Homeschooling in the U.S.

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but the degree of regulation varies widely, from states with virtually no oversight to states with detailed annual requirements. Most states do not require pre-approval to homeschool, though a few (like Massachusetts and Rhode Island) are the outliers that do.

Regulations typically fall into categories such as:

Notice/registration: Annual letters or affidavits (e.g., GA, VA, WA).
Instructor qualifications: Requirements vary, from none to at least a high school diploma or even certified teachers (e.g., VA, NC, MA).
Curriculum or subject mandates: Some states require core subjects (e.g., TX, ID, IL).
Instruction time or days: E.g., 180 days/year (IN, GA), mandated hours (MO, MT).
Assessments/testing: Standardized tests, portfolios, or annual evaluations in several states.
Record-keeping: Varies from minimal to detailed logs, portfolios, or test results.

Overall, you’ll find a spectrum—from free-range homeschools (e.g., Alaska, Texas, Oklahoma) to highly regulated programs (e.g., New York, Massachusetts).

State-by-State Legal Resources

Below is a curated list of each state with a link to its homeschooling laws page. These links primarily lead to the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) summaries or your state’s Department of Education.

To find your state’s full legal overview, visit the HSLDA map and/or the Education Department’s website and click through to your state’s page.

Alabama – Low regulation
Alaska – No Notice, Low Regulation
Arizona – Low regulation
Arkansas – Low Regulation
California – Low regulation
Colorado – Low regulations
Connecticut – No Notice, Low Regulation
Delaware – Low regulation
DC – Moderate Regulation
Florida – Low Regulation
Georgia – Low Regulation
Hawaii – Moderate Regulation
Idaho – No Notice, Low Regulation
Illinois – No Notice, Low Regulation
Indiana – No Notice, Low Regulation
Iowa – No Notice, Low Regulation
Kansas – Low Regulation
Kentucky – Low Regulation
Louisiana – Low Regulation
Maine – Moderate Regulation
Maryland – Low Regulation
Massachusetts – High Regulation
Michigan – No Notice, Low Regulation
Minnesota – Moderate Regulation
Mississippi – Low Regulation
Missouri – No Notice, Low Regulation
Montana –Low Regulation
Nebraska – Low Regulation
Nevada – Low Regulation
New Hampshire – Moderate Regulation
New Jersey – No Notice, Low Regulation
New Mexico –Low Regulation
New York – High Regulation
North Carolina – Moderate Regulation
North Dakota – Moderate Regulation
Ohio – Low Regulation
Oklahoma – No Notice, Low Regulation
Oregon – Moderate Regulation
Pennsylvania – High Regulation
Rhode Island – High Regulation
South Carolina – Moderate Regulation
South Dakota – Low Regulation
Tennessee – Low Regulation
Texas – No Notice, Low Regulation
Utah – Low Regulation
Vermont – Moderate Regulation
Virginia – Moderate Regulation
Washington – Moderate Regulation
West Virginia – Moderate Regulation
Wisconsin – Low Regulation
Wyoming – No Notice, Low Regulation

Best Practices & Considerations

Always double-check your state’s DOE or education department—HSLDA is a great starting point, but state law changes, so be sure to keep up with current laws!
Join a local homeschool group—to stay current and share real-world insight.
Keep meticulous records: logbooks, portfolios, attendance—even if not legally required, they’re vital.
Understand your state’s co-op and accreditation rules—some (e.g., WI, NY, NC) have limitations on grouping students.
Be aware of annual filing / notification deadlines, and any testing or instructor‑qualification requirements.

Next Steps

Visit the HSLDA “Find Your State Homeschool Law” page and click your state.
Download any required state forms (Declaration of Intent, Affidavit, Notice of Withdrawal).
Outline your homeschool plan: subjects, schedule, record system.
Contact your local school district to notify them properly.
Keep updated each year—laws change, and staying compliant saves you stress later.

Homeschooling offers incredible flexibility, but it’s essential to follow your state’s rules to ensure a smooth, lawful, and effective educational experience. If you’d like a deeper dive into your specific state’s laws, tips on record-keeping, or links to forms, just let me know!

Homeschooling in the U.S.