Homeschooling: questions parents ask

Yes, in all 50 states and Washington, DC. There is no federal homeschool law; each state sets its own rules.

In most states, no – but many states ask you to send a notice or file a form, and a few review or approve your plan. Check your state guide.

It depends on your state: often the local superintendent, sometimes the state education agency, and in some states nobody. Your state guide lists the office, the deadline we found and any official form.

No. If your child is enrolled, withdraw them in writing and follow your state’s homeschool rules first, or the absences may be treated as truancy.

Most states don’t require one. A few set qualifications for some options – for example a high school diploma, or a certified teacher for a tutor route. Your state guide says what applies.

Generally you choose your own materials. Some states list subjects you must teach, and a few review your plan or ask for instruction comparable to public school. Check your state guide.

Some states set a number of days or hours; many set none. Check your state guide, and keep an attendance or hours log either way.

Only in some states, and usually only in certain grades. Others accept a portfolio review or an evaluation instead. Many states have no testing rule.

Whatever your state requires, plus – in any state – attendance or hours, work samples, test results and a list of resources and activities. Our free templates help.

It depends on your state, and often on the district or the state athletic association. Your state guide includes what we found.

Your school district generally must still find and evaluate children with disabilities (Child Find). What services follow depends on whether your state treats homeschools as private schools. See our special education page.

Usually the parent issues them. Use our transcript template, and check your state guide for any graduation rules.

Yes. Colleges set their own homeschool requirements, and federal student aid accepts homeschool completion when the homeschool is treated as a homeschool or private school under state law.

Yes. Contact your local school district’s enrollment office and ask how it decides grade placement and credits – the rules vary by state and district. See going back to school after homeschooling.

It depends on the district and the state. Some review your records and work, some use tests or a trial period in the next course, and some don’t award credit for homeschool work. A transcript, course descriptions, work samples and test scores help.

In some states, yes – for example Arizona, Florida, West Virginia, South Dakota and Washington, DC have rules on this. Your state guide’s “Going back to public school” section says what we found.

No. This help desk is general information, not legal advice. Check your state’s official page and get qualified advice if you need it.