in Maine.

Maryland:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district.
Homeschooled students must receive regular, thorough instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.
Parents must maintain a portfolio of materials and submit it for review twice a year.
There are no specific assessment or teacher qualification requirements in Maryland.

Massachusetts:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, and other subjects deemed necessary by the local superintendent.
Parents must provide the local school district with a proposed homeschool plan and obtain approval.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Massachusetts.

Michigan:

There are no specific homeschooling statutes in Michigan.
Parents are not required to notify the state or local school district of their intent to homeschool.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and physical education.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Michigan.

Minnesota:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and physical education.
Parents must maintain records, including annual achievement test results.
Standardized testing is required annually.
Parents must have a high school diploma or GED to homeschool their children.

Mississippi:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Mississippi.

Missouri:

Parents must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction per year, with at least 600 hours in core subjects such as language arts, math, social studies, and science.
At least 400 hours of instruction must take place in the home.
There are no specific notification, recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Missouri.

Montana:

Parents must notify the local school district of their intent to homeschool each year.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, social studies, science, health, arts, and physical education.
Parents must maintain records of their child’s educational progress.
There are no specific assessment or teacher qualification requirements in Montana.

Nebraska:

Parents must submit a notarized “Parent or Guardian Form” to the Nebraska Department of Education and obtain a written acknowledgment before starting homeschooling.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, and health.
Parents must maintain records of their child’s educational progress.
There are no specific assessment or teacher qualification requirements in Nebraska.

Nevada:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Parents must maintain records of their child’s educational progress.
There are no specific assessment or teacher qualification requirements in Nevada.

New Hampshire:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent or the Commissioner of Education.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and other subjects deemed necessary by the parents.
Parents must maintain a portfolio of work and submit an annual evaluation.
There are no specific teacher qualification requirements in New Hampshire.

New Jersey:

There are no specific homeschooling statutes in New Jersey.
Parents are not required to notify the state or local school district of their intent to homeschool.
Homeschooled students must receive an education equivalent to that provided in public schools.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in New Jersey.

New Mexico:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, social studies, and science.
Parents must maintain records of their child’s educational progress.
There are no specific assessment or teacher qualification requirements in New Mexico.

New York:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, health, music, visual arts, and physical education.
Parents must submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), quarterly reports, and an annual assessment.
There are specific standardized testing requirements starting in grade 4.

North Carolina:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Parents must maintain records of their child’s educational progress and submit standardized test results annually.
Parents must have at least a high school diploma or GED to homeschool their children.

North Dakota:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and physical education.
Parents must maintain records of their child’s educational progress and submit standardized test results in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10.
Parents must have at least a high school diploma or GED to homeschool their children.

Ohio:

Homeschooling options in Ohio include:

Homeschooling under the “home education” option: Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool, an outline of the intended curriculum, and a list of materials to be used.
Enrolling in a nonpublic school that offers homeschool programs: Parents can enroll their children in a nonpublic school offering homeschool programs.

Oklahoma:

There are no specific homeschooling statutes in Oklahoma, but homeschools are considered private schools.
Parents are not required to notify the state or local school district of their intent to homeschool.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Oklahoma.

Oregon:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local Education Service District (ESD) within 10 days of starting homeschooling.
There are no specific subject requirements for homeschooled students.
Parents must submit standardized test results in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10.
There are no specific teacher qualification requirements in Oregon.

Pennsylvania:

Parents must submit a notarized affidavit of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and physical education.
Parents must maintain a portfolio of work, submit annual evaluations, and submit standardized test results in grades 3, 5, and 8.
There are specific teacher qualification requirements for parents homeschooling high school students.

Rhode Island:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Parents must maintain records of their child’s educational progress.
There are no specific assessment or teacher qualification requirements in Rhode Island. However, local school committees may require periodic progress reports.

South Carolina:

Homeschooling options in South Carolina include:

Homeschooling under the local school district’s guidelines: Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool, have at least a high school diploma or GED, provide instruction for at least 180 days per year, and submit annual progress reports and standardized test results.
Homeschooling through the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS): Parents must meet SCAIHS requirements and follow their guidelines.
Homeschooling through an approved third-party association: Parents must follow the guidelines and requirements of the chosen association.

South Dakota:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in South Dakota.

Tennessee:

Homeschooling options in Tennessee include:

Homeschooling under the local school district’s guidelines: Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool, provide instruction for at least 180 days per year, and submit annual standardized test results.
Homeschooling through a church-related school: Parents must enroll their children in a church-related school that offers homeschool programs and follow their guidelines.
Homeschooling through an accredited online school: Parents must enroll their children in an accredited online school and follow their guidelines.

Texas:

There are no specific homeschooling statutes in Texas, but homeschools are considered private schools.
Parents are not required to notify the state or local school district of their intent to homeschool.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Texas.

Utah:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
There are no specific subject requirements for homeschooled students.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Utah.

Vermont:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the Vermont Agency of Education.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and physical education.
Parents must submit an annual progress report, including a portfolio of work or an assessment by a qualified teacher.
There are no specific teacher qualification requirements in Vermont.

Virginia:

Homeschooling options in Virginia include:

Homeschooling under the “home instruction” option: Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool, provide evidence of the parent’s qualifications, and submit an annual progress report.
Homeschooling under the “religious exemption” option: Parents must obtain a religious exemption from the local school board.
Homeschooling through an approved correspondence program or online school: Parents must enroll their children in an approved program and follow their guidelines.

Washington:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, health, art, music, and physical education.
Parents must maintain records of their child’s educational progress and submit standardized test results or an annual assessment by a certified teacher.
Parents must have at least a high school diploma or GED or work with a qualified person to homeschool their children.

West Virginia:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and physical education.
Parents must maintain records of their child’s educational progress and submit an annual assessment, either through a standardized test or a portfolio review by a certified teacher.
Parents must have at least a high school diploma or GED to homeschool their children.

Wisconsin:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, and health.
Parents must provide at least 875 hours of instruction per year.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Wisconsin.

Wyoming:

Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschooled students must receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, civics, history, literature, and the U.S. Constitution.
There are no specific recordkeeping, assessment, or teacher qualification requirements in Wyoming.

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