2025 Guide to State Homeschool Laws and Requirements

For many families, taking the first step into homeschooling feels exciting and a little intimidating. Every U.S. state has its own set of laws, from how you notify school districts to what records you need to keep or whether your child must take standardized tests.

It’s completely normal to worry about missing a requirement or doing something wrong. New homeschoolers often feel anxious understanding the legalities, unsure where to start or how to stay compliant. But, once you understand your state homeschool laws, everything starts to feel more manageable and even empowering.

This blog covers state homeschool laws to help you comply confidently.  Are you new to homeschooling or updating your knowledge? This overview is your resource.

TL;DR

• Homeschooling is legal in all 50 U.S. states, but each state has unique laws on registration, subjects, testing, and parental responsibilities.

• States like Texas, Alaska, and Idaho offer the most flexible homeschooling laws, requiring minimal oversight, no testing, and little to no reporting.

• Key steps for legal compliance include researching laws, withdrawing from school, registering, teaching required subjects, and keeping detailed educational records.

• Most states require core subjects like math, science, English, and social studies; others may mandate health, civics, or physical education.

• Use trusted resources like TSH Anywhere for curriculum support, legal guidance, and community forums to enhance your homeschooling journey.

Overview of State Homeschooling Legislation

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.4% of K–12 students in the United States were homeschooled during the 2022–23 school year.

While the numbers are constantly increasing, knowing the legalities behind homeschooling is vital.

While homeschooling is allowed nationwide, the legal requirements differ from state to state. Some states have minimal regulations, while others impose a variety of mandates. These regulations generally fall into three categories:

• Private School Equivalency: In states like California, Indiana, and Texas, the law treats homeschooling as a form of private schooling, and it expects parents to comply with the rules that apply to private schools.

• Compulsory Attendance Statutes: In states like New Jersey and Maryland, homeschooling laws are tied to compulsory attendance statutes. These laws outline the age range and number of instructional days required for homeschoolers but may not explicitly mention "homeschooling."

• Homeschool-Specific Statutes: Some states, such as Maine, Virginia, and Iowa, have specific homeschooling statutes. These laws provide clear guidelines on registering, curriculum requirements, and assessments, although different terms like "home instruction" or "alternative instruction" might be used.

Research your state's laws to ensure homeschool compliance.

Let's dive into the nuts and bolts of what you need to be aware of, starting with some essential requirements shared across most states.

What are the Requirements for Homeschooling Across States?

Though regulations vary, most states share common legal expectations for homeschooling families. Here are the key areas that parents should consider when establishing a homeschool:

1. Withdrawing Your Child from Public School

Withdraw your child to avoid truancy issues, but formal withdrawal procedures vary by state. Always consult local education authorities for specific withdrawal guidelines in your state.

2. Registering Your Homeschool

In many states, you must notify your local school district or the state education department about your decision to homeschool. Depending on your state's guidelines, this might involve filing a notice of intent or completing other paperwork.

3. Curriculum Requirements

Some states mandate specific subjects or instructional hours that must be included in your homeschool curriculum. For example, states like Pennsylvania and New York have detailed curriculum guidelines, while others like Texas and Idaho leave the curriculum up to the parents. Finding a curriculum that meets your state's requirements and your child's educational needs is essential.

4. Keeping Records

States often require homeschool parents to maintain records of their child's progress, including attendance logs, portfolios of work, and assessments. This documentation may be crucial in demonstrating compliance with your state's homeschool laws and can also be necessary if your child transitions back into a public or private school.

5. Standardized Testing

Some states require annual or periodic standardized testing to assess your child's academic progress. For example, states like Florida and North Carolina have testing requirements, while others like Alaska and Oklahoma do not. Testing results may need to be submitted to local education authorities depending on state laws.

6. High School Transcripts

Maintaining a detailed transcript of your student's courses, grades, and extracurricular activities is vital for families homeschooling through high school. This is especially important when preparing for college admissions, as universities will request transcripts to evaluate your child's academic background.

7. Vaccination Requirements

Many states don’t ask for vaccination status, but a few states require documentation of vaccinations submitted to the state.

