Homeschooling your child can be a deeply rewarding experience. Still, before you dive into curriculum planning and setting up your homeschool space, it’s crucial to understand the homeschool laws and legal requirements in your state. Each U.S. state has its own laws governing homeschooling, ranging from minimal oversight to more detailed regulations. This guide offers a snapshot of what you need to know in all 50 states to stay compliant and confident as a homeschooling parent!
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states; however, the requirements vary significantly. Honestly, if you are or plan to be a homeschooling family, HSLDA and an amazing curriculum like ours are your best friends! And being informed about your state’s homeschool laws ensures you and your family:
Maintain your legal right to educate your child at home.
Avoid unnecessary legal troubles or truancy charges.
Meet expectations for subjects, record-keeping, and assessments.
The HSLDA Advocates for Homeschooling helps us break down homeschool laws by grouping states into specific categories. States typically fall into one of four legal categories when it comes to homeschooling:
No Notice States – No need to notify the state or local school district (e.g., Texas, Idaho).
Low Regulation States – Require minimal notice and record-keeping (e.g., Alaska, Missouri).
Moderate Regulation States – Require notice and some combination of assessments, recordkeeping, or subject instruction (e.g., North Carolina, New York).
High Regulation States – Require notification, detailed recordkeeping, evaluations, and possibly approval of curriculum (e.g., Pennsylvania, Massachusetts).
For this quick overview, we will briefly go into these homeschool laws: whether your state requires notice, what school age is required, if testing is required, and how you can utilize our curriculum! We know that some states, for instance, Texas, may not require record-keeping, but it is highly recommended for a multitude of reasons. We will discuss it here!
Moderate Regulation State:
Must file a church school enrollment or private tutor form. No standardized testing required. Homeschool age is 6-17. You can utilize our curriculum by offering it to your church school or your own established home-based private school! You can find the full summary here.
No Notice State:
No notice required. Parents are free to homeschool independently with The Moneá Academy curriculum guide! The homeschool age is 7 – 16. You can find the full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
Must file an affidavit with a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate of your intent to homeschool. No testing requirements. Homeschool age is 6 – 16. Our curriculum includes the required subjects: reading, grammar, math, social studies, and science! You can find the full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
File a Notice of Intent annually. No standardized testing required. Other than the annual notice, the homeschooling world is your oyster, and our curriculum fits right into it! And lucky you, Arkansans! You can start homeschooling your child at age 5, with homeschooling ages ending at 17. You can find the full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
Options include homeschooling as a private school, or a public school. Notification and some recordkeeping are required. Homeschool age 6-18. Our curriculum covers the subjects: language arts, math, science, social studies, health/PE. However, driver training is not normally mentioned in core curricula, so you would have to integrate it into your older child’s lesson plan. You can find the full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
File a Notice of Intent annually. Testing or evaluation is required at certain grade levels (3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th), and you must keep records on homeschooling as well as immunizations. Our customizable curriculum guide allows you to teach the required subjects: the United States Constitution, reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, literature, and science. Homeschool age is 6-17. You can find a full summary here.
No Notice State:
There is no legal requirement to notify, but voluntary guidelines suggest submitting a Notice of Intent. Also, no testing is required. Your state requires you to teach your child: Reading, writing, spelling, English grammar, Geography, Arithmetic, United States history, and citizenship, including a study of the town, state, and federal governments. Where does that leave our curriculum? Right in your hands! All you would need outside of the curriculum is a Connecticut history book, and take a field trip a couple of times a year to your town’s visitor center and historical markers! Homeschool age is 5-18. You can find a full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
Must file an annual statement of intent and enrollment. No testing required. Homeschool age starts at 5, and your curriculum is yours to choose! You can find a full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
File a Notice of Intent. Submit an annual evaluation (testing or portfolio review). Homeschool age is 6-16. Since Florida does not limit the mandated subjects, our curriculum is perfect for you! You can find a full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
File a Declaration of Intent annually. Maintain attendance records and conduct annual standardized testing. If you plan to homeschool, you yourself must have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED). The minimum required subjects are reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science! This makes our curriculum perfect for your needs. You can find a full summary here.
Moderate Regulation State:
Submit a Notice of Intent and an annual progress report or standardized test. Homeschool age is 5-18. Hawaii claims to be strict on its curriculum, but it mostly aligns with the definition of education that the NAEYC gives! Our curriculum fits perfectly with Hawaii’s homeschool laws and legal requirements. You can find a full summary here.
No Notice State:
No notice is required; however, you will need to teach specific subjects as they are taught in Idaho public schools, including language arts, math, science, and social studies. You are not required to take standardized testing, and homeschool age starts at 7! Our curriculum is perfect for your family! This is everything, but you can find more information here.
