Homeschool Laws by State

Alabama Low regulation

• Governing law: Ala. Code § 16-28-7
• Instructional days: 140 days per year

Enroll through a church school or cover school; a one-time enrollment report is filed per child.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Alabama homeschool law · read the statute: Ala. Code § 16-28-7

Full Alabama guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Alaska No requirements

• No notification, subject, testing, or portfolio requirements at the state level.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Alaska homeschool law · read the statute: Alaska Stat. § 14.30.010(b)(12)

Full Alaska guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Arizona Low regulation

• Required subjects: Reading, Grammar, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)

File an affidavit with the county school superintendent within 30 days of starting (one-time).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Arizona homeschool law · read the statute: A.R.S. § 15-802

Full Arizona guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Arkansas Low regulation

• Governing law: Ark. Code § 6-15-503

File a notice of intent with the local superintendent annually by August 15.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Arkansas homeschool law · read the statute: Ark. Code § 6-15-503

Full Arkansas guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

California Moderate regulation

• No notification, subject, testing, or portfolio requirements at the state level.

File a Private School Affidavit annually by October 15 (most common pathway). No state testing requirement for home-based private schools.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — California homeschool law · read the statute: Cal. Educ. Code § 33190

Full California guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Colorado Moderate regulation

• Governing law: C.R.S. 22-33-104.5
• Required subjects: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Mathematics, History, Civics, Literature, Science, United States Constitution (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional hours: 688 hours per year (elementary; secondary may differ)
• Instructional days: 172 days per year
• Testing: grades 3, 5, 7, 9, 11

File a letter of intent with the local district 14 days before starting, annually. Testing required at grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 — the composite score must be ABOVE the 13th percentile (a retest with an alternate version is permitted before district action). 172 days averaging 4 contact hours per day.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Colorado homeschool law · read the statute: C.R.S. 22-33-104.5

Full Colorado guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Connecticut Low regulation

• Required subjects: Reading, Writing, Spelling, English Grammar, Geography, United States History, Citizenship, Arithmetic (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Connecticut homeschool law · read the statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-184

Full Connecticut guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Delaware Low regulation

• No notification, subject, testing, or portfolio requirements at the state level.

File with the Department of Education annually; instruction must be equivalent to public schools.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Delaware homeschool law · read the statute: 14 Del. C. § 2703A

Full Delaware guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

District of Columbia Moderate regulation

• No notification, subject, testing, or portfolio requirements at the state level.

File with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) annually.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — District of Columbia homeschool law · read the statute: D.C. Code § 38-202

Full District of Columbia guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Florida Moderate regulation

• Governing law: Fla. Stat. § 1002.41
• Evaluator: written evaluation by a qualified evaluator required

Per Fla. Stat. § 1002.41: maintain a portfolio (log of texts/materials used plus samples of student work) and preserve it for 2 years. File a one-time Notice of Intent with the county superintendent within 30 days of starting.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Florida homeschool law · read the statute: Fla. Stat. § 1002.41

Full Florida guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Georgia Moderate regulation

• Governing law: O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690(c)
• Required subjects: Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional hours: 810 hours per year (elementary; secondary may differ)
• Instructional days: 180 days per year
• Testing: grades 3, 6, 9, 12

File a Declaration of Intent with the GA DOE within 30 days of starting; renew annually by September 1. Annual written progress assessment and three-year-cycle test results (starting grade 3) are kept in family files, not submitted.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Georgia homeschool law · read the statute: O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690(c)

Full Georgia guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Hawaii Moderate regulation

• Governing law: H.R.S. § 302A-1132
• Testing: grades 3, 5, 8, 10

File notice with the principal of your home-district school (re-file only when changing school zones or levels). Submit an annual progress report — test scores, certified teacher evaluation, or a parent-prepared evaluation with work samples.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Hawaii homeschool law · read the statute: H.R.S. § 302A-1132

Full Hawaii guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Idaho No requirements

• No notification, subject, testing, or portfolio requirements at the state level.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Idaho homeschool law · read the statute: Idaho Code § 33-202

Full Idaho guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Illinois Low regulation

• Governing law: 105 ILCS 5/26-1
• Required subjects: Language Arts, Mathematics, Biological, Physical & Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Physical Development & Health (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional days: 176 days per year

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Illinois homeschool law · read the statute: 105 ILCS 5/26-1

Full Illinois guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Indiana Low regulation

• Required subjects: Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional days: 180 days per year

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Indiana homeschool law · read the statute: Ind. Code § 20-33-2-28

Full Indiana guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Iowa Moderate regulation

• Instructional days: 148 days per year

Competent Private Instruction (CPI) filing with the district. Annual assessment varies by option chosen (licensed-teacher supervision, standardized test, or portfolio).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Iowa homeschool law · read the statute: Iowa Code § 299A

Full Iowa guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Kansas Low regulation

• No notification, subject, testing, or portfolio requirements at the state level.

