Starting Your Homeschool Journey: Requirements to Get Started
How to Start Homeschooling: Find Your State’s Requirements
Homeschooling requirements are controlled at the state level, and vary from state to state, with each jurisdiction having its own set of rules and regulations that must be followed in order for the education provided at home to be officially recognized. These requirements typically cover aspects such as curriculum standards, attendance records, testing procedures, and teacher qualifications. It is crucial for parents who choose to homeschool their children to familiarize themselves with the specific guidelines established by their state’s department of education in order to ensure that their child receives proper credit for their education. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in educational setbacks and potential legal implications.
Homeschooling Requirements by State
Select a State to see its requirements
Alabama
Alabama’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit a signed enrollment form to the local superintendent.
2. Maintain attendance records for each homeschooled child.
3. Ensure that the instructor has a high school diploma or GED.
4. Keep immunization records up-to-date as required by state law.
Find out more at HSLDA
Alaska
Alaska’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. No requirements, depending on homeschooling track selection
Find out more at HSLDA
Arizona
Arizona’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit an affidavit of intent to homeschool to the county school superintendent within 30 days of starting a homeschool program.
2. Provide instruction in at least the subjects of reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.
3. Maintain educational records and documentation of attendance for each homeschooled child.
4. Ensure that the instructor has at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Find out more at HSLDA
Arkansas
Arkansas’ requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool form to the local school district annually.
Find out more at HSLDA
California
California’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. File a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the California Department of Education between October 1 and October 15 each year.
2. Provide instruction in specific subjects including English, math, social studies, science, and health.
3. Maintain attendance records for each homeschooled child.
4. Ensure that the instructor holds a valid credential for the grade level being taught or is working with a certified tutor.
Find out more at HSLDA
Colorado
Colorado’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit a notice of intent to establish a home-based education program to the local school district.
2. Provide instruction in reading, writing, math, history, civics, literature, and science.
3. Maintain attendance records and submit an annual progress report if requested by the school district.
4. Ensure that the instructor has at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
5. Administer standardized tests in grades 3, 5, 7, 9.
Find out more at HSLDA
Connecticut
Connecticut’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit a written notice of intent to homeschool to the local superintendent of schools (optional).
2. Teach specific subjects including reading, writing, spelling, grammar, geography, arithmetic, US history and citizenship education.
3. Maintain attendance records and a portfolio of each student’s work for at least two years (optional).
Find out more at HSLDA
Delaware
Delaware’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit an affidavit of intent to homeschool to the local school district.
2. Maintain attendance records for each homeschooled child.
3. Ensure that the instructor has at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Find out more at HSLDA
Florida
Florida’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit a notice of intent to establish a home education program to the local school district superintendent.
2. Provide instruction in specific subjects including reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
3. Maintain a portfolio of educational records and materials for each homeschooled child.
4. Conduct an annual educational evaluation through a standardized test or other assessment approved by the state.
5. Keep attendance records documenting at least 180 days of instruction per year.
Find out more at HSLDA
Georgia
Georgia’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit an annual declaration of intent to homeschool to the Georgia Department of Education.
2. Provide instruction in specific subjects including math, language arts, science, social studies, and reading.
3. Maintain attendance records for each homeschooled child.
4. Ensure that the instructor has a high school diploma or GED.
5. Administer standardized tests every three years starting in the third grade.
Find out more at HSLDA
Hawaii
Hawaii’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. File a notice of intent to homeschool with the Hawaii Department of Education.
2. Submit an annual progress report
3. Maintain attendance records.
4. Teach subjects required by the state, including language arts, math, social studies, science, and health.
Find out more at HSLDA
Idaho
Idaho’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Provide instruction in subjects commonly and usually taught in public schools.
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Illinois
Illinois’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Provide instruction in core subjects such as language arts, math, science, social studies, and physical education.
2. Ensure that the primary instructor holds at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Find out more at HSLDA
Indiana
Indiana’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Provide 180 days of instruction per year.
2. Teach language arts, math, social studies, science, and fine arts.
3. Maintain attendance records.
Find out more at HSLDA
Iowa
Iowa’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. File a Competent Private Instruction (CPI) form with the local school district.
2. Provide instruction in the basic skills of reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.
3. Conduct an annual assessment to evaluate student progress.
4. Keep records of immunization and health screenings for each homeschooled student.
Find out more at HSLDA
Kansas
Kansas’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Register your school with the state
2. Teach subjects commonly taught in public schools, including math, language arts, science, social studies, and physical education.