No Notice State:
No notification required. Teach these required subjects in English: math, language arts, fine arts, physical development (health), social science, biological science, and physical science. Homeschool can start as early as age 6! You also have to call the homeschool a private school, unless on FAFSA. You can find more here.
No Notice State:
No notice required. Maintain attendance records and provide an equivalent education for homeschoolers aged 7 to 18. You can find the full summary here.
No Notice State:
Several options are available; Iowa has 5 different homeschool paths! Homeschool age is from 6 to 16. Some paths require notification, assessment, or portfolio reviews. The best option for you would be an HSAP program, Homeschooling by Opt-Out, or IPI. To have the freedom to utilize our curriculum, choose the first route, Independent Private Instruction (IPI). You can find all the options with more details here.
Low Regulation State:
Register as a non-accredited private school. No testing required or subject requirement, the Kansas homeschool laws require that your instruction be planned and scheduled. This is something we help with at The Moneá Academy! Making our Ultimate Homeschool Curriculum Guide perfect for you! You can find a full summary of your homeschool laws here.
Low Regulation State:
Homeschooling age starts at 6. You must notify the local superintendent annually and teach required subjects for a minimum of 185 days. Your teaching has to be in English to count as homeschool education with these subjects: reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, mathematics, science, and civics. Our curriculum can help you educate your child for the required hours, days, and subjects that Kentucky homeschool laws mandate! You can find a full outline here.
Low Regulation State:
Choose from private school status or home study program—each with different requirements. For both, though, you can homeschool as early as 5 years old. Depending on how extensive you would want your record-keeping to be, you might have more success and less stress with the private school status route: annual notice and freedom of curriculum. You can find a full summary of how the two options compare here.
Moderate Regulation State:
File a Notice of Intent and annual assessment. You can choose to homeschool under Maine’s homeschool instruction or file as a co-op with other parents! This was one of the few states that allowed filing as a co-op, so think about your community and reach out to parents in your neighborhood! You can find a full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
File a Notice of Intent and choose between portfolio review or umbrella school oversight. You can start as early as 5 years old! The required subjects are: math, English, social studies, science, art, music, health, and physical education! Our curriculum fits perfectly with your homeschooling needs! You can find options for umbrella schools and being independent here.
High Regulation State:
Approval from the local school district is required, and your child can start homeschooling as early as age 6. Curriculum and periodic evaluations may be required. While our curriculum covers most of the subject requirements, you may find better and faster success with approval by these two options: a Massachusetts-specific curriculum or by utilizing ours and adding a health & CPR curriculum. We have read that MHLA does not endorse one activity, curriculum, resource, or program over another (MA Home Learning, 2025). So you could have no issue at all! Because this is one of the four highly regulated states, we will direct you to your state’s homeschool association: MHLA.
No Notice State:
No notice required unless using a nonpublic school option. Teach specific subjects for homeschooling ages 6-18: reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar. We recommend you use your Michigan homeschool statute route to utilize our curriculum and avoid notice plus other restrictions.. The nonpublic school option also requires you to have a teacher’s certificate or a bachelor’s degree. You can find a full summary here.
Moderate Regulation State:
Minnesota only offers one route for homeschooling: File a Letter of Intent annually, annual testing, and record-keeping. While our curriculum works perfectly with the subject requirements, you have to be qualified to teach them. Minnesota recognizes qualifications as a bachelor’s degree, a teaching license, supervision by a teacher, or under a state-board-accredited program. You can find more information here.
Low Regulatioon State:
With only one homeschool option, parents must file a certificate of enrollment annually before September 15th. There are no assessments, teacher qualifications, or school days required. And you can start homeschooling as early as age 6! Our homeschool curriculum guide can help navigate getting started and thriving in your homeschooling journey.
No Notice State.
While no notice is required, you will need to keep attendance records and work samples. Homeschool starts around age 7, and you need 600 hours of reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science every year. As well as 400 hours of extracurricular studies for a total of 1000 hours each school year. This just means you will need one extra month of learning compared to the normal 6 months that other states mandate. You can find a full summary of how to comply with Missouri homeschool laws here.
Low Regulation State:
With only one option available to homeschool, you will need to file a Notice of Intent annually with the superintendent. Homeschooling age starts at 7, and you will need to keep attendance and immunization records with hours of instruction included. Our curriculum fits perfectly with the subject requirements: English language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, health, arts, and career education! You can find the full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
Nebraska offers one option for homeschooling, and that is to file two forms annually with the Department of Education. You may start homeschooling your child at age 6, and you may be required to submit test scores or portfolio evidence. Parents must have qualifications to teach, such as a high school diploma or its equivalent. You can find the full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
The homeschool laws for Nevada include: filing a Notice of Intent, maintaining an educational plan, and keeping progress records. You can start homeschooling as early as age 6, and the required subjects are: English language arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies! This curriculum guide is perfect for you, and an educational plan is done for you!
