An overview of the laws and regulations surrounding homeschooling, including state and local requirements for reporting and testing.
Homeschool laws in your state: The legal requirements for homeschooling vary by state, so it's important to understand the laws that apply to your specific location.
Filing a notice of intent: Many states require homeschooling parents to file a notice of intent to homeschool, specifying the curriculum that will be used and the number of hours of instruction that will be provided.
Record keeping: Homeschooling parents must keep records of attendance, grades, and any work completed by their children.
Standardized testing: Some states require homeschooling students to take standardized tests to demonstrate learning and progress.
Required subjects: Many states have specific requirements for the subjects that must be covered in homeschooling curriculum, such as math, language arts, science, and social studies.
High school graduation requirements: Homeschooling parents must navigate requirements for high school graduation, including credits and transcripts, and how to prepare students for college.
Homeschooling co-ops: Many homeschooling families participate in co-ops where they share resources, offer joint activities, and support each other in the homeschooling experience.
Special needs homeschooling: Homeschooling can be an excellent option for children with special needs, but parents must understand the legal and practical considerations involved in meeting their children's unique needs.
Homeschooling and working: Many homeschooling parents also work outside the home, which requires careful consideration of time management and juggling priorities.
Homeschooling and college: Some homeschooling students choose to pursue college after completing their education at home, which requires additional research into college admissions requirements and preparation for standardized tests.
Homeschooling and socialization: Homeschooling parents must consider how to provide opportunities for their children to interact with others in a variety of settings, from family activities to community events.
Legal resources for homeschooling: Resources such as homeschooling associations, legal advocates, and experienced homeschooling parents can help ensure that homeschooling families understand and comply with the relevant laws and regulations.
Homeschooling curriculum: Researching and selecting curriculum that is aligned to state requirements and is appropriate for each individual student can also impact legal requirements.
Homeschooling and custody battles: In cases where a homeschooling parent is in a custody battle, their homeschooling approach may be under scrutiny by the courts. Legal requirements in these situations must be taken into account particularly for any required reporting or collaboration with the court.
Homeschooling and Homeschooling Groups: Some states make it mandatory for homeschoolers to be a part of a homeschooling group, and some do not. It is important to understand these rules and take part in the appropriate group.
Compulsory Education Laws/ Attendance Requirements: Each state requires children to attend school for a certain number of days or hours per academic year. Homeschooling families must comply with these compulsory education laws, usually by submitting an attendance record or an annual report to their local school district.
State Notification: Most states require homeschooling families to provide notification to the state or local educational agency of their intent to homeschool. This may include submitting a notice of intent, providing information on the curriculum, and/or listing the textbooks or other instructional materials used.
Parent Qualifications: Some states require homeschooling parents to have a certain level of education or specific credentials. For example, parents may be required to have a high school diploma or a college degree or to complete a teacher training program.
Curriculum: Homeschooling families must usually provide a written curriculum that outlines the subjects and topics that will be taught. Some states require that the curriculum follows specific guidelines or standards.
Assessments/Evaluations: Homeschooling parents are usually required to provide some type of evaluation or assessment of their child's progress. This may include standardized tests, teacher evaluations, or other forms of assessment. Some states require annual assessments, and some may require them less frequently.
Record Keeping: Many states require homeschooling parents to keep detailed records of their child's attendance, academic progress, and curriculum. These records may need to be submitted to the state or local educational agency regularly.
Immunization and Health Requirements: Homeschooling families are usually required to comply with state immunization and health requirements, which may include proof of vaccinations, physical exams, and vaccination records.
Special Education Services: Homeschooling parents must work with state educational agencies to provide special education services to children with disabilities.
Public School Enrollment: Some states may require homeschooling parents to enroll their children in public school for specific subjects or activities, such as extracurricular activities or classes, that are not offered or available in homeschooling.
Other Requirements: Homeschooling regulations and requirements can vary widely by state. Other requirements that some states impose on homeschooling families may include teacher certification, background checks, fire safety inspections of the home, and more.