Ready to Homeschool with Confidence and Clarity?

At TSHA, we make legal compliance simple and learning joyful. With our screen-free curriculum, expert guidance, and built-in support tools, you’re never on this journey alone.

Visit TSHA to Start Your Homeschool Journey Today

Now that the requirements are clear, let’s have a look at how you can legally homeschool in your state. 

Also Read: Understanding the Pros and Cons of Homeschooling Kids

How to Legally Homeschool in Your State?

Homeschooling is legal across all 50 U.S. states, but each state sets its own specific guidelines and requirements. To stay compliant and avoid legal issues, it’s essential to understand and follow your state’s homeschooling laws.

If you're a roadschooling family, your legal obligations are tied to the state that issued your driver's license or vehicle registration. Be sure to carry documentation proving you've met those homeschooling requirements when traveling across states.

In many states, parents, grandparents, or other designated family members can homeschool a child, provided they meet the state’s legal criteria and complete the necessary setup.

For high school students, keeping a detailed transcript is especially important. These records are critical for college admissions or future opportunities. Be sure to follow your state’s recommended course guidelines and meet, if not exceed, their academic standards.

In the next section, let’s find out state-wise description of homeschool laws to be followed.

Homeschool Laws by State

While each state in the U.S. outlines its own homeschooling laws through its Department of Education (DOE), enforcement of these laws can differ at the local district level. This inconsistency often leads to confusion among homeschooling families. 

The table below presents the official guidelines as published by each state’s DOE, offering a clear overview of age requirements, testing mandates, subject coverage, and additional obligations.

