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Homeschool Laws by State - in a Nutshell

Have you followed the news articles from other countries, where homeschoolers have been jailed or had their children taken away just because they homeschool? We are fortunate here in North America, because homeschooling is completely legal in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Still, homeschool laws by state vary and can be confusing, causing immobilization due to fear of regulation. Beginners will ask “Where do I get the curriculum?” or “Where do I join Home School?” And yet there is no single curriculum, or a single “school” that homeschoolers must join. In order to begin homeschooling, you need to know the laws that apply, and then work to educate your children.

Before we dive into specific homeschool laws by state, I want to reassure you that - unlike your other possible encounters with the law - this one does not need to be scary. In fact, there are only three easy steps to get through unscathed.

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Step 1: Check Homeschool Laws by State

State laws vary, but each state will allow parents to educate their children at home, in a way that will uniquely fit the family and the child. State law may provide general guidance or requirements, but it’s always the parent who can choose the particulars. We can choose the homeschool methods and curriculum to perfectly fit our children and situation.

Step 2: Recognize the Limitation of Laws

Many laws are written specifically for public school students. These laws do not apply to private schools or homeschools. Frequently, homeschoolers do not have to follow the law for public school children, any more than private school students must comply with laws meant for other organizations. We need to understand and comply with state homeschool law. Look up your homeschool laws by state, province, or territory, using the list below.

As you are reading the law, remember what it does not say. Searching for the law that applies to “high school” may not give you the information you need. The public school law may be reported in the newspaper, but that doesn't mean it applies to you. And even though it may specify requirements for public school graduation, that doesn’t necessarily equate to a quality education. Always keep in mind when looking over laws and educational requirements for your area, that public high school requirements are not usually enough for college admission. Many homeschoolers exceed the expectation of public schools, because they are invested in the academic success of their children.

Step 3: Determine What Works for your Family

I encourage you to look toward college requirements, not high school requirements, to make sure you are prepared for anything. Along with checking out your local homeschool law, peruse websites of those universities your child is considering before they get to senior year, so you're not surprised by admission requirements!

Find a curriculum that fits, and use whatever methods will help your child learn. Do what is best for your child, based on the knowledge you have gleaned. If you have made a sudden switch to homeschooling, recognize that it can take some time to find a good curriculum fit. In the meantime, visit a library and get some great books from a College Bound Reading List and have your child write a daily journal. Watch educational videos, like Ken Burn’s Civil War. That should give you enough time to research and order the appropriate homeschool curriculum for your family.
Understand Homeschool Laws by State

Listing of Homeschool Laws by State

I encourage you to follow your local homeschool law. This will allow maximum flexibility after high school. We have put together a handy dandy list of links for laws all across North America for you!


California
California Homeschool Law - Homeschool Association of California
Homeschooling Law in California - A2ZHomeschooling.com
California Homeschool Law Information - HSLDA

Hawaii
Hawaii Education Code For Homeschooling - HawaiiHomeschoolAssociation.org
Hawaii Homeschool Law Information - HSLDA

Nevada
Nevada Homeschooling Laws - NevadaHomeschoolNetwork.com
Nevada Education Code For Homeschooling - A2ZHomeschooling.com
Nevada Homeschool Law Information - HSLDA

Washington
Washington Homeschool Laws - Washington Homeschool Organization
Washington Homeschool Law - ChristianHeritageOnline.org
Washington Homeschool Law Information - HSLDA

Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Homeschool Law - Wisconsin Parents Association
Wisconsin Education Code For Homeschooling - A2ZHomeschooling.com
Wisconsin Homeschool Law Information - HSLDA


Check Your State Homeschool Law

Canadian Homeschool Law by Province / Territory

Alberta
Canadian Homeschool Laws: Alberta - HomeschoolCanada.ca
Home Education in Alberta - AHEAonline.com

British Columbia
BC Homeschool Law - BCHEA.ca
Canada Homeschool Laws: British Columbia - HomeschoolCanada.ca

Manitoba
Manitoba Law - MACHS.ca
Canadian Homeschool Laws: Manitoba - HomeschoolCanada.ca

Newfoundland
Newfoundland & Labrador Homeschooling Laws - HomeschoolCanada.ca

Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories Homeschool Laws - HomeschoolCanada.ca

Nova Scotia
Homeschooling in Nova Scotia: Getting Started - HomeschoolinginNovaScotia.com
Canadian Homeschool Laws: Nova Scotia - HomeschoolCanada.ca

Nunavut
Canadian Homeschool Laws: Nunavut - HomeschoolCanada.ca

Ontario
Legal Issues in Home Education - OntarioHomeschool.org
Homeschooling Laws in Ontario - OCHEC.org
Canadian Homeschool Laws: Ontario - HomeschoolCanada.ca

Prince Edward Island
Canadian Homeschool Laws: PEI - HomeschoolCanada.ca

Quebec
Québec Homeschooling Laws - HomeschoolCanada.ca

Saskatchewan
Getting Started - SHBE.info
Canadian Homeschool Laws: Saskatchewan - HomeschoolCanada.ca

Yukon Territory
Canadian Homeschool Laws: Yukon Territory - HomeschoolCanada.ca

Relaxed Homeschooling

Mexican Homeschool Law

Mexico
Legal Information: Mexico - HSLDA
Homeschooling in México - HomeschoolingMexico.com.mx

Recommended Resources

5 Mistakes Homeschooling High School

5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make Homeschooling High School - Free Workshop

Learn how to identify and avoid the big blunders repeated by countless homeschool parents!

The First Mistake may cripple your plans if your child ever changes their mind (and what teenager doesn't!) The Second Mistake may leave your child unprepared for college! The Third Mistake may result in the loss of thousands of dollars in financial aid! The Fourth Mistake may cause your child to be lost in the crowd during college admission. The Fifth Mistake may render your kid unable to gain admission to the college of their dreams! 


How to Homeschool Independently

How to Homeschool Independently - Coffee Break Book ($7.95)

Learn why "old-fashioned" homeschooling is still your best bet for growing passionate learners! Homeschool independently and take your life back! Instead of a "one-size-fits-all" assembly-line education, choose the freedom to teach your children at their pace and consistent with your values. Pursue happiness while homeschooling, instead of pursuing the busyness so common in our society.

In this book, you will learn how to identify and eliminate sources of educational dependence, how to regain your peace of mind, and how to rekindle your children's love of learning.

Solution for Homeschooling High School

High School Solution ($197)

If you are a beginner at homeschooling high school, consider the High School Solution, which provides detailed training on homeschooling, from middle school through senior year. The resources included give specific help for all stages, from getting started and planning high school courses, to understanding high school testing and college admission and scholarships.

Get complete instruction for choosing curriculum, encouraging delight directed learning, and teaching advanced subjects through training classes for parents, all with handouts or workbooks plus articles and templates.

Copyright © The HomeScholar LLC, www.HomeHighSchoolHelp.com. Text may be reprinted without permission if used in full, except for use in a book or other publication for rent or for sale. Reprint must include this copyright, bio (below), and the original URL link  (https://www.homehighschoolhelp.com/homeschool-laws-by-state).

Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, specializes in helping parents homeschool high school. Get Lee's FREE Resource Guide "The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make Homeschooling High School" and more freebies:  HomeHighSchoolHelp.com/freebies.