Register with the state as a non-accredited private school (one-time).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Kansas homeschool law · read the statute: K.S.A. § 72-3120

Full Kansas guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Kentucky Low regulation

• Required subjects: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar, History, Mathematics, Science, Civics (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional days: 185 days per year

File with the local district annually by August.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Kentucky homeschool law · read the statute: KRS § 159.160

Full Kentucky guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Louisiana Moderate regulation

• Governing law: La. R.S. § 17:236.1

Approved home study program: initial application within 15 days of commencing; annual renewal by October 1. Annual evidence of progress via a full portfolio packet OR a competency exam, standardized test, or certified teacher statement.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Louisiana homeschool law · read the statute: La. R.S. § 17:236.1

Full Louisiana guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Maine Moderate regulation

• No notification, subject, testing, or portfolio requirements at the state level.

File annually with the local superintendent. Annual assessment by standardized test or portfolio review (parent's choice).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Maine homeschool law · read the statute: 20-A M.R.S. § 5001-A

Full Maine guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Maryland Moderate regulation

• Governing law: COMAR 13A.10.01

Pathway 1 (local school system supervision): portfolio reviewed up to 3x per year by the district. Pathway 2 (umbrella school): annual verification. Instruction must be regular and thorough in the studies usually taught in public schools.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Maryland homeschool law · read the statute: COMAR 13A.10.01

Full Maryland guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Massachusetts Detailed regulation

• Governing law: M.G.L. c.76 § 1
• Required subjects: Reading, Writing, English Language and Grammar, Mathematics, Science, History (including U.S. History and U.S. Constitution), Geography, Civics / Good Citizenship (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)

Massachusetts requires prior written approval from the local superintendent or school committee before each school year. Assessment method is at the district's discretion (test, portfolio review, written evaluation, or other). See Care and Protection of Charles, 399 Mass. 324 (1987).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Massachusetts homeschool law · read the statute: M.G.L. c.76 § 1

Full Massachusetts guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Michigan Low regulation

• Governing law: MCL § 380.1561
• Required subjects: Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, Science, History, Civics, Literature, Writing, English Grammar (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Michigan homeschool law · read the statute: MCL § 380.1561

Full Michigan guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Minnesota Detailed regulation

• Governing law: Minn. Stat. § 120A.22
• Required subjects: Basic Communication Skills (Reading, Writing, Literature, Fine Arts), Mathematics & Science, Social Studies (History, Geography, Economics, Government, Citizenship), Health & Physical Education (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Testing: annual assessment required

File a letter of intent with the local district superintendent by October 1. Annual standardized test required unless the instructor holds a MN teaching license or is supervised by a licensed teacher. Scores at or below the 30th percentile trigger an additional evaluation. Results are kept at home, not submitted.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Minnesota homeschool law · read the statute: Minn. Stat. § 120A.22

Full Minnesota guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Mississippi Low regulation

• Governing law: Miss. Code § 37-13-91

Return a certificate of enrollment to the school attendance officer by September 15 annually.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Mississippi homeschool law · read the statute: Miss. Code § 37-13-91

Full Mississippi guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Missouri Low regulation

• Governing law: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 167.012
• Required subjects: Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, Language Arts, Science (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional hours: 1000 hours per year (elementary; secondary may differ)

Maintain a portfolio of work samples and a record of academic progress evaluations, kept at home (1,000 hours per year, 600 in the five core subjects).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Missouri homeschool law · read the statute: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 167.012

Full Missouri guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Montana Low regulation

• Governing law: MCA § 20-5-109
• Required subjects: Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Health & Physical Education, Fine Arts, Vocational Education (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional hours: 1080 hours per year (elementary; secondary may differ)

