What the law asks in your state
Step 2 of 6. Every state sets its own rules for notice, days or hours, subjects, testing and records. Find yours, with the link to the law.
The five things state laws cover
Homeschool laws in the United States are state laws, and they differ a great deal. Almost every state's rules come down to the same five questions, and each state page answers them in plain words with a link to the statute or the state education agency and the date we checked it.
- Notice: do you tell anyone you are homeschooling, who, how and by when?
- Days or hours: does the law set a number of days or hours of instruction?
- Subjects: does it name subjects you must teach?
- Testing or evaluation: is there a test or an evaluation, in which grades, and does anyone see the result?
- Records: what, if anything, must you keep?
More than one legal route
Some states give families more than one way to homeschool: a homeschool law, running a small private school, joining an umbrella or cover school, or a route the statute gives another name. The rules differ by route, so check which one you are using before you file anything.
Taking state education savings account (ESA) or voucher money can also change a family's legal status in some states. If you are thinking about it, read your state's ESA page before you apply.
Not legal advice
Our state pages are general information, written from each state's own statute and agency pages. Laws change. Confirm a date with your school district or the state agency before you rely on it, and for advice about your own situation ask a lawyer licensed in your state; homeschool legal-help organizations and your state's homeschool groups can also point you to help.
Notice, days or hours, testing and records, with the link to the law. Your choice stays in this browser.