States that Have the Easiest Homeschooling

Homeschooling is a popular educational option for families across the United States. While homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, the rules, and regulations surrounding it vary from state to state, making it difficult to know what is allowed and what isn’t.

Some states are considered more “homeschooling-friendly” than others, based on the level of regulation surrounding the practice. This can make it difficult for parents to figure out what they need to do in order to homeschool their children legally.

In other words, some states have fewer regulations and requirements for homeschooling parents, making it easier for them to educate their children with little intervention. These states are often considered the best homeschooling states. Other states have more oversight and regulations, making them more difficult to homeschool in. These states are often considered the worst homeschooling states.

This article will outline states that have relaxed homeschooling regulations, making it easier for parents to get started. So whether you’re just starting out or are looking for a change of scenery, these states are worth considering.

How Homeschooling Differs Among States

Some states require homeschool parents to file paperwork annually, teach for a set number of hours each day, participate in home evaluations, teach specific subjects, and take state tests each year. In other states, parents only have to file the initial paperwork. They are then left to their own devices with very few requirements from their state government.

Some states are known as being more “homeschooling friendly” than others, because they have less strict requirements for parents who want to homeschool their children. These states typically require less paperwork, testing, and reporting than other states. This allows parents to have more control over their child’s education and tailor it to their individual needs.

Some states permit parents to develop their own curriculum or use online homeschool programs, which makes homeschooling easier for some parents. Consequently, these states are considered the best homeschooling states.

In states like New York, which have stricter homeschooling regulations, families must complete an annual assessment and teach state-mandated subjects. However, in more lenient states like Oklahoma, there are no reporting or testing requirements. The only requirement is that the homeschool operates for 180 days out of the year.

In New Jersey, you only need to provide your child with an education equivalent to what they would receive in public school. There are no other requirements for homeschooling. This makes it a very friendly state for those who want to homeschool their children.

Level of Regulation Required for Homeschooling in Each State

The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) has created a map with the homeschooling requirements for each state. The map also provides parents with more information about each requirement, including step-by-step instructions on how to meet them. This is so that parents know what to do to homeschool their children legally in their specific state.

HSLDA categorizes the level of regulation required for homeschooling in each state according to the following criteria:

• States with high regulation: Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts.
• States with low regulation: Delaware, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California.
• States that have moderate regulation: Washington D.C., Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii.
• States that do not require notice to the school district: Texas, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Missouri, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Idaho, Connecticut, and Alaska.

Easiest States for Homeschooling in the U.S.

People have different opinions about how much regulation is too much. In some cases, parents appreciate extra regulation because it means that the curriculum is planned out for them.

On the other hand, some parents find the homeschooling regulations and guidelines too restrictive and feel that they take away from the freedom homeschooling can offer.

Here is a look at homeschooling in states with fewer restrictions. These states are often considered the “easiest” states for homeschooling.

Alaska

In Alaska, teenagers aged between 7 and 16 are required to attend a school or comply with homeschooling regulations of the state. There are no requirements to notify the state, get approval, take tests, or be a certified teacher under this statute.

Therefore, parents who choose to homeschool their children in Alaska have a great deal of freedom in how they structure their child’s education.

Parents in Alaska have a lot of freedom when it comes to homeschooling their children. It is important to keep good records and plan a curriculum that meets your child’s needs and prepares them for their future college and career goals.

Idaho

In Idaho, parents who homeschool their children do not need to have any specific qualifications. They also are not required to get approval from the school district or test their children. If a local school district requests information about the homeschool program, the parents are not legally obligated to provide it.

In Idaho, parents or guardians must select an instructor for their children. The instructor can be the parent, guardian, relative, or unrelated person. They also have to teach required courses such as language arts, math, science, and social studies.

Illinois

In Illinois, homeschools are considered private schools. Parents are not required to register their home-based private school with the state board of education, nor do they need to seek state recognition for their school.

Homeschool parents in Illinois are required to provide instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, fine arts, and physical development and health. They must also ensure that learning takes place in English and that they have a plan for their homeschool program.

Indiana

Parents who homeschool in Indiana are required to teach their children in English and provide instruction that is equivalent to what is offered in public schools.

However, the Indiana State Board of Education is not allowed to define what “equivalent” means, nor can they approve homeschool programs. This leaves it up to parents to ensure that their homeschooled children receive a quality education.

In Indiana, home schools are considered private schools and must meet the requirements of the state’s private school statute. This includes operating for the same number of days as public schools (usually 180 days) and keeping attendance records.

Michigan

Parents in Michigan can homeschool their children using the homeschooling statute, or they can enroll them in a nonpublic school. They are required to teach specific subjects, but there are no regulations on how often or at what grade level the subjects are taught.

The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) recommends that parents plan to teach subjects at age-appropriate levels every year, especially during elementary and middle school. This will help ensure that homeschooled students are receiving a well-rounded education.

Missouri

In Missouri, homeschooling parents are required to provide instruction in certain core subjects for all kids under the age of 16. They must also keep records of their homeschooling activities.

Although they are not required to notify anyone that they are homeschooling, they must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction during every school term, with 600 of those hours being devoted to lessons in the core subjects.

New Jersey

The only requirement for homeschooling in New Jersey is that you provide your child with an education equivalent to what they would receive in public school. Parents should make sure to teach the same subjects that are taught in public schools.

In addition, parents should consider the academic level their child is at and make sure to challenge them accordingly.

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, homeschooling parents are not required to test their students or submit any reports. As long as they operate their homeschool for at least 180 days, they can run it however they want.

However, the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) recommends that parents include social studies, language arts, science, and math in their curriculum.

Texas

In Texas, homeschools are regarded as private schools and must teach core subjects like math, reading, spelling, grammar, and citizenship. Although science and history are not required courses, it is still beneficial to cover those top in order to prepare the student for college.

In addition, homeschool parents must use a curriculum that is in written form. Online programs can be used as a written curriculum.

Final Thoughts!

So, what are the states with the easiest homeschooling laws? The short answer is that all states have different regulations and requirements for homeschooling. However, some states make it much easier to start and operate a homeschool than others.

If you’re considering homeschooling your child, it’s important to research your state’s specific requirements and plan accordingly. But don’t worry! We can help you every step of the way.

Contact High School of America today to learn more about our homeschooling program and how we can help you get started on this exciting journey!