State	Attendance Age	Testing	Required Subjects	Additional Requirements
California		None	PE, foreign language, social sciences, English, etc.	Charter/ISP or private school affidavit registration; course & attendance reporting
Texas	6-18	None	Core academic subjects required	Basic curriculum expectation; no notice or test
Florida	6-16	Annual test or portfolio eval	None	Portfolio review; annual notice + students can join public extracurriculars
Virginia	5-18	Certified evaluation or annual test	Equivalent to public school	Immunization + curriculum plan intent; HS diploma option at 16
Hawaii	6-18	Grades 3,5,8,10	Comparable to public curriculum	Curriculum plan, File Form 4140, and annual progress report
Indiana	7-graduation	None	Equivalent to public school	Attendance logs; 180 days/year
Alaska	7-16	None	None	Choose from four statutorily defined options
Massachusetts	6-16	Varied by local officials	No statutorily defined subjects	Local approval required before start
Ohio	6-18	Annual assessment or portfolio	Full public-school curriculum	Remediation plans if needed; 900 hrs/year
North Carolina	7-16	Annual standardized test	Equivalent to public school	9 month schedule + intent + police checks/immunizations
Michigan	6-18	None	Core academic subjects	Reporting only if special needs; optional registration with degree requirement
Pennsylvania	8-17	Annual testing/ evaluation	Extensive including art and safety education	Affidavit + portfolio and immunizations by Aug 1; 180 days
Georgia	6-16	Every 3 years (from 3rd grade)	Social studies, science, math, arts, language, reading	Intent + minimum parent qualification (HS diploma/GED)
New Jersey	6-16	None	Equivalent to public school	Option for GED or credits toward diploma
Arizona	6-16	None	Science, social studies, math, grammar, reading	County jurisdiction, proof of ID + notarized affidavit
Colorado	7-16	Testing in grades 3,5,7,9,11	Comprehensive core including U.S. Constitution	Immunization logs, test results, attendance, intent
New York	6-16	Annual (grades 4+)	Extensive K-12 subject list	Annual assessment + quarterly reports + IHIP
Kentucky	6-18	None	Core subjects, including civics	Record keeping, annual notice, school name
Alabama	7-16	None	None	Homeschool under church/private law
Washington	8-18	Annual test or standardized evaluation	Extensive including music & art	45 college credits or
Illinois	6-17	None	Same as public schools	No registration required; considered non-public school
Utah	6-18	Optional public-school access	None	Notarized affidavit + attendance exemption
Oregon	6-18	Grades 3,5,8,10	Core subjects required	Initial notice only; no annual reporting
Maryland	5-16	Portfolio review annually	Arts, social studies, science, math, english	Submit DOE info packet + approval
Maine	6-17	Annual assessment required	Comprehensive including computer proficiency	Curriculum outline + annual intent; 175 days
Tennessee	6-17	Varies by homeschool type	None	Annual notice required
Missouri	7-17	None	Core subjects (math, reading, etc.)	Attendance logs & portfolios required; 1,000 hrs/year
Minnesota	7-17	Annual testing required	Broad curriculum including health and fine arts	Immunization record; parent qualifications + intent
Wisconsin	6-18	None	Health + core subjects	875 hrs/year; annual notice by October 15
South Carolina	5-17	Annual testing	Core subjects including literature and composition	District board approval; 180 days + 4.5 hrs/day
Louisiana	6-18	None	None	Annual approval via home study plan
New Mexico	5-18	None	Core academic subjects	Annual notice; 180 days + immunization records
Iowa	6-16	Depends on instruction type	Core academic subjects	148 days/year; multiple instructional options
Connecticut	7-17	None	U.S. citizenship, history, geography, math, writing, reading	Annual intent submitted to district superintendent
Montana	7-16	None	Equivalent to public school	Register within first week; attendance & immunizations
Nevada	7-18	None	Age-appropriate core subjects	Educational plan + intent
Arkansas	6-16	Required through state or an alternative test	None	Waiver annually + notice; umbrella schools included
Mississippi	6-17	If returning to public school	None	Simple annual enrollment form required
Wyoming	7-16	None	Core subjects required	Annual curriculum plan filed with trustees
Idaho	7-16	Encouraged, optional	Equivalent to public school	No state registration or reporting required
New Hampshire	6-18	Annual evaluation	Broad curriculum including music and art	Portfolio + intent required
West Virginia	6-16	Yearly portfolio or test	Equivalent to public school	One-time notice + education plan; HS diploma requires compliance
Vermont	6-16	Annual assessment	Comprehensive, including fine arts	Curriculum plan + annual enrollment
Rhode Island	6-18	Agreed method with district	Comprehensive K-12 subjects	Local district approval, 180 days & 5.5 hrs/day
Nebraska	6-16	Optional (district decides)	Core subjects with health	Exempt school registration; immunization records
South Dakota	Up to 18	None	English proficiency	Intent when starting homeschool
North Dakota	7-16	Grades 4,6,8,10	Equivalent to a public school	Diploma requirement for parents, intent, 175 days + immunizations
Delaware	5-16	None	None	Register as non-public school; track attendance & enrollment
Kansas	7-18	Periodic testing	Unspecified public curriculum subjects	Register as private schools; 186 days/year
Oklahoma	5-18	None	None	Minimal registration; no state policy

Disclaimer: It’s important to remember that local school districts may interpret or apply these laws differently. This is why understanding both state-level and local implementation is essential. When in doubt, reach out to your local school district or connect with nearby homeschool support groups for clarification. 

Also Read: Homeschooling vs Public School: Mental Health and Other Advantages

Which state has the easiest homeschool laws?

When it comes to homeschooling freedom, some states make the process exceptionally simple

by requiring minimal oversight. These states typically:

• Don’t require standardized testing

• Don’t mandate reporting or registration

• Allow full curriculum freedom

• Require little to no interaction with local school districts

The top states with the easiest homeschool laws are:

State	Why It’s Easy
Alaska	Multiple legal options, including ones with no notification or testing.
Idaho	No mandatory testing, registration, or curriculum submission.
Illinois	No notice or assessment required; parents choose curriculum.
Missouri	No testing or registration required; only basic recordkeeping (hours + progress).
Oklahoma	Homeschooling is constitutionally protected; no testing or reporting required
Texas	No registration, testing, or reporting required. Only a basic curriculum is expected.

These states are often referred to as “homeschool-friendly” due to their low regulation, giving parents the flexibility to tailor their child’s education without bureaucratic hurdles.

