ALL 50 STATES + DC
Homeschool Laws by State
Homeschooling is legal in every state. What changes is the paperwork. Pick yours and see exactly what it asks.
What All 50 States + DC Ask, Summarized
Legal to homeschool
Yes — all 50 states + DC
States + DC that ask you to notify
40 of 51
States + DC requiring a parent credential
12 of 51
Standardized testing required
7 of 51
Legal requirements last reviewed: June 2026 · Plain English · Not legal advice
What Does Your State Ask of You?
Pick your state for the filing, the records you keep, and any evaluations.
Hover any state for a quick summary. Click it to open that state's guide.Tap any state to open its guide.
Pinch to zoom · tap a state to open its guide. Switch to List if that is easier.
What It Takes, Almost Everywhere
Most states ask for the same three things, in roughly the same order.
1
Notify once a year
One form, one deadline — and a few places ask for nothing at all.
2
Keep the records they ask for
Hours, attendance, work samples. What counts differs; the habit doesn't.
3
Start teaching
StudyPug logs progress as your child works through each subject.
Questions About Homeschool Law
Answers that apply across every state.
Is homeschooling legal in every state?
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states + DC. What varies is the paperwork — notification requirements, recordkeeping rules, and assessment options differ by jurisdiction.
Do I need a teaching qualification to homeschool?
12 of the 50 states + DC ask the teaching parent to hold a diploma, degree, or equivalent credential on the homeschool path. The remaining states ask for nothing of the kind.
Do I have to notify anyone before I start?
40 of the 50 states + DC ask for a notice or registration, typically once a year. Your state's guide names the office and the deadline.
Is standardized testing required?
7 of the 50 states + DC require a standardized test. In many others an assessment is required, but a test is one option — alongside a portfolio review or an evaluator's sign-off.
Does the state need to approve my curriculum?
Almost no state reviews or approves a curriculum choice. Some states require that subjects cover certain areas, but selecting a curriculum is generally the parent's decision.
What happens if I move to a new state mid-year?
The new state's rules apply from the day you arrive, including any notice window the statute sets. That state's guide in the finder shows the filing, the deadline, and what to bring.
Official Sources
Federal links point outward — your state's rules are what govern.
Also:
Start Today·Curriculum by stateSee How Families Run Their Homeschool on StudyPug
Lessons, practice, and the records above — one family plan.
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StudyPug is a records tool, not legal advice. This page summarizes what jurisdictions publish; requirements change, and local boards or districts can add their own. Always confirm with the official source for your jurisdiction before you file. Legal requirements last reviewed: June 2026.
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