Homeschooling in the United States is legal in all 50 states, but the legal requirements for homeschooling variate greatly from state to state. This article aims to provide an overview of the laws and regulations associated with homeschooling in the best states for homeschooling. Whether you are just starting out or are well-established in your homeschooling journey, choosing the right state can make a significant difference in how easily and freely you can educate your children at home.
Alaska
Alaska requires children between the ages of 7 and 16 to either attend school or comply with the homeschool law. homeschooling under the homeschool statute is relatively straightforward; there are no notifications, approval processes, testing requirements, or certifications required. However, if using a private tutor, the tutor must be Alaskan-certified. Additionally, if a student is of compulsory school age and is equally well-served by an educational experience approved by the school board, they may be excused from mandatory attendance.
Idaho
[idaho] For Idaho, children who are at least 7 at the beginning of the school year must attend school until their 16th birthday. However, homeschooling is an option for parents who do not wish to send their children to school. To homeschool in Idaho, parents must select an instructor, such as themselves, a relative, or a friend. They are also responsible for teaching the required subjects, which typically include language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Illinois
In Illinois, homeschools are treated as private schools, and parents do not need to register their home-based private schools with the Illinois State Board of Education. However, they are required to teach the required subjects, which are language arts, math, science, social studies, fine arts, and physical development and health. Instruction must be in English and parents must specify a name for their homeschool.
Indiana
Indiana's homeschooling requirements are similar to those in Illinois, with a few key differences. Parents must teach in English and provide instruction that is equivalent to what is offered in public schools. However, the Indiana State Board of Education is not allowed to define what 'equivalent' means or to approve homeschool programs. Home schools in Indiana are also required to operate for a minimum of 180 days.
Michigan
In Michigan, parents have the option of homeschooling under the state's homeschooling statute or as a nonpublic school. Regardless of the option chosen, parents are required to teach specific subjects. The regulations do not stipulate how often or at what grade level the courses are taught, but HSLDA suggests planning to teach the subjects at age-appropriate levels each year.
Missouri
In Missouri, homeschool parents must teach certain required subjects and maintain records for all students under age 16. They are not required to provide notification of their homeschooling status, but they must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction during each school term. Six hundred of these hours must cover reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science, with 400 of those hours taking place at the 'regular' homeschooling site.
New Jersey
New Jersey has the simplest requirements for homeschooling, with only one requirement: providing an education that is 'equivalent' to what a child would receive in public school. This allows parents to design their own curriculum and utilize a variety of resources to achieve this goal.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has the fewest requirements for homeschooling, with no testing, reporting, or registration requirements. As long as parents operate their homeschools for at least 180 days, they can educate their children in any way they see fit.
Texas
In Texas, homeschools are considered private schools and must teach specific required subjects. These include math, reading, spelling and grammar, as well as a course in good citizenship. While science and history are not required by the state, many colleges and universities expect students to have been exposed to these subjects, so it is still a good idea to include them in the curriculum.
Homeschooling is a personal choice and option, and each state has its own unique regulations and requirements. Before considering a move to a new state, parents are encouraged to research the homeschooling laws and regulations in that state to ensure they are able to comply with the requirements and provide their children with an education that aligns with their values and goals. Whether you are a seasoned homeschooler or a new parent, researching the laws and regulations in your intended destination state can help to create a smooth and enjoyable transition for your child's education.
