The decision to homeschool your children is an important one, and it’s important to understand the laws that govern homeschooling in the United States. Homeschooling laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to do your research before you decide to homeschool. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the common laws that apply to homeschooling families in the U.S.
Homeschool Requirements
The first step for any family considering homeschooling is to understand the legal requirements for their particular state. These requirements will vary from state to state, but many states have similar requirements including:
– Notifying your local school district of your intent to homeschool;
– Providing proof of immunizations and/or medical records for each child;
– Meeting minimum age and attendance requirements;
– Keeping detailed records of coursework and assessments; and
– Completing yearly standardized testing or portfolio reviews.
In addition, some states require parents/guardians who are homeschooling their children to hold a certain level of education or teaching certificate as well as meet other qualifications such as criminal background checks or home visits by educational officials prior to allowing them to begin homeschooling. It’s important that you check with your local school district or state Department of Education for more information on specific requirements in your area.
Testing Requirements
In some states, parents are required by law to administer standardized tests or assessments annually in order for their children’s progress in school work can be evaluated by qualified professionals or educational officials. Tests must be administered according to guidelines set forth by each individual state’s Department of Education, and results must be provided when requested by authorized personnel from the school district or state Department of Education. Depending on the test chosen by the parent(s) or guardian(s), scores may be compared against national norms as well as expectations set forth by each individual state’s department of education/school district office. Educational Opportunities & Resources While many states have specific laws governing homeschooled students’ access to public schools’ resources such as sports teams and extracurricular activities, there are also numerous opportunities available through private organizations – both online and offline – that can help support a successful home schooling experience without having any direct ties with a public school system. Through these organizations, parents can gain access to resources such as curriculums tailored specifically for home schooling families, online classes taught by qualified instructors from all over the world, field trips offered through various cultural institutions around the nation, educational materials not available through public schools systems at no cost (or very low cost), and much more!
Homeschooling is an increasingly popular choice among American families looking for an alternative educational path for their children — however it is important that they understand all of the rules and regulations governing this type of schooling before diving into it headfirst! By familiarizing yourself with your particular state’s legal requirements regarding home schooling and researching available resources, you can ensure that you provide a safe environment with ample opportunities for learning within your own household while following all applicable laws in order create an enjoyable experience for everyone involved!
View your state’s homeschool laws.
