Despite homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, there are different paths to take based in large part on where you live. There are laws, guidelines, and regulations specific to each state. Therefore, parents have labeled some states as more homeschool-friendly than others due to these varying levels of regulation.
Other states, by contrast, require more hands-on participation and overreach by parents engaged in homeschooling and thus are known as the worst homeschool states.
State-by-state differences in homeschooling
Some states require homeschool parents to file paperwork every year, teach for a set number of hours each day, take state tests every year and have their homes evaluated. In some states, parents only need to submit initial paperwork, and government involvement is minimal.
Homeschooling-friendly states are often referred to as “best states for homeschoolers” because they allow parents to make decisions about their child’s education for themselves. Also, in these states, official requirements for recordkeeping, testing, and reporting are typically lower than in other states.
You may even be able to use an online homeschool program or design your own curriculum in some states. Some parents consider these factors to make homeschooling easier; therefore, they consider these to be the best states for homeschoolers.
As an example, New York, which is often considered an especially strict homeschooling state, requires homeschool families to complete a state-mandated assessment each year. There are no testing or reporting requirements for Oklahoma, a state that many consider being homeschool-friendly. Your homeschool must be operated for 180 days to qualify.
Another state that is friendly to homeschooling is New Jersey, which requires parents to provide their children with an education equivalent to one they would get in public school.
A map of homeschooling requirements for each state has been created by the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) to assist parents in their decision to homeschool their children. In addition, it takes you through every process step by step so that you can fulfill the requirements of each state.
You can see how the Home School Legal Defense Association categorizes each state’s regulation in this section. [1]
States that do not require school districts to be notified: Texas, Oklahoma, Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and New Jersey.
High-regulation states for homeschooling
- New York
- Vermont
- Pennsylvania
- Massachusetts
Low-regulation states for homeschooling
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Nebraska
- Kansas
- Arkansas
- Wisconsin
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Delaware
Moderately regulated states for homeschooling
- Hawaii
- Washington
- Oregon
- Colorado
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Louisiana
- Florida
- Ohio
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Tennessee
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Maryland
- Washington D.C.
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States with the best homeschooling laws
The level of regulation that can be considered excessive varies widely from one person to another. The extra regulation is appreciated by parents because they are not required to report and keep records.
Homeschooling is a rather freeing experience for many parents, but others find the few regulations and guidelines overwhelming. I have compiled a list of the states with the least amount of regulations for homeschooling. Many people believe that these are the “best” states that allow homeschooling.
Alaska
In Alaska, children aged 7 to 16 have to attend a school or comply with homeschooling laws. There is no requirement to obtain state approval, complete tests, notify the state, or be a certified teacher under homeschool law.
Consequently, the parents of children who choose to be home-schooled in Alaska have a lot of flexibility in educating them. Despite this, it remains crucial for you to keep good records and create a curriculum that fits your child’s needs while preparing them for their future goals in college and the workforce.
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Idaho
The state of Idaho does not require any special qualifications for parents to homeschool their children. Moreover, they do not need to obtain district approval or submit their children for testing. In addition, they aren’t legally required to give information about their homeschool program to local school districts.
In Idaho, they have the option of choosing either themselves, a relative, or even a third party to provide an instructor for their children. To teaching language arts, math, science, and social studies, they also have to deliver instruction in other subjects.
Illinois
Homeschooling is regarded as a private school in Illinois. The Illinois State Board of Education doesn’t require registration of home-based private schools. In addition, there is no requirement for home-based private schools to be recognized by the state.
As part of the Illinois homeschooling requirements, parents must also teach language lessons, math, science, social studies, fine arts, and health classes. In addition, you must know what you want to call your homeschool program, and the instructions must take place in English.
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Indiana
In Indiana, parents who homeschool must provide instruction equivalent to what’s provided by public schools in English. However, the Indiana State Board of Education is not allowed to specify what equivalent means and cannot approve home education programs.
Private schools in Indiana are considered home schools and are subject to the laws governing these schools. Additionally, they must maintain attendance records and operate their homeschool 180 days a year, how many the public school operates.
Michigan
The Michigan homeschool statute allows parents to homeschool under that statute or to homeschool through a nonpublic school. It does not specify what grade level or how often the courses are taught. However, the regulations state that they must teach specific subjects.
To make teaching the subjects at age-appropriate levels as simple as possible, the HSLDA encourages parents to teach the subjects at a young age.
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Missouri
All kids under 16 must maintain records and teach certain mandated subjects in Missouri. In addition to providing at least 1,000 educational hours during every school year, they do not need to notify administrators that they are homeschooling. The core subjects must account for at least 600 of those hours.
New Jersey
By law, your child must receive an education that is equivalent to one that he/she would receive in a public school under New Jersey law. In this regard, parents should ensure that they are teaching their children the same subjects they would receive in public schools.
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Oklahoma
Oklahoma does not require homeschoolers to take tests or submit reports. For 180 days, parents are free to run their homeschool programs in any way they see fit as long as they meet the minimum requirements.
It encourages parents, however, to incorporate math, science, language arts, and social studies into their curriculum.
Texas
The Homeschool Law of Texas requires homeschools to teach math, reading, spelling, grammar, and good citizenship in addition to other subjects. It is still beneficial to teach science and history even if they aren’t required.
A written curriculum must also be used by homeschool parents. Written curriculums are eligible for online programs.
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A Word From Kids Rush
Approximately 2 million students are homeschooled each year, according to ALEC’s annual report card. More states will embrace homeschooling, making it easier for parents, given the success rate of homeschoolers. [2]
For now, if homeschooling is difficult in your state, make sure you do an assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling as well as find a support group. By contributing to the network, you can exchange information and ideas and offer each other support. You can also ensure that your children receive the education you want them to receive by complying with your state’s requirements.
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