Of course, one of the biggest concerns parents have about homeschooling is the state homeschool requirements – a.k.a. homeschool laws. In fact, the questions are many. Especially including: What does my state require from me to home school legally?
Indeed, we get it. Of course, it can be scary getting it all straight, and we understand no one wants to break homeschooling laws. While homeschooling is legal in all 50 states each state has its own specific state homeschooling regulations. In fact, this is a very important first step in beginning to homeschool. Which is why we’ve included a handy table of each state’s DOE webpage regarding homeschooling laws.
How to Homeschool Legally in Your State

- Indeed, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states.
- Each state has different state homeschooling regulations.
- Of course, you must follow your state’s homeschooling regulations or face prosecution.
- If you are road schoolers, you need to follow the state homeschooling laws from the state in which you have your driver’s license/vehicle registrations. It’s best to take proof that you have followed those laws along with you when traveling to other states.
- Also, grandparents, parents, or family members that have been appointed by the legal guardian may homeschool the child once the legalities of homeschooling in that state have been set up.
- Make sure you keep a transcript or detailed record of your student’s accomplishments when they begin high school. In fact, keeping up with this is vital for your teen’s future. Follow the suggested course guidelines for your state, and meet or exceed their requirements.
** Please note that this information was taken from each state’s DOE website page. In fact, we have found that some states have “laws” at the state level that are not enforced or are enforced differently at the local level. Therefore, it is important to reach out to local homeschoolers and groups to help you navigate you homeschool requirements.
Homeschool Laws by State
Again, please note that often a state will create guidelines for homeschooling that are not always carried out and enforced at the local level. In the following chart, we’ve included what the state has listed in writing on that state’s DOE website.
However, your local school district may or may not enforce these guidelines. Indeed, this does tend to cause confusion. In fact, this is why it is important to understand what your state requires from you as a homeschooling family. However, when in doubt give your local district a call or reach out to a local homeschool group. Also, if you feel that your state or local school district is requiring something that they don’t need to there are homeschool legal defense associations that will step in and help you maintain your rights.
Please click the state link in the table below to visit the official state page describing their homeschool laws.
| State | Compulsory Attendance | Testing Requirements | Required Subjects | Other Requirements |
Alaska |
Ages 7-16 |
Homeschooling in Alaska has no requirements under the AK home school statute. |
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Alaska homeschooling requirements have 4 options to choose from. |
Alabama |
Ages 7-16 |
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No curriculum or subject requirements for homeschooling in Alabama. |
Homeschooling in Alabama allows parents to homeschool under a church or private school, or through the state’s private tutor law. |
Arizona |
Ages 6-16 |
Homeschooling in Arizona has no testing requirements. |
Arizona homeschooling g requirements include: Reading, grammar, math, social studies, and science. |
Homeschoolers in Arizona must submit 2 documents – notarized affidavit of intent to homeschool & child’s birth certificate or reliable proof of the child’s identity. However, homeschooling is under the jurisdiction of each county. |
Arkansas |
Ages 6-16 |
Yes, homeschooled students in Arkansas are required to participate in either state testing or state-approved alternative testing procedures. |
Homeschooling in Arkansas must file written notice of intent to home school & sign a waiver at the beginning of each year, even when enrolled in umbrella schools. Must be in-person the first time. |
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California |
Homeschooling in California does not require testing at this time. |
Visit the homeschooling in California DOE link to the left. Grades 7-12: The government may prescribe English; social sciences; foreign languages (starting no later than seventh grade); physical education; science; mathematics; visual and performing arts; applied arts; career technical education; automobile driver education. |
For state of California homeschooling requirements parents have 3 options: public school independent or home-based study programs; public charter independent study schools, & homeschooling under the Private School Affidavit. |
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Colorado |
Ages 7-16 |
Homeschooling in Colorado requires testing in grades 3,5,7,9,and 11 or evaluation by a qualified person and results must be submitted to the school district. |
Colorado homeschooling requirements by subject are reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and the Constitution of the United States. |
Homeschooling in Colorado requires documentation of intent to homeschool, attendance, test and evaluation results and immunization records must be kept and produced for the school district. |
Connecticut |
Ages 7-17 |
Homeschooling in Connecticut requires no annual testing. |