Moderate Regulation State:
Though the notification to the participating agency is only required once, you must submit annual evaluations or testing. New Hampshire homeschool laws require you to teach: Science, mathematics, language, government/civics, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, the New Hampshire constitution, and the United States constitution. They also require an exposure to and appreciation of art and music. Another interesting fact is that New Hampshire is one of the only states that requires you to notify the Department of Education if your child graduates before the age of 18. You can find a full summary here.
No Notice State:
You can start homeschooling as early as 6 years old, and no notification to the school district is required. While specific subject requirements are not immediately listed, the state hopes that parents will teach in good faith the following.
Once your child is in high school, they need:
Find the full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
New Mexico has one route for homeschooling: file a Notice of Intent with the superintendent, keep immunization records, and teach required subjects. You can start homeschooling as early as age 5, and in order to teach, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. The minimum subjects required are: reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science. Our curriculum has you covered! You can find a full summary of New Mexico’s homeschool laws here.
High Regulation State:
As one of the four high regulatory states, New Yorkers must submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), quarterly reports, and annual assessments. Homeschool age starts at 6, and the subject requirements are outlined below:
For K-12
- Patriotism and citizenship
- About substance abuse
- Traffic safety (including bike safety)
- Fire safety
- US and New York history and constitutions (At least once before 9th grade)
For 1st – 6th Grade
- Arithmetic
- Reading
- Spelling
- Writing
- English
- Geography
- US History
- Science
- Health
- Music
- Visual arts
- Physical education
For 7th and 8th Grade – Hours per year included
- English (216 hours)
- History and geography (216 hours)
- Science (216 hours)
- Mathematics (216 hours)
- Art (54 hours)
- Music (54 hours)
- Physical education (regularly)
- Health education (regularly)
- Practical arts [an example is woodworking] (regularly)
- Library skills (regularly)
For 9th – 12th Grade – Hours per year included
- Mathematics (216 hours)
- English (432 hours)
- Social studies, including American history, participation in government, and economics (432 hours)
- Science (216 hours)
- Art or music (108 hours)
- Health (54 hours)
- Physical education (216 hours)
- Electives (324 hours)
Our Ultimate Homeschool Curriculum Guide helps you plan your hours and your days perfectly! Our record-keeping bundle is also cohesive and allows you to meet those quarterly, testing, and annual grade reports! You can find a full summary of New York’s Homeschool Laws here.
Moderate Regulation State:
North Carolina is very different from South Carolina’s homeschool laws. You only have one option for NC: File a Notice of Intent with North Carolina’s Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE). You will need to maintain attendance, maintain immunization records, and administer standardized testing annually. Interestingly, you will have to close your registered homeschool when your child graduates, your family moves, or they transfer to a different education style. You can find more information here.
Moderate Regulation State:
Unlike its sister state, North Dakota starts homeschooling two years later, at age 7, and is a bit more strict. An annual notification of intent is required. Testing and monitoring may be required based on parents’ teaching qualifications. Record-keeping is a must here. You can find what route is best for you here.
Low Regulation State:
You will need to file a Notice of Intent annually by August 30th and teach the following subjects: English language arts, mathematics, science, history, government, and social studies. This works perfectly with the Ultimate Homeschool Curriculum Guide. Now, there is another option you may have heard your homeschool community mention in Ohio, it is -08 school. Find out more information here.
No Notice State.
I am not an Okie, but I love my sister state! No notification required, and you can start homeschooling as early as age 5! As long as you teach for 180 days and provide adequate instruction, you are free to utilize our curriculum to your heart’s desire! We also make sure to align with public school education with the following subjects: math, language arts, science, and social studies.
Moderate Regulation State:
Homeschooling age can start as early as 6, and you will need to file a one-time Notice of Intent to your local education service district. Testing is required at specific grades (3rd, 5th, 8th, and 10th). Your child’s record would be requested when applying for a driver’s license and sometimes for job applications in the state of Oregon. Also, you do have to address any disabilities in your child’s individualized education plan (IEP) or privately developed plan. If needed, more information can be found here.
High Regulation State:
Annual evaluation, affidavit, and portfolio review required with homeschooling age starting at 6. Our curriculum guide meets the subject requirements, and you can find the full summary here.
High Regulation State:
Submit a letter of intent. Local school committee approval is often required. You are required to teach: reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, health, and physical education, United States History, the history of Rhode Island, and American civics. You are also required to keep attendance records and report them to the local school committee every year. Our record-keeping bundle will be very beneficial to your homeschooling journey. You can find the full steps to your homeschooling journey here.
