Homeschool Law in US

There is a homeschool law that needs to be adhered to eventhough homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. The law differs by state so check your state homeschooling law.

As a summary, there are several items regulated by the law.

• Notice of intent

Parents need to file notice of intent to local school superintendent. There are some states that do NOT require this.
• Compulsory school age range

The average is from 6 to 18 which means you have to file a notice of intent (if your state requires it) if you have a child in that age range. This differs from state to state, some requiring you to file as early as age 5 and some as late as 8.
• Legal options

Depending on your state, you have the options to
• Establish and operate a homeschool
• Establish and/or enroll in religious school
• Enroll in independent study through public or private school
• Use private tutor
• Enroll in state department of education approved correspondence program
• Request for an equal alternate education
• Attendance

The number of days per year children need to be in school
• Subjects

Some states require certain subjects to be taught to children
• Qualifications

Some states require parent/tutor/teacher to have teaching certification.
• Recordkeeping

Some states require parent to keep attendance record, assessment/testing record, courses/exams record, and these need to be available for inspection.
Some states require NONE of this.
• Testing

There are states that require children to be evaluated/assessed either by standardized testing or by qualified teacher.

For more information on homeschool law in your state, I urge you to talk to your local support group. Alternatively, you can go to Home School Legal Defense Association to check your state homeschool law.

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