Reading, writing, spelling, grammar, geography, arithmetic, United States history, including the study of the town, state, and federal governments, and citizenship. |
The Connecticut homeschooling requirements suggests parents complete the Intent to Homeschool form for each child annually and submit it to the Superintendent’s office for signature, but asks parents to check with their local school district. |
Delaware |
Ages 5-16 |
Homeschooling in Delaware requirements include recommendation for parents to keep portfolios. |
No subject requirements for homeschooling in Delaware. |
In Delaware homeschooling is considered a “non-public school” and families must register, keep attendance, and annual enrollment with the Delaware Department of Education. |
Florida |
Ages 6-16 |
Florida homeschooling requires annual testing or evaluation of the portfolio and student. |
No subject requirements for homeschooling in Florida. |
Homeschooling in Florida. Parents must notify the state each year, portfolio, must have an annual review (several options), and Florida homeschoolers can participate in extracurricular activities with the school. |
Georgia |
Ages 6-16 |
Georgia homeschoolers must test at least every three years, beginning in 3rd grade. |
Homeschooling in Georgia requires instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. |
Homeschoolers in Georgia must submit a declaration of intent (online), but umbrella schools are welcome. Parents must have at least a high school diploma or GED. |
Hawaii |
Ages 6-18 |
Hawaii homeschoolers must test in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 |
Homeschooling in Hawaii requirements: High schoolers must attend at least three years of high school to meet the state requirements for a high school diploma. |
To Homeschool in Hawaii parents must submit an intent to homeschool or Form 4140 and it must be officially acknowledged. Also, must keep a record of planned curriculum with semester dates, hours per week, and subjects of instruction. An annual progress report, showing satisfactory progress in all content areas, shall be submitted at the end of each school year. |
Idaho |
Ages 7-16 |
Homeschooling in Idaho parents are encouraged to test their homeschooled children, who are permitted to take the statewide annual exams. |
“A homeschooled student must be comparably instructed to students in the public school” |
Idaho homeschooling requirements does not require registration or reporting. |
Illinois |
Ages 6-17 |
Homeschooling in Illinois has no required standardized testing or reporting. |
“The Illinois homeschooling parents may be expected to document the subjects taught which must include “branches of learning” taught in the public school, the time frame in which instruction will be offered, and the competency of the parent or other instructor(s).” |
Homeschooling in Illinois parents are not required to register with the state. Also, homeschool considered a “non-public” school – no real statutes regarding homeschooling. |
Indiana |
Age 7 until graduation |
For homeschooling in Indiana there are no testing or reporting requirements. |
Indiana homeschoolers must provide instruction equivalent to that given in the public schools. |
180 days and attendance records. May participate in extracurricular activities. Also, considered non-public, non-accredited schools. |
Iowa |
Ages 6-16 |
Homeschooling in Iowa requires annual assessment depending on your choice of options. “Standardized testing or portfolio assessment may be chosen.” |
“Mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies.” |
Iowa homeschool requires 148 attendance days each year, with at least 37 each quarter. Several requirements if providing “competent private instruction.” However, no requirements if providing “independent private instruction.” |
Kansas |
Ages 7-18 |
Homeschooling in Kansas requires periodic testing. |
Must have a competent instructor. Also, must have at least 186 days of attendance with not less than 6 hours per day. |
Homeschooling is considered a “non-accredited private school” and must register the school name and address with the Kansas Board of Education. |
Kentucky |
Ages 6-18 |
Homeschooling in Kentucky has not testing or reporting requirements. |
Reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, mathematics, science, and civics. Must be in the English Language. |
Defined as a private school and asked to create a school name. Notification of the homeschool and identification of every student is required upon registration. Keep course records, attendance records. |
Louisiana |
Ages 6-18 |
Homeschooling in Louisiana has not testing or reporting requirements. |
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Must apply and be approved annually. Additionally, can participate in athletics. Considered a “home study plan.” |
Maine |
Ages 6-17 |
Homeschooling in Maine requires annual assessments. Must complete one of the following: (1) a standardized test, (2) a test set by the school official but allowed to be taken at home, (3) review & acceptance of the student’s progress by a certified Maine teacher, (4) portfolio assessment by a support group with a certified Maine teacher, or (5) “a review and acceptance of the student’s progress by a local advisory board selected by the superintendent of the administrative unit in which the student resides that includes one administrative unit employee and two home instruction tutors.” |
“English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (in one grade level between grades six and 12), and demonstrated proficiency in the use of computers (in one grade level between grades seven and 12)” |