Moderate Regulation State:
South Carolina offers its homeschooling families multiple options with varying levels of oversight and association memberships. If possible, you could join a homeschooling co-op of 50 members! Otherwise, the best option, even HSLDA recommends, is to enroll in South Carolina’s Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS). If you do not want to be a part of any association and are willing to utilize your organization and documentation skills, the homeschool statute option might not be as daunting as it seems. You can check out all the options here.
Low Regulation State:
Unlike its sister state, South Dakota is less strict. You can start homeschooling your child as early as age 5, and you must file an annual notification; testing is required in some grades. In South Dakota, you can also homeschool up to 21 students as an individual. Your curriculum just needs to ensure the child grasps language arts and math! Our curriculum offers that and so much more for a well-rounded, wholesome approach to homeschooling. You can find a full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
Options include independent homeschool or an umbrella school; requirements vary. For this reason, let’s go with independent homeschooling! As a homeschooling parent, you need at least a GED, file a notice of intent, and maintain attendance days. You also have testing requirements in the 5th, 7th, and 9th grades. Homeschool age ranges from 6-17. You can find a full summary here.
No Notice State:
Texas is the simplest and lenient state (aside from Idaho and Oklahoma) when it comes to homeschooling. No notification required. Teach required subjects (reading, math, good citizenship, spelling, and grammar) in a bona fide manner. Homeschool age starts at 6, and is the only state that can homeschool up to 19 years old! We made sure our curriculum was bona fide and customizable for almost all of the state’s homeschool laws. If you need more, you can find a full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
File an affidavit once. No testing required. No state-mandated subjects, but homeschooling age starts at 6, like most states. Pretty simple, and our curriculum guide can lighten your load! If needed, you can find a full summary here.
Moderate Regulation State:
Submit an annual Notice of Intent. Curriculum plan and end-of-year assessment required. Homeschool age starts at 6. Vermont is very interesting with its curriculum requirements, including: fine arts, communication, citizenship (Vermont History & U.S. History), P.E., health education, literature, and natural sciences. Though most homeschool curricula will already include P.E., literature, sciences, communications, and History, it’s important to focus on a fine arts curriculum like ours instead of full-on STEM, to make sure you are compliant with your homeschool laws. You can find a full summary here.
Moderate Regulation State:
File a Notice of Intent and submit annual assessments or evaluations. Homeschool age can start as early as 5 years old, and without harsh restrictions on your curriculum, we fit in perfectly! You can find a full summary here.
Moderate Regulation State:
File an annual Declaration of Intent. Testing or portfolio review required. You also cannot start homeschooling until age 8 (or the 2nd or 3rd grade level). While our curriculum fits the state’s subject requirements (occupational education, science, math, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and the development of an appreciation of art and music), you must fit specific requirements to be able to teach. Otherwise, enroll in a private school that offers homeschooling options. You can find a full summary here.
Moderate Regulation State:
File a Notice of Intent. Annual assessment or portfolio review required. You MUST keep records because at any time your superintendent can ask for this information. When looking at your options, go with Option 2: “Homeschooling by submitting a notice of intent” because it avoids having to ask for permission to homeschool and avoids longer waiting periods. Homeschool age starts at 6, and our curriculum fits perfectly with your state’s subject requirements: reading, language, math, science, and social studies. You can find a full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
File a Statement of Enrollment annually. Teach a sequential curriculum for reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health! And our curriculum guide works perfectly for you! Homeschool age is between 6-18. You can find a full summary here.
Low Regulation State:
File a Letter of Intent annually. Teach required subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, civics, history, literature, and science. Our curriculum covers these perfectly! Homeschool age is 7-16. You can find a full summary here.
Know Your Dates: Most states have specific deadlines for submitting notices or evaluations.
Keep Records: Even in low-regulation states, maintaining attendance and work samples is a good practice.
Join a Homeschool Organization: Groups like HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) can provide legal guidance and advocacy.
Check Annually: Laws can change, so check your state’s Department of Education website each year.
While navigating homeschool laws may seem overwhelming, being informed is empowering. By understanding your state’s legal requirements and staying organized, you can confidently build a learning environment that supports your child’s growth and future success.
Elliott, K. (2025). The Ultimate Homeschool Curriculum Guide: Pre-K to 12th Grade for Parents and Teachers: Elliott, Karlie M: 9798896866695: Amazon.com: Books. Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Homeschool-Curriculum-Guide-Teachers/dp/B0DVLT7NYS
HSLDA. (2024). Homeschool Laws By State. HSLDA. https://hslda.org/legal
MA Home Learning. (2025). MA Home Learning – Curriculum Resources. Mhla.org. https://www.mhla.org/networking-support/resources/free-curriculum