Requirements of Homeschooling You Must Know Before Starting

Requirements of homeschooling and understanding state homeschool laws, regulations, and policy are important when researching basic education qualifications, how to homeschool, and guidelines for homeschooling. Home schooling requirements by state are different, so where you live will have a big impact on how to be homeschooled, including parent qualifications and reporting/ testing requirements.

Understanding Requirements Of Homeschooling

Before we get to the homeschool tips, it’s important to know that requirements to home school your child are different based on where you live.

The homeschool requirements in Florida vary greatly from the how to homeschool in Texas requirements.

And, the homeschooling requirements in Texas differ from the homeschool requirement for California, which are both different from Florida homeschooling laws.

So, you need to understand what are the guidelines for homeschooling in your state. (If you don’t know yet, that’s OK!)

We’re going to cover what you need to do next and how to understand your specific requirements for home school.

And, we’ll give you homeschooling tips for getting started when you’re wondering What do i need to homeschool my child?

 

What are the requirements of homeschooling?

The requirements of homeschooling vary based on where you live, so you’ll need to check your state laws and parent qualifications before you begin. Also, be aware that homeschooling laws in the United States are often very different than the laws for homeschooling and requirements for homeschool in another country!

 

How many states is it legal to homeschool?

Is homeschool legal in all 50 states? Homeschooling is legal in every state of the United States, but the laws are different in every state. Other countries also have very different requirements to homeschool than the United States. So, be sure to check the laws for your area.
 

 

Where is it illegal to homeschool?

While it is legal to homeschool in every state in America, it is illegal to homeschool in some other countries (like Germany). If your homeschool family is going to relocate to a different country (even temporarily), you need to check the homeschooling laws there before you start homeschooling!

If you are an American homeschooling overseas, the laws can get really muddy and often even the homeschool liaison may not completely understand your rights as an American to homeschool in different countries.

Sometimes, like with military families, Americans may be able to homeschool in other countries, even if homeschooling is illegal.

If you’re an American homeschooling overseas, be sure to check the country’s laws and even speak with an attorney who understands homeschool laws BEFORE you start homeschooling in another country.

 

CHECK THIS OUT NEXT: What do you need for homeschooling?

 

Which States Are Best for Homeschooling?

The best states for homeschooling will depend on the homeschool state laws and other required factors. Many believe that homeschooling states with flexible laws have some of the best homeschool programs. Best homeschooling states with some of the most flexibility include Texas, Alaska, Indiana and others. 

If you live in another country or are planning spend an extended amount of time in another country, be sure to understand the country’s laws before you move or start home school!

Check this for homeschooling requirements by state and homeschool tips for beginners.

 

 

Homeschooling Requirements to Know BEFORE Starting to Homeschool

Home Schooling Requirements #1: Check the homeschooling laws by state.

Again, checking homeschooling state requirements is the very first thing to do when considering home schooling!

You can check your state’s current homeschool laws and homeschooling regulations through the Homeschool Legal Defense Association or search the web for “homeschooling laws [your state].”

Don’t do any further home school research until you complete this step!

This is probably the most important homeschooling tip to getting started!

 

Home Schooling Requirements #2: Understand the homeschool requirements for parents.

What qualifications do you need to homeschool your child?

Do you have to have a license to homeschool?

You may be surprised to find out that in the United States you don’t need a license or teaching certification to homeschool.

However, just like homeschooling laws, the home schooling requirements for parents vary based on state (or country, if you live elsewhere).

Each state requires home-schooling parents (or instructors, like in co-ops) to have certain qualifications.

For many states, the minimum homeschool requirement for parents is to have a high school diploma or equivalent (like a GED).

The parental qualifications will be outlined when you look up home school state laws.

 

Can you be homeschooled without a parent?

Some people (most often teens) will ask, Can you be home schooled without a parent?

In the US, a parent or legal guardian is required to oversee homeschooling.

However, there are co-ops and other homeschool classes where your homeschooler can participate and be taught by someone else (other than the parent).

Homeschool co op classes are co-operative education classes where parents and children work together to achieve a common goal of cooperative education experience.

 

LEARN MORE ON THIS HOMESCHOOL TOPIC:

SURPRISING Answer to “Can You Be Homeschooled Without A Parent?”

 

Home Schooling Requirements #3: Review the intention to homeschool requirements (especially if you’re transferring a child out of public school or private school).

Depending on where you live, you may or may not have to file your intention to homeschool with your local school district, especially if you are taking your child out of public school or private school to homeschool.

 

This is important because your child may be considered truant if you do not complete the appropriate paperwork required for your state or country. This could mean serious legal issues for you and your family.

 

If you are transferring your child from a private or public school into homeschooling, be clear on what paperwork is needed to alert the school.

Again, your child is absent or truant if the appropriate paperwork is not filed with the public school (which causes major issues with your homeschool journey).

There are also very relaxed homeschooling states where you may not be required to file your intent to homeschool.

 

Home Schooling Requirements #4: Understand the home schooling state reporting requirements.

Some states require that you report to the state periodically while homeschooling.

Be sure you know:

• What do you need to report for your state? (If anything, in some states you don’t have to report.)
• Do you need to use a state-approved homeschool curriculum and show your child’s work using that curriculum?
• Will your child need to take state standardized tests?
• Do you need to submit your child’s grades periodically or provide an attendance report?

There are many things that you may need to submit based on your state’s requirements.

Be sure you have the checklist!

(Conversely, some states may not require you to submit anything for your homeschooler. YAY you!)

 

Can you start homeschooling at any time?

Once you are clear on the laws and home school requirements, you can start homeschooling your child TODAY!

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