US Homeschooling FAQ

Yes. It is legal in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and every US territory. But here is the thing: each state makes its own rules. There is no federal homeschooling law. This means requirements vary widely depending on where you live. Some states basically leave you alone; others want regular reports and testing.

The state you are physically in. Not your residency state, not where you pay taxes, the state where you are actually living. This matters for military families on temporary assignment, people who own property in another state, or anyone staying somewhere longer than a month during the school year. For military families: HSLDA generally recommends following your duty station state's laws, even if you maintain residency elsewhere.

The general process:

Important: Check your specific state requirements before withdrawing.

Varies by state, but usually: your name and address, child's full name and date of birth, statement that you are homeschooling, school year or dates, and assurance you will teach required subjects (in some states). Pro tip: Do not include more than your state asks for.

Usually no. Most states do not require parents to be certified teachers to homeschool their own children. A smaller number have qualification rules, umbrella-school pathways, or different requirements depending on the legal option you choose. Always check your state's current route before relying on a summary page.

No. Homeschooling families are not required to follow the Common Core or any state's public school curriculum.

You may teach these subjects in any order, using any curriculum, at your child's pace.

This varies significantly by state.

Even in states with hour requirements, you are not required to replicate the school day. Homeschooling is typically more efficient than classroom learning.

Requirements vary by state, but generally include:

All homeschoolers should keep course descriptions, and samples of work.

It depends on your state.

Some states require standardized testing. Others accept portfolio reviews or professional evaluations, and many do not require formal testing at all.

Check your state's current rules before choosing a test or evaluator.

Yes. Homeschooling parents can issue their own diplomas, which are legally valid.

Yes. Homeschooled students are accepted at colleges across the country.

Homeschooled students are eligible for federal financial aid.

Yes. You can homeschool a child with special needs in every state.

Some states allow homeschooled children to receive special education services through the public school.

IEPs do not automatically transfer to homeschooling. You may create your own education plan.

This varies by state and sometimes by district. Some states have "Tebow Law" style provisions that let homeschoolers join public-school extracurriculars or sports, while others leave it to local policy.

Check your state law and your local district's current rules before assuming access is available.

Families often use HSLDA's "no notice" and "low regulation" labels as a rough shortcut, but they are not official legal categories.

That said, the exact burden still differs. One state may require advance approval, another may focus on reports and assessments, and local district practice can matter too.