File with the county superintendent annually. Hours: 720 (grades 1–3) or 1,080 (grades 4–12).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Montana homeschool law · read the statute: MCA § 20-5-109

Full Montana guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Nebraska Moderate regulation

• Governing law: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-1601
• Required subjects: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)

File an annual assurance of continuing compliance with the Commissioner of Education (most families use the non-accredited option).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Nebraska homeschool law · read the statute: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-1601

Full Nebraska guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Nevada Low regulation

• Governing law: NRS § 388D.020

One-time filing with the local district (re-file only if name or address changes).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Nevada homeschool law · read the statute: NRS § 388D.020

Full Nevada guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

New Hampshire Low regulation

• Governing law: RSA 193-A
• Required subjects: Science, Mathematics, Language, Government, History, Health, Reading, Writing, Spelling, History of the NH & US Constitutions, Art & Music Appreciation (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)

File with a participating agency within 5 days of starting (re-file only when moving or changing agency). Annual assessment by test, portfolio, or evaluator letter — results are kept by the parent, not submitted.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — New Hampshire homeschool law · read the statute: RSA 193-A

Full New Hampshire guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

New Jersey No requirements

• No notification, subject, testing, or portfolio requirements at the state level.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — New Jersey homeschool law · read the statute: N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25

Full New Jersey guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

New Mexico Moderate regulation

• Governing law: N.M.S.A. § 22-1-2.1

File with the state DOE; annual renewal by August 1.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — New Mexico homeschool law · read the statute: N.M.S.A. § 22-1-2.1

Full New Mexico guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

New York Detailed regulation

• Governing law: 8 NYCRR § 100.10
• Required subjects: Arithmetic, Reading, Spelling, Writing, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Art, Music, Health & Physical Education, Library Skills, Patriotism & Citizenship (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional hours: 900 hours per year (elementary; secondary may differ)
• Testing: grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
• Reports: quarterly reports filed with the district

Notice of Intent due July 1; IHIP due August 15. Quarterly reports filed with the district 4x per year. Annual assessment due by June 1 — minimum 33rd percentile composite OR one year of demonstrated academic growth.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — New York homeschool law · read the statute: 8 NYCRR § 100.10

Full New York guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

North Carolina Moderate regulation

• Governing law: N.C.G.S. §§ 115C-563–565
• Testing: annual assessment required

Register with the Division of Non-Public Education before starting (one-time, per DNPE practice). Annual standardized test required — results must be available for state inspection for one year after testing (no minimum score). Nine calendar months of instruction; instructing parent must hold a HS diploma or GED.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — North Carolina homeschool law · read the statute: N.C.G.S. §§ 115C-563–565

Full North Carolina guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

North Dakota Detailed regulation

• Governing law: N.D.C.C. § 15.1-23
• Required subjects: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Fine Arts, Physical Education (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional days: 175 days per year
• Testing: grades 4, 6, 8, 10

File annually with the local district. Standardized test required at grades 4, 6, 8, and 10. Score monitoring (50th/30th percentile thresholds) applies only to families in the § 15.1-23-06 monitoring track (parents without a HS diploma or GED).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — North Dakota homeschool law · read the statute: N.D.C.C. § 15.1-23

Full North Dakota guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Ohio Low regulation

• Governing law: O.R.C. § 3321.042
• Required subjects: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History, Government, Social Studies (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)

Initial notice within 5 calendar days of starting; annual renewal by August 30. No hours, testing, or portfolio requirement (HB 33, effective Oct 2023).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Ohio homeschool law · read the statute: O.R.C. § 3321.042

Full Ohio guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Oklahoma No requirements

• No notification, subject, testing, or portfolio requirements at the state level.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Oklahoma homeschool law · read the statute: 70 O.S. § 10-105

Full Oklahoma guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Oregon Moderate regulation

• Governing law: ORS 339.035
• Testing: grades 3, 5, 8, 10

File notice with your Education Service District within 10 days of starting. Standardized test at grades 3, 5, 8, and 10, administered by a qualified neutral party. A score below the 15th percentile triggers a mandatory second exam within one year (the ESD acts only on a declining second score). New homeschoolers have an 18-month grace period.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Oregon homeschool law · read the statute: ORS 339.035

Full Oregon guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Pennsylvania Detailed regulation

• Governing law: 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1
• Required subjects: English (Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar), Mathematics, Science, