State Homeschooling Laws

You've decided to homeschool. Now comes the hard part: figuring out what your state actually requires.

Are you supposed to notify someone? Do you need approval for your curriculum? What about testing? The internet offers conflicting answers, and one wrong move feels like it could bring truancy officers to your door.

The reality is that homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. But each state has its own rules, and they vary dramatically. Some states want detailed paperwork and annual assessments. Others ask for nothing at all. 

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know, no legal jargon, no unnecessary complexity.

At a glance

• Homeschooling is legal nationwide, but rules differ wildly. 5 states require extensive paperwork and testing, 29 need basic notification, and 11 states require nothing at all.

• Focus on four compliance areas, such as notification timing, required subjects (reading, math, science), testing or evaluations, and record-keeping. Most states don't need all four.

• Education Savings Accounts in 15+ states now fund homeschooling with $4,000-$10,500 per child, while new federal model bills threaten to increase oversight.

• Know your rights. Most home visits aren't required by law; you control testing locations, and district officials often demand more than state law mandates.

• TSHA's curriculum handles compliance automatically through built-in progress tracking and documentation, covering all required subjects for Pre-K-6th grade across any state's regulations.

What are the Three Levels of State Homeschool Regulation

Not all states treat homeschooling the same way. Understanding your state's approach helps you prepare the right documentation and avoid unnecessary worry.

States fall into three categories based on how much oversight they require. Your location determines whether you'll fill out extensive paperwork or simply start teaching tomorrow.

High-Regulation States: What to Expect

Four states require comprehensive oversight. They are New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. These states require the most comprehensive oversight and documentation for homeschooling families.

Key requirements include:

• Annual notification of intent to homeschool to the school district or the state education department

• Detailed curriculum plans submitted for approval or review

• Mandatory standardized testing or professional evaluations at specific grade levels

• Quarterly or annual progress reports, submitted to authorities

• Parent qualifications may be reviewed (though certification is rarely required)

• Individualized Home Instruction Plans (IHIPs) in some states

• Portfolio reviews by certified teachers or approved evaluators

• Subject-specific hour requirements documented

• Attendance records, maintained and sometimes submitted

• Home visits by school officials are rare cases (state-dependent)

The Transparent Classroom tool by TSHA generates the documentation and progress reports these states require. You'll have everything organized for evaluations without creating extra work.

Moderate-Regulation States: Finding Balance

Twenty-three states require basic notification but don't demand curriculum approval. Those are Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Key requirements include:

• Notice of intent to homeschool filed with the school district or the state

• Basic curriculum subject list provided (not detailed lesson plans)

• Annual notification or renewal in most states

• Standardized testing at certain grade levels in some states

• Attendance or instructional hour tracking

• Immunization records or exemptions filed

• Some states require specific subjects like the U.S. Constitution or state history

• Professional evaluation or portfolio review options, available

• Teacher qualifications, checked in a few states

• Periodic progress assessments (portfolio, testing, or evaluation)

The requirements are manageable but still need attention to detail. TSHA's built-in tracking features make it simple to maintain the records these states expect.

Low-Regulation States: Maximum Freedom

Eleven states require no notification at all. Texas, Alaska, Oklahoma, Idaho, Missouri, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Montana give parents complete freedom.

Key requirements include:

• No notification to the school district or the state is required

• No mandated curriculum approval or subject lists

• No required standardized testing or evaluations

• No teacher qualification requirements for parents

• No attendance record submissions

• No home visits from officials

• Classified as private schools in some states (like Texas)

• "Bona fide" education standard (legitimate, not a sham)

• Freedom to choose teaching methods and materials

• Self-determined graduation requirements

Once you know your state's regulatory level, you can prepare the specific paperwork and processes required. Let's look at those requirements in detail.

Also Read: Best States in the U.S. for Families and Home Education

Essential Legal Requirements by Category

Understanding requirements by category makes compliance straightforward. Most states focus on four areas: notification, curriculum, assessment, and record-keeping. Not every state requires all four. Check your state's specific rules, then use this section as your preparation guide.

Notification and Registration Requirements

Most states want to know you're homeschooling, even if they don't regulate how you do it.

• When to notify: Typically, before you start homeschooling or within 30 days. If your child currently attends public school, submit a withdrawal letter first. Then file your homeschool notification.

• How to notify: Send a simple letter to your school district superintendent. Include your child's name, age, grade level, and address. State that you're providing home instruction.

Keep a copy of everything you send. Use certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

• Annual timelines: Some states require yearly notification at the start of each school year. Mark your calendar so you don't miss deadlines.

• Common mistakes: Don't over-explain your reasons for homeschooling. Don't agree to requirements that your state doesn't actually mandate. And never allow home visits unless your state law specifically requires them (most don't).

  
  

Curriculum and Subject Requirements

Most states list core subjects you must teach, but don't dictate how you teach them.

• Core subjects: Reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies appear in nearly every state's requirements. Some add art, music, health, or physical education.

