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Homeschooling as a military family

Which rules apply when you move, what DoDEA lets homeschoolers use, and starting mid-year.

Military families follow the homeschool law of the state or host nation where they are stationed. The Department of Defense Education Activity says sponsors are responsible for complying with those rules, and its policy lets eligible homeschooled dependents use school auxiliary services such as sports and the library, and take one to three classes. DoDEA commencement ceremonies are not included.

Checked October 29, 2026.

By Peabody editors.

This is a plain-words summary, not legal advice. Laws change: check your state's current law (each state page links to the statute) and its education department before you act.

Which law applies to a military family?

The one where you are stationed. DoDEA's policy says that a host nation, state, commonwealth, possession or territory where a sponsor is stationed "may impose legal requirements on home schooling practices", encourages sponsors to ask through the chain of command whether any command policies apply, and says sponsors "are responsible for complying with all applicable requirements." In the US, that means your state's homeschool law.

What can a homeschooled military child use at a DoDEA school?

DoDEA's policy, for eligible dependents who meet the same eligibility and conduct rules as other students:

  • Auxiliary services: academic resources, the school library, after-hours use of school facilities, and music, sports and other extracurricular and interscholastic activities, subject to supervision and availability. In DoDEA Americas, students must also meet state athletic eligibility guidelines.
  • One class, but no more than three, and special education or related services.
  • Not included: DoDEA commencement ceremonies. Consumables such as pens and paper are not provided.
  • Tuition-free where the child would be eligible to attend tuition-free; other cases may pay tuition or depend on space.

The policy does not apply to children who choose host-nation or private schools, or to children stationed where no DoDEA school is available (those fall under a different instruction).

What happens when we move mid-year?

You become subject to the new state's rules. Read the new state's page for notice deadlines, and the old state's page for any notice to end your program. Keep your attendance and portfolio records; they travel with you, and a new school or state may ask for them.

Where else can I find help?

DoDEA encourages sponsors to raise home schooling through their chain of command to learn about any command policies. We have not checked each state's military-specific rules.

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