Notice of intent, initially and each subsequent year. Testing results must be submitted. 175 days. |
Maryland |
Ages 5-16 |
Homeschooling in Maryland requires a Portfolio review from a school system representative. |
English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. |
Request a homeschool info packet from DOE, submit forms, and approval required. |
Massachusetts |
Ages 6-16 |
Homeschooling in Massachusetts may require testing by local school officials. |
Officials may ask about the curriculum, but no requirements are set. |
Prior approval is a prerequisite before beginning to homeschool. |
Michigan |
Ages 6-18 |
No testing requirements to homeschool in Michigan, but students can participate in the local school district testing. |
“Reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar.” |
Homeschooling in Michigan – Reporting is not required unless parent is requesting special needs assistance. Parents that register their homeschools must have a bachelor’s degree unless their religious beliefs preclude teacher certification requirements. |
Minnesota |
Ages 7-17 |
Homeschooling in Minnesota students must test every year. |
“Home schools in Minnesota are required to provide instruction in: 1) basic communication skills, including reading, writing, literature, and fine arts; 2) mathematics and science; 3) social studies, including history, geography, and government; and 4) health and physical education.” |
For Minnesota homeschooling parents must file a letter of intent. The homeschool program must be accredited or the parent must submit instructor qualifications.Also, in the first year of homeschooling and in the 7th grade, immunization records must be submitted to the local school district. |
Mississippi |
Ages 6-17 |
To homeschool in Mississippi a homeschooled student transferring to a public school may be required to test. |
No subject requirements for homeschooling in Mississippi. |
Required to fill out a simple enrollment form and describe the curriculum used. “The parent or guardian of a child enrolled in a legitimate homeschooling program is required to complete a “certificate of enrollment” and return it to the school attendance officer where such child resides on or before September 15 of each year.” |
Missouri |
Ages 7-17 |
No testing requirements for homeschooling in Missouri. |
Homeschoolers in Missouri must offer 1,000 hours of instruction during the school year, with at least 600 hours in the basics, which will be in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. At least 400 of the 600 hours shall occur in the home location. |
Notification of homeschooling is requested but not mandated. “A parent who is homeschooling a child must maintain the following records: a plan book, diary, daily log, or other written record indicating the subjects taught and the activities engaged in with the student; a portfolio containing samples of the student’s academic work; and a record of evaluation of the student’s academic progress.” |
Montana |
Ages 7-16 |
No testing requirements for homeschooling in Montana. |
“Students must be given a study course that involves instruction in the subjects required of public schools” |
Students must be enrolled and registered within the first week of the school term. Must maintain and provide attendance and immunization records, must school a minimum number of hours, must notify the local DOE superintendent. |
Nebraska |
Ages 6-16 |
For homeschoolers in Nebraska the DOE may deem it necessary to require testing or reporting. |
Must teach language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health |
Considered exempt schools. Homeschoolers in Nebraska must register all students annually with identification, affidavit of intent to homeschool, and curriculum summary. Must school a minimum number of hours. Immunization requirements: “Each exempt school that is not exempt for religious reasons shall require each student to be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus prior to enrollment. On and after July 1, 2010, every student entering the seventh grade shall have a booster immunization containing diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and an acellular pertussis vaccine.” |
Nevada |
Ages 7-18 |
No testing is required for homeschooling in Nevada. |
“English (including reading, composition, and writing), mathematics, science and social studies (including history geography, economics and government) as appropriate for the age and skill level of the child as the parent determines.” |
Nevada homeschoolers mus file a notice of intent to homeschool with the Nevada standard form before beginning to homeschool, and compose an educational plan. |
New Hampshire |
Ages 6-18 |
Annual evaluation is required for homeschooling in New Hampshire. |
“Science, mathematics, language, government, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, the history of the constitutions of New Hampshire and the United States, and an exposure to and appreciation of art and music.” |
Must submit written notification and identification to register with the commissioner of the department of education or resident district superintendent. Must keep a portfolio. |
New Jersey |
Ages 6-16 |
No testing is required for homeschooling in New Jersey. |
Homeschoolers must provide and education that is academically equivalent to that provided in the local public school. |
Can get a New Jersey state high school diploma by passing the GED, “or by completing 30 general education credits leading to a degree at an accredited institution of higher education and meeting current state assessment graduation requirements” |
New Mexico |
Ages 5-18 |