3. Maintain records of attendance and academic progress.
4. Assess student progress annually through a standardized test or evaluation by a qualified individual.
Find out more at HSLDA
Kentucky
Kentucky’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit a Letter of Intent to the local school district.
2. Provide instruction in English grammar, spelling, reading, writing, mathematics, science, civics, and history.
3. Maintain records of attendance and academic progress.
4. Teach for the required number of days
Find out more at HSLDA
Louisiana
Louisiana’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must provide 180 days of instruction per year.
2. Subjects required to be taught include math, English, science, and social studies.
3. Parents must submit an annual letter of intent to homeschool to the Louisiana Department of Education.
4. Standardized testing is required in grades 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9.
Find out more at HSLDA
Maine
Maine’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must provide a sequential educational program that includes math, English, social studies, science, health education, physical education, library skills, fine arts, computer proficiency, and Maine studies.
2. Instruction must be given annually for 175 days.
3. Parents must submit an annual letter of intent to homeschool to the Maine Department of Education.
4. Standardized testing is not required but may be requested by the superintendent of schools.
Find out more at HSLDA
Maryland
Maryland’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must provide regular, thorough instruction in the studies usually taught in public schools to children of the same age.
2. Instruction must be given for a minimum of 180 days each school year.
3. Parents must submit an annual notification of consent to homeschool to the local school system.
4. Maintain a portfolio of educational materials
Find out more at HSLDA
Massachusetts
Massachusetts’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must provide instruction in the same subjects required to be taught in public schools.
2. Instruction must be given for at least 180 days each year.
3. Parents must submit an educational plan outlining their homeschooling goals and methods to the local school district, along with a notice of intent
4. Complete periodic standardized tests or evaluations
Find out more at HSLDA
Michigan
Michigan’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must provide an organized educational program that includes reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar.
2. Instruction must be given for at least 180 days each school year.
Find out more at HSLDA
Minnesota
Minnesota’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must provide instruction in a variety of subjects, including reading, writing, literature, fine arts, math, science, history, geography, government, health, physical education, and citizenship.
2. Parents must notify the local school district of their intent to homeschool annually.
3. Standardized testing is required annually in grades 3-8 and once in high school.
Find out more at HSLDA
Mississippi
Mississippi’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must submit an annual certificate of enrollment to the local school attendance officer.
Find out more at HSLDA
Missouri
Missouri’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction during the school year, with at least 600 hours in the basics such as reading, math, science, language arts, and social studies.
2. Parents must maintain records of attendance and submit a plan of instruction to the local school district upon request.
Find out more at HSLDA
Montana
Montana’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must provide a basic education including language arts, math, social studies, science, health, arts, and career education.
2. Instruction must be given for at least 720 – 1,080 hours per school fiscal year.
3. Parents must submit an annual notification of intent to homeschool to the county superintendent of schools.
Find out more at HSLDA
Nebraska
Nebraska’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must provide a sequential curriculum of instruction in the subjects of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
2. Instruction must be given for at least 1,080 hours each school year.
3. Parents must submit an annual statement of intent to homeschool to the local school district.
Find out more at HSLDA
Nevada
Nevada’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. File a notice of intent to homeschool.
2. Instruction must be equivalent to public schools, including the subjects: English, math, science, and social studies.
Find out more at HSLDA
New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must notify the local school district of their intent to homeschool.
2. Students must be taught the required subjects such as: science, mathematics, language, government, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and fine arts.
3. Provide an annual portfolio of student work or evaluation by a certified teacher.
4. Standardized testing is required annually
Find out more at HSLDA
New Jersey
New Jersey’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit a Notice of Intent to the local school district.
2. Provide instruction in specific subjects including language arts, math, science, social studies, and health.
3. Keep attendance records and submit an annual progress assessment.
Find out more at HSLDA
New Mexico
New Mexico’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit a letter of intent to homeschool to the local school district.
2. Provide instruction in the required subjects, including reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science.
3. Teach for the required number of days (typically 180 days)
Find out more at HSLDA
New York
New York’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) to the local school district.
2. Provide instruction in specific subjects, including math, reading, writing, science, social studies, and patriotism, and comply with day, hour, and subject requirements
3. Keep attendance records and submit quarterly reports of student progress.
4. Assess your student annually with standardized tests.
Find out more at HSLDA
North Carolina
North Carolina’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must file a Notice of Intent to homeschool with the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education.
