Homeschooling State By State: Laws, Requirements, and Resources
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Homeschooling laws in the United States vary widely from state to state. Some states offer families a great deal of freedom, while others require formal notification, assessments, or ongoing oversight.
This state-by-state guide is designed to give you a clear starting point—so you can quickly understand what homeschooling looks like where you live and know where to find official, up-to-date information.
Important note: Homeschool laws do change. This guide provides an overview, but families should always verify details through their state’s official education website or a trusted homeschool organization.
New to Homeschooling? Start Here
If you’re just getting started, focus on two things first:
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Understanding your state’s legal requirements
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Choosing a simple homeschool approach that fits your family
You don’t need to decide everything at once. These beginner guides can help you take the first steps with confidence:
How Homeschool Laws Differ by State
While details vary, most states differ in a few key ways:
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Whether you must notify the state or district
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If testing or evaluations are required
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How much oversight exists (none, minimal, or structured)
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Whether parents must meet teacher qualification requirements
Some states are considered homeschool-friendly, while others are more regulated—but families homeschool successfully in all 50 states. The Department of Education website has details on regulations for each state.
Homeschool Legal Support: HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association)
Because homeschool laws vary by state and can change over time, many families choose to reference or join the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for up-to-date legal information and support.
HSLDA provides:
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Clear explanations of homeschool laws for all 50 states
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Step-by-step guidance for how to homeschool legally in your state
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Updates when laws or requirements change
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Legal assistance and advocacy for member families
If you are unsure about the legal requirements in your state—or want an extra layer of reassurance—HSLDA is one of the most widely used homeschool legal resources in the United States.
Find Your State’s Homeschool Laws
You can view detailed, state-specific homeschool law summaries from HSLDA.
From there, simply select your state to see:
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Notification requirements
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Testing or evaluation rules
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Record-keeping expectations
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Compulsory subjects (if applicable)
Note: Families are not required to join HSLDA to homeschool, but many find their legal summaries helpful when getting started or navigating changes in state law.
Homeschooling Laws & Resources: State-by-State Overview
Below is a brief snapshot of homeschooling requirements in each state. Each state includes the general level of regulation. You can learn more by visiting the HSLDA or Department of Education sites for the most updated information. Your own State board of education websites will also provide information for you.
Alabama
Low regulation. Notification required. No testing.
Alaska
Low regulation. Several homeschool options available.
Arizona
Low regulation. One-time affidavit required. No testing.
Arkansas
Moderate regulation. Annual notice required. No testing.
California
Moderate regulation. Multiple legal homeschool options.
Colorado
Moderate regulation. Notice and evaluations required.
Connecticut
Low regulation. Notice required; no testing.
Delaware
Moderate regulation. Annual enrollment required.
Florida
Moderate regulation. Notice and evaluation required.
Georgia
Moderate regulation. Declaration and annual progress required.
Hawaii
Moderate regulation. Notice and annual progress reports required.
Idaho
Low regulation. No notice or testing required.
Illinois
Low regulation. Homeschooling treated as private schooling.
Indiana
Low regulation. No notice or testing required.
Iowa
Moderate regulation. Multiple homeschool options available.
Kansas
Low regulation. Homeschools registered as private schools.
Kentucky
Moderate regulation. Annual notice required.
Louisiana
Moderate regulation. Homeschool programs must be approved.
Maine
Moderate regulation. Notice and annual assessment required.
Maryland
Moderate regulation. Oversight by local districts.
Massachusetts
High regulation. Approval and oversight required.
Michigan
Low regulation. No notice or testing required.
Minnesota
Moderate regulation. Notice and testing required.
Mississippi
Low regulation. Annual certificate required.
Missouri
Low regulation. Record-keeping required.
Montana
Moderate regulation. Notice and records required.
Nebraska
Moderate regulation. Homeschools classified as private schools.
Nevada
Low regulation. One-time notice required.
New Hampshire
Moderate regulation. Notice and evaluation required.
New Jersey
Low regulation. No notice or testing required.
New Mexico
Moderate regulation. Annual notice required.
New York
High regulation. Notice, IHIP, and assessments required.
North Carolina
Moderate regulation. Registration and testing required.
North Dakota
High regulation. Notice, testing, and teacher qualifications required.
Ohio
Moderate regulation. Notice and annual assessment required.
Oklahoma
Low regulation. No notice or testing required.
Oregon
Moderate regulation. Notice and testing required.
Pennsylvania
Moderate regulation. Notice, portfolio, and evaluation required.
Rhode Island
Moderate regulation. Approval and oversight required.
South Carolina
Moderate regulation. Multiple homeschool options available.
South Dakota
Low regulation. Annual notice required.
Tennessee
Moderate regulation. Several homeschool options available.
Texas
Low regulation. Homeschooling treated as private education.
Utah
Low regulation. Simple affidavit required.
Vermont
Moderate regulation. Annual enrollment and assessment required.
Virginia
Moderate regulation. Notice and annual evaluation required.
Washington
Moderate regulation. Notice and parent qualifications required.
West Virginia
Moderate regulation. Notice and assessment required.
Wisconsin
Low regulation. Annual enrollment required.
Wyoming
Low regulation. Annual notice required.
Planning to Homeschool in Your State?
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, and families make it work in a wide variety of circumstances. Once you understand your state’s requirements, you can focus on what really matters—choosing resources, building routines, and creating a learning environment that works for your family.
If you’re new to homeschooling, you may also find these helpful:
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Homeschool planning tools
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State geography resources
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Low-prep learning ideas for busy families
What State Do You Homeschool In?
Homeschool laws can feel confusing at first, but knowledge brings confidence. What state are you homeschooling in—and how has your experience been so far?
Learn more about what it is like to homeschool in Utah as well as some amazing field trips in Utah.Â
See Also:
United States Geography Lessons
This is a fantastic idea! We love field trips, so I’m pinning so I don’t lose this great resource!