Note: Even in these states, it’s still important to maintain personal records (e.g., attendance, work samples, transcripts) for your own protection, especially if your child transitions to public school, applies for college, or moves to a state with stricter laws.

5 Steps to Ensure Legal Compliance for State Homeschooling

Adhering to legal homeschooling requirements is crucial when considering homeschooling to ensure a smooth educational experience for you and your child. Here are the key insights that outline the essential steps for legal compliance:

Step 1: Research State-Specific Laws

Each state has its homeschooling laws and parental responsibilities. Research these laws to ensure compliance. Inform your local school district of your intent to homeschool. Some states may require enrollment in an approved home-based study program or alternative education system.

Step 2: Withdraw from Current School

If your child is currently enrolled in a school, officially withdraw them to avoid any legal implications regarding attendance.

Step 3: Select an Appropriate Curriculum

Choose a curriculum that meets your state's educational requirements. This is essential for ensuring that your child receives a quality education. Personalize lessons based on your child's strengths and interests while adhering to state-approved subjects.

Step 4: Teach Mandatory Subjects

Ensure you cover all mandatory subjects as mandated by your state law, including math, science, language arts, and social studies.

Step 5: Maintain Accurate Records

Keep detailed records of lessons, subjects, and assessments. Evaluate your child’s progress periodically with tests or assessments.

Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeschooling Resources and Socialization Strategies

4 Best Practices for Effective Homeschooling

To ensure your child receives a high-quality learning experience, it’s important to follow key practices that promote consistency, accountability, and academic growth. Here are four best practices that can help set your homeschool up for long-term success:

• Establish a Routine:  Create a structured daily schedule to keep your child organized.

• Qualified Instruction: Ensure the primary instructor has a high school diploma or equivalent. If not, consider involving a skilled individual to supervise the homeschooling process.

• Annual Assessments: Even if your state does not mandate them, arrange yearly assessments by a certified teacher to gauge your child's academic progress.

• Intervention Plans: Develop a remediation plan if your child struggles academically.

By following these steps and recommendations, you can ensure that you are legally compliant while providing a high-quality education for your child.

Are you looking for guidance on how to make homeschooling more effective? The School House Anywhere offers a range of resources tailored to support parents and educators. From expert advice on curriculum planning to hands-on activity ideas and educational tools, TSH provides everything you need to create a dynamic and engaging homeschool environment. 

Partnering with TSH Anywhere will allow you to access personalized support, instructional materials, and community forums to connect with other homeschooling families.

Conclusion

Complying with state and local homeschooling laws is essential for a successful homeschooling experience. Adhering to these regulations ensures you are legally protected and guarantees your child a quality education.

Continuous research and meticulous record maintenance are crucial components of practical homeschooling. Keeping detailed records of your curriculum, assessments, and progress will help you comply with state requirements and enhance your child's educational journey. You can create a positive and enriching homeschooling environment that fosters learning and growth by staying organized and proactive.

At The School House Anywhere, we offer comprehensive resources, expert guidance, and a supportive network to help you confidently navigate the homeschooling journey.

From legal insights to curriculum planning, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Visit The School House Anywhere today to access invaluable tools and start building a thriving, enriching educational environment for your child!

FAQs

1. What are the general state homeschool laws I need to follow? 

Homeschool laws vary by state, but they generally include requirements such as withdrawing your child from public school, notifying the local school district, maintaining academic records, and teaching compulsory subjects. Some states also mandate periodic standardized testing and assessments.

2. Do I need to register my homeschool with the state? 

In many states, yes. You may need to file a notice of intent to homeschool with your local school district or state education department. The specific process varies by state, so it’s important to research your state’s requirements.

3. How can I ensure I'm complying with my state's homeschool laws?

To ensure compliance, research your state's specific homeschool laws, keep detailed educational records, and adhere to subject and testing requirements. You can consult your state’s Department of Education website or join local homeschool support groups for guidance.

4. What subjects must I teach in my homeschool curriculum? 

The required subjects differ from state to state, but common core subjects include math, language arts, science, and social studies. Some states may also require additional subjects such as physical education or health.