2. Provide the required days of instruction by operating for at least nine calendar months each year.
3. Keep attendance records and administer a nationally standardized achievement test annually.
Find out more at HSLDA
North Dakota
North Dakota’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must notify the local school district of their intent to homeschool.
2. Provide an annual statement of assurance regarding educational objectives and testing.
3. Instruction must include language arts, math, social studies, science, and health.
4. Issue standardized tests bi-annually if applicable.
Find out more at HSLDA
Ohio
Ohio’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must notify the local school district of their intent to homeschool.
2. Provide instruction including specific subjects like language, math, science, history, government, and social studies.
Find out more at HSLDA
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. A homeschool must be operated for 180 days.
Find out more at HSLDA
Oregon
Oregon’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must register with a homeschool education service district.
2. Provide annual assessments of student progress in specific subjects, including math, language arts, science, and social studies.
3. Keep attendance records and submit an educational plan.
Find out more at HSLDA
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must submit a notarized affidavit to the school district superintendent each year.
2. Students must receive instruction in certain subjects, including math, language arts, and science.
3. Standardized testing or evaluation is required to assess student’s performance
4. The homeschool program must operate for at least 180 days per school year.
Find out more at HSLDA
Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must submit an annual notice of intent to homeschool to the school district superintendent.
2. Homeschooling parents must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
3. Students must receive instruction in certain subjects, such as math, reading, writing, science, and civics.
4. Students must be taught for the number of days as public schools, 180 days
Find out more at HSLDA
South Carolina
South Carolina’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must have a high school diploma or GED.
2. A homeschool association must approve the homeschooling program.
3. Students must receive instruction in certain subjects, including math, science, social studies, and language arts.
4. Students must be taught for 180 days out of the year, and records must be kept of academic progress.
Find out more at HSLDA
South Dakota
South Dakota’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must submit an annual notification to the local school district.
2. Students must receive instruction in certain subjects, such as math, language arts, science, and social studies.
Find out more at HSLDA
Tennessee
Tennessee’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and submit a notice of intent.
2. Homeschooling families must maintain attendance records and submit them for review if requested.
3. Students must receive instruction in math, language arts, science, social studies, and health.
4. Standardized testing is required in grades 5, 7, and 9.
Find out more at HSLDA
Texas
Texas’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must notify the local school district of their intent to homeschool.
2. Curriculum must include good citizenship, math, reading, spelling, grammar, and a study of good character and work habits.
3. Standardized testing is not required for homeschooled students in Texas.
Find out more at HSLDA
Utah
Utah’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must submit a notarized affidavit to the local school district.
2. Homeschooling parents must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Find out more at HSLDA
Vermont
Vermont’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must submit a written enrollment notice to the state department of education.
2. Homeschooling parents must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
3. Students must receive instruction in certain subjects, including reading, writing, math, history, physical education, fine arts, and science.
4. Standardized testing must be taken and recorded annually.
Find out more at HSLDA
Virginia
Virginia’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must provide evidence of a high school diploma or higher education.
2. Homeschooling parents must submit an annual notice of intent to the local school district.
3. Students must receive instruction in certain subjects, such as math, language arts, science, history, and social studies.
4. Standardized testing is required annually for homeschooled students starting at age 6.
Find out more at HSLDA
Washington
Washington’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Parents must file a declaration of intent to homeschool with the local school district.
2. Homeschooling parents must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and teaching must happen at least 180 days per year.
3. Students must receive instruction in certain subjects, including math, science, language arts, social studies, history, health, and art and music appreciation.
4. Standardized testing is required annually for each student.
Find out more at HSLDA
West Virginia
West Virginia’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool form to the county superintendent.
2. Provide evidence of educational progress annually such as standardized test scores or an academic assessment.
3. Teach subjects including reading, language, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Find out more at HSLDA
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit a homeschool report to the local school district administrator.
2. Provide at least 875 hours of instruction each school year covering subjects like reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.
3. Maintain records of attendance and academic progress for each student.
Find out more at HSLDA
Wyoming
Wyoming’s requirements can be summarized as:
1. Submit a Letter of Intent to homeschool to the local school district.
2. Submit curriculum to the public school district for evaluation, and teach the required subjects of reading, writing, math, civics, history, literature, and science.
Find out more at HSLDA
Testing and Homeschooling
Many states, depending on the method of homeschooling that you choose, will require your child to undergo standardized state testing or evaluation at the end of each academic year, beginning anywhere between 5th and 1st grade depending on your state. Standardized testing is the State’s method of ensuring that your child is keeping up with State-set education standards, and as a result, are a must to prepare your children for every year.
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