No testing is required for homeschooling in New Mexico. |
“Basic academic educational program, including reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science” |
New Mexico homeschoolers must notify the state each year. Keep track of attendance (180 days), must have a diploma or GED, and keep immunization records. |
New York |
Ages 6-16 |
New York homeschoolers must test annually only for high school |
“Required courses for grades one through six are arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, the English language, geography, United States history, science, health education, music, visual arts, physical education, and bilingual education and/or English as a second language where the need is indicated. The required courses for grades seven and eight are English, history, geography, science, mathematics, physical education, health education, art, music, practical arts, and library skills. Grades nine through 12 required courses are English; social studies, including American history, government, and economics; mathematics; science; art and/or music; health education; physical education; and three electives.” |
Homeschooling in New York – Parents submit letter of intent by July 1st annually, and a homeschool plan. Must school 180 days and send in quarterly reports as well as an annual assessment with the fourth quarter report. “If a child’s annual assessment does not comply with the requirements of 8 CCR-NY 100.10 (h), the home instruction program will be put on probation and the parent must submit a remediation plan.” |
North Carolina |
Ages 7-16 |
Homeschooling in North Carolina testing requirements: “Students attending a home school must be tested academically once each year through a nationally standardized test or other nationally standardized equivalent measurement. The test must measure achievement in English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics for students and verbal and quantitative areas for grade 11 students.” |
North Carolina homeschooling requirements for subjects: Equivalent to public school. |
North Carolina homeschooling parents must hold a high school diploma, file an intent to homeschool. Also, must operate 9 months a year. Also keep attendance and immunization records. |
North Dakota |
Ages 7-16 |
North Dakota homeschooling requirements for testing: “A student receiving home education must take the standardized test used by the school district in which the student resides in grades four, six, eight, and ten” |
North Dakota homeschooling must provide an education – Equivalent to public school. |
Must have a high school diploma, must notify annually with identification, education plan, and immunization records. Also, must keep attendance (175 days, minimum of 4 hours per day). Additionally, must maintain an annual record of student courses and assessments. Homeschooling parents must have a high school diploma. Or an equivalent. They can additionally be monitored by a certified teacher for 2 years. High school students may qualify for a state-approved diploma if they meet the graduation requirements with documentation. |
Ohio |
Ages 6-18 |
Homeschooling in Ohio requires parents to submit Annual assessment or a portfolio |
Equivalent to public school. “Language, reading, spelling, and writing; geography, history of the United States and Ohio; and national, state, and local government; mathematics; science; health; physical education; fine arts, including music; and first aid, safety, and fire prevention.” |
Homeschooling in Ohio -Parents must have high school diploma/equivalent, notify superintendent, and school 900 hours per year. “If the annual academic assessment indicates that the child is not demonstrating reasonable proficiency, the parent will be required to develop a plan of remediation and submit a quarterly report of the child’s progress to the superintendent.” |
Oklahoma |
Ages 5-18 |
No testing requirements for homeschooling in Oklahoma. |
No subject requirements for homeschooling in Oklahoma. |
“No state policy currently exists.” |
Oregon |
Ages 6-18 |
At the the end of grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. |
Notify local school district when beginning to homeschool with identification and receive acknowledgment in writing. Notification only required initially, not annually. |
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Pennsylvania |
Ages 8-17 |
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania requires annual written evaluation, portfolio assessment in grades 3, 5, and 8 or the results of a standardized test. |
Homeschoolers in Pennsylvania must educate in: Language arts, arithmetic, science, geography, history of the U.S., civics, safety education including fire prevention, health, physical education, music and art. |
Pennsylvania homeschoolers must file an affidavit with identification of students and immunization records, documentation is due by August 1st annually, must have 180 days of instruction, must keep a portfolio. Also, homeschool instructor must have a high school diploma/equivalent. |
Rhode Island |
Ages 6-18 |
Homeschooling in Rhode Island testing requirements: “The parent and the local school committee must agree on a method of evaluating the student’s progress in all required subjects.” |
“State law requires the instruction be in English and the curriculum to include: reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, history of the United States, history of Rhode Island, principles of American Government, health and physical education. Also, beginning with fourth grade, history and government of Rhode Island must be taught. In high school, the U.S. Constitution and Rhode Island Constitution must be taught.” |