• How AEC aligns: TSHA's American Emergent Curriculum covers all these subjects through integrated, hands-on learning. Your children study multiple subjects simultaneously through real-world projects and storytelling.

• Flexibility within frameworks: States rarely specify textbooks or teaching methods. You choose how to cover the required subjects. AEC's project-based approach satisfies legal requirements while keeping learning engaging.

• "Bona fide" education: States like Texas use this term to mean sincere, authentic education, not just checking boxes. You need a real curriculum with structure. TSHA's comprehensive 6-week learning sessions provide exactly that.

Assessment and Testing Mandates

Some states require proof that your children are learning. The method varies.

• Standardized tests: States like Virginia, North Dakota, and South Carolina require annual testing. You can usually choose the test and administer it at home or through a testing service.

• Portfolio evaluation: States like Pennsylvania accept portfolio reviews instead of tests. A certified teacher or evaluator reviews your child's work samples and writes a brief assessment.

• Professional evaluators: If your state requires evaluation, you'll need a qualified professional. Many homeschool organizations maintain lists of friendly evaluators who understand home education.

TSHA’s transparent classroom documents your child's progress throughout the year. Generate detailed reports showing work completed, skills mastered, and developmental milestones reached. This documentation satisfies most evaluation requirements.

Record-Keeping Best Practices

Good records protect you if questions arise about your homeschool's legitimacy.

• Essential documents: Keep attendance records (even if not required), curriculum descriptions, work samples, test results, and any correspondence with school districts.

• How long to keep them: Maintain records through your child's compulsory education years. Many families keep high school records permanently for college applications.

• Digital vs. physical: Digital storage is easier to organize and search. TSHA's online platform keeps everything in one secure location. Save important documents like notification letters in both digital and physical formats.

State laws evolve. Legislative sessions bring new proposals, some protecting homeschool freedom, others potentially restricting it. Stay informed about changes that could affect your family.

Also Read: A Guide to Getting Started with Homeschooling in Georgia

Recent Legislative Changes Affecting Homeschool Families

The homeschool legal landscape shifts constantly. New bills emerge each year, some expanding educational options and others proposing increased regulation. Understanding current trends helps you advocate effectively and prepare for potential changes in your state.

The Make Homeschool Safe Act: What You Need to Know

This model bill has sparked intense debate in the homeschool community since its introduction.

• The overview: The Make Homeschool Safe Act (MHSA) proposes uniform national standards for homeschooling. It would require annual notification, mandatory assessments with in-person student meetings, and intervention programs for families deemed non-compliant.

• State-level impacts: While unlikely to pass as federal legislation, portions may appear in state bills. The model gives legislators a template for homeschool regulation.

• Key Provisions Include: Requiring 875 hours of annual instruction, mandating superintendent approval of curriculum, restricting homeschooling for families investigated by child protective services (regardless of outcome), and allowing school officials to place homeschools on probation.

• How it affects freedom: Critics argue these requirements treat homeschool families as suspects rather than partners in education. Supporters claim oversight protects vulnerable children.

TSHA We support reasonable accountability that protects children without creating unnecessary burdens for responsible families. Quality education and child safety aren't mutually exclusive. Regulations should focus on genuine concerns, not paperwork compliance.

State-Specific Updates for 2025

Legislative activity around homeschooling has intensified nationwide.

• ESA Expansion: Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, and West Virginia expanded Education Savings Account programs. These allow families to use public education funds for homeschool curriculum, including programs like TSHA. Florida, Indiana, and Iowa increased ESA amounts and eligibility. More families now qualify for financial support.

• Loosening Regulations: Texas passed the Homeschool Freedom Act of 2025, explicitly prohibiting state agencies from regulating homeschooling. This strengthens existing protections. Oklahoma enshrined homeschool rights in the state constitution, making them harder to restrict through future legislation.

• Increased Oversight Proposals: New Jersey, Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming considered bills requiring more documentation or assessment. Most didn't pass, but they signal ongoing tension between parental rights and state oversight.

• Monitoring Changes: Join your state homeschool organization. They track legislation and organize advocacy efforts. Most send email alerts when relevant bills appear. Check the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) website for nationwide legislative updates. Their state-by-state resources explain current law and pending changes.

Legislative changes can happen quickly. Understanding your rights now prepares you to respond effectively if regulations shift in your state.

Also Read: Steps to Start Homeschooling for Parents and Students

10 Tips To Protect Your Home School Freedom

Knowledge of your rights prevents unnecessary complications with school officials. These practical tips keep your homeschool legally sound and your family's autonomy intact.

• Know Your State's Actual Requirements: Research your specific state law through HSLDA or your state homeschool organization. Don't rely on what school district officials tell you—they sometimes misunderstand homeschool regulations.

• Never Agree to Unauthorized Home Visits: Most states don't require home visits. If an official requests one, politely decline unless your state law mandates it. Your home is a private space.

• Understand Testing Rights: If testing is required, you typically choose the test and location. Many states allow home administration. Don't let districts insist on testing at school buildings unless required by law.

• Document Everything: Keep copies of all notifications, test results, evaluations, and correspondence. Use certified mail for official documents. This paper trail protects you if disputes arise.

• Join State Homeschool Organizations: Membership provides legislative alerts, legal support, and community connections. Organizations like Texas Home School Coalition or your state equivalent offer invaluable resources and advocacy.

• Build Relationships with Legislators: Know your state representatives. Attend town halls. Share your positive homeschool experience. Personal connections make you an effective advocate when problematic bills appear.

• Recognize District Overreach: Warning signs include: demands for home visits not required by law, requests for detailed daily schedules, insistence on specific curriculum approval, or threats based on non-compliance with non-existent requirements.

• Know When to Push Back: If officials make illegal demands, calmly reference the specific statute protecting your rights. Offer to provide what the law actually requires, nothing more.

• Access Legal Resources: Organizations like HSLDA provide legal representation for members facing compliance issues. Many state homeschool groups offer legal consultation. Don't face district pressure alone.

• Keep Learning Current: Subscribe to homeschool legal newsletters. Attend state conventions where legislative updates are discussed. Laws evolve. Stay informed to protect your freedoms.

Understanding your rights is essential. But compliance shouldn't consume your energy. The right curriculum and support system make legal requirements nearly invisible, letting you focus on teaching.

How TSHA Makes Legal Compliance Effortless

Navigating state homeschool laws shouldn't overshadow the joy of teaching your children. That's where The School House Anywhere (TSHA) comes in.

TSHA provides a comprehensive, developmentally-aligned curriculum grounded in the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) for Pre-K to 6th grade. Our secular, inclusive approach meets state educational standards across all regulatory environments, whether you're in high-regulation New York or freedom-friendly Texas.

We offer:

• Comprehensive AEC Curriculum: Complete Pre-K to 6th-grade curriculum with packaged 6-week learning sessions.

• Non-Screen Learning Focus: Prioritizes hands-on, experiential learning over traditional screen-based education.

• Secular & Inclusive: Designed for families from all backgrounds with no religious content.

• Portable Education: Seamlessly adapts when families move between states with different regulations.

• Three Service Models: Supports homeschooling families, micro-school educators, and education entrepreneurs.

• Legal Compliance Built-In: Curriculum naturally covers core subjects required by state laws across all regulatory levels.

• Transparent Classroom Tool: Online progress tracking, organizing, and portfolio management system for legal compliance.

• Custom Printable Materials: AEC-specific worksheets and printables that complement the curriculum.

• 24/7 Live Support: Round-the-clock assistance for curriculum questions, troubleshooting, and guidance.

• LIVE Educator & Founder Gatherings: Weekly online sessions for community connection and professional development.

• Live Scheduled Office Hours: Real-time personalized support for parents and educators.

• TSHA Member Site: Exclusive portal with additional resources, tools, and community access.

• Online Social Media Network: Connect with other TSHA users for ideas, guidance, and collaborative learning.

• Educational Resource Library: Extensive collection of films, samples, and printables for engaging learning.

• User-Friendly Interface: Seamless integration of resources with easy lesson management for all experience levels.

• AI Tools for Parents & Educators: Management and teaching effectiveness tools (not for student use).

• Micro-School Support: Marketing resources, space-finding assistance, and operational support for educators starting schools.

With TSHA, compliance becomes automatic. 

Now, you understand state requirements. You know your rights. Now you need the right tools to make homeschooling both legally compliant and educationally excellent. That's exactly what TSHA provides.

Final Words!

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. Requirements vary from extensive documentation to zero oversight, but all are manageable with proper understanding and preparation.

The key is knowing your state's specific rules and maintaining good records. Whether you're in high-regulation Pennsylvania or freedom-friendly Texas, compliance doesn't have to be complicated.

TSHA handles the complexity so you can focus on what matters. Your child's education. Our comprehensive curriculum meets legal requirements naturally through engaging, hands-on learning. Transparent Classroom manages documentation automatically. And our community provides support whenever questions arise. 

Ready to start your blended learning journey? Register today with TSHA as an educator or a parent!

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Do I Need to Be a Certified Teacher for Homeschooling?

No, most states don't require homeschooling parents to have teaching certification. Only a few states have minimal educational requirements, such as a high school diploma or GED. Your commitment to your child's education matters more than formal credentials. Check your state's requirements through HSLDA or local homeschool organizations.

2.Can I Homeschool High School?

Yes, homeschooling through high school is common and accepted by colleges. You determine graduation requirements, typically following state guidelines for core subjects. As the homeschool administrator, you issue transcripts and diplomas. Colleges recruit homeschool graduates, and your child can take tests like the SAT or ACT and participate in dual enrollment.

3.What If I Move to a Different State?

Research your new state's homeschool laws before moving. Some states require notification after establishing residency. If needed, inform your previous state of withdrawal and submit the required notification to the new state. TSHA’s portable curriculum adapts easily to different state requirements, minimizing disruption to your child’s learning.