Homeschooling Laws by State

Many states have detailed guides that inform prospective homeschoolers of homeschool laws. Though helpful and important, they can prove to be an overload of information. To avoid getting overwhelmed with too much information at once, you can use the steps below to take your homeschooling journey one step at a time! You can also explore our pages that break down homeschooling laws in each state to make getting started as easy as possible:

How to Start Your Homeschooling Journey

To officially become a homeschooler in most states, you’ll need to:

• Research the homeschool requirements of your state.
• Plan a curriculum that includes all required subjects for your child.
• File an affidavit with your local school district.
• Formally withdraw your child from public school.
• Maintain records of your child’s achievements and learnings such as a report card or transcripts, following the requirements of your state along with your own needs.
• Have fun!

While there are rules to follow in homeschooling, there is also a ton of freedom. Don’t get so caught up in the regulations that you forget to enjoy learning at home. Local homeschooling groups can be especially helpful for families who are trying to start homeschooling, since they’ve already been through the process themselves.

Know Your Homeschooling Laws

Homeschool laws encompass a large number of topics, which is why it is so important to learn your state’s requirements and expectations. State laws can cover required curriculum, extracurricular activities, standardized testing, benchmark goals, reporting, and documentation, among other things. Requirements may even change between elementary school and middle school, or middle school and high school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is homeschooling legal?

A: Homeschooling is legal in all states, but the laws vary.

Q: How much does homeschooling cost? 

A: It can vary depending on the homeschool curriculum, requirements, and potential state grants. Some states have grant programs that will give money to parents to help with their homeschooling efforts, so it is important to learn if your state provides this type of assistance. Even without assistance, the ability to customize most aspects of homeschooling means it’s possible for families with a variety of budgets to decide what fits their needs best.

Q: How do I keep track of what my child has done? 

A: There are many ways to track your child’s progress! Some parents utilize computers and scanners to keep clutter to a minimum, while others keep nearly everything their child completes. You want to make sure you create a system that works for you and follows your state’s requirements.

Q: What resources are available to assist me? 

A: There are plenty of resources available to help you in your homeschooling journey. There are online and in-person homeschool groups for guidance, pre-made curriculums to make lesson planning easier, websites that lay out your state’s homeschooling laws, and more! If you need help being pointed in the right direction, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team through the chat box on the parent page. You can also email us at parents-help@miacademy.co.

Q: What is the best age to start homeschooling? 

A: You can begin your homeschooling journey at any time. Students in elementary school, middle school, and high school can all thrive learning at home. It’s never too late or too early so you can start whenever it feels right for your family.

Q: Should I homeschool? 

A: This is a question only you, as your child’s parent, can answer. You know their needs, struggles, and strengths better than anybody. You know what is best for them! If you’d like to talk through your options, try joining a homeschooling group to hear some of their stories and get a feel for whether or not this lifestyle is right for your family. 

Q: What are the advantages of homeschooling over public school or private school?

A: Many parents find that homeschooling has many advantages over traditional schooling for their family. Some parents feel that their child is  not being challenged enough in school, or is not receiving the support they need. Homeschooling parents appreciate the ability to create a customized curriculum for their child. This flexibility allows you to build a curriculum that encourages, supports, and interests your child, setting them up to become a lifelong learner.

Q: Will I be able to support my child with a disability if I homeschool them?

A: Homeschooling parents can absolutely support their child with a disability. Many parents pull their children out of public school due to a lack of support or a lack of care. Parents often find they can provide more customizable support for their child with a disability, which can serve them better than general guidelines set by the school. There are many resources available both in person and online to help you homeschool your child with a learning disability. Whether you’re looking for supplemental materials to make lessons more accessible for your child, or need some advice from other homeschool parents, there are many ways to receive support along your journey.