Homeschoolers in Rhode Island must seek approval from local district, keep attendance records, and school 180 days with a minimum of 5.5 hours per day. |
South Carolina |
Ages 5-17 |
Homeschooling in South Carolina has required annual testing. |
“the curriculum must include but not be limited to the basic instructional areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies, and in grades seven through 12, composition and literature; and d) education records must be maintained by the parent-teacher.” |
Parents who homeschool in South Carolina must receive approval from the district board of trustees to homeschool. Also, parent must have a high school diploma/equivalent. Additionally, must keep attendance for at least 180 days, 4.5 hours per day. Parents must keep a portfolio of records. |
South Dakota |
Up to 18 |
No standardized testing requirements for homeschooling in South Dakota. |
“The instruction must be given with the aim of mastery of the English language.” |
Must file exemption only when beginning to homeschool. |
Tennessee |
Ages 6-17 |
Testing requirements depend on the type of homeschooling in Tennessee. |
No subject requirements for homeschooling in Tennessee. |
Provide annual notice along with a few other requirements. |
Texas |
Ages 6-18 |
No testing requirements for homeschooling in Texas. |
Homeschooling in the state of Texas. Homeschool curriculum must be designed to meet a minimum of basic education goals including reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and a study of good citizenship.” |
No Texas homeschooling laws or requirements for parents to register or report. |
Utah |
Ages 6-18 |
May participate, but testing is not required for homeschooling in Utah. |
No required coursework or evaluations. |
Must submit a notarized affidavit of intent to homeschool. “Home school students will receive a certificate from the local school board excusing their attendance from the public schools during the time specified on the certificate.” |
Virginia |
Ages 5-18 |
Annually with options. Results of either academic testing or an official evaluation by a certified teacher/equivalent must be submitted by August 1st. Students at least 16 are permitted to take the GED test to earn a state-approved high school certificate or diploma. |
Homeschoolers in Virginia are required to educate equivalent to public school. |
Virginia homeschoolers must annually submit intent to homeschool before August 15th and a description of curriculum to be used. Also, must ensure the state immunization requirements for public schooled students are being met. Additionally, parents must have a high school diploma/equivalent. |
Vermont |
Ages 6-16 |
Testing for homeschooling in Vermont: “An annual assessment is required. Several options are open to parents, including assessment by a Vermont licensed teacher, complete results of a standardized achievement test, or a report by the instructor accompanied by a portfolio of the child’s work.” |
“Home study programs in Vermont must provide a minimum course of study in the following fields: basic communication, including reading, writing, and the use of numbers; citizenship, history, and government in Vermont and the United States; physical education and comprehensive health education; English, American, and other literature; the natural sciences; and the fine arts.” |
Homeschoolers in Vermont are Considered “home study.” Annual written enrollment sent to the secretary with student identification, assessment of the previous year’s progress, & a description of the curriculum plan. |
Washington |
Ages 8-18 |
Annual standardized testing or assessment of progress by a certified teacher is required for homeschooling in Washington state. |
“curriculum and instruction in the basic skills of occupational education, science, mathematics, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, and spelling, and the development of an appreciation of art and music.” |
Parent must meet qualifications. Also must submit an annual declaration of intent by September 15th. Additionally, attendance must meet at least “1,000 hours in grades one through 12.” However, to qualify, parents must have “earned either 45 college-level credit hours awarded in quarters or its equivalent in semester hours, or has completed a course in home-based instruction at a postsecondary institution or vocational-technical institute” |
Wisconsin |
Ages 6-18 |
No testing required for homeschooling in Wisconsin. |
“sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health for at least 875 hours each year.” |
Must provide notice of home school enrollment by October 15th annually. |
West Virginia |
Ages 6-16 |
Assessments (portfolio or testing) must be done yearly, results kept in your files for 3 years and only submitted to the county board of education for 3,5,8, and 11th grades homeschooling in West Virginia. |
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Must submit a one-time notice of intent to homeschool per child. Also must submit an education plan. Additionally, instruction must be equal to the term of the county. And parent must have a high school diploma. Must be approved before beginning. |
Wyoming |
Ages 7-16 |
Permitted to participate in standardized testing but not required for homeschooling in Wyoming. |
‘Home-based educational programs shall provide for “a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, civics, history, literature, and science.”‘ |
Annually must submit a curriculum plan meeting the instruction requirements to the local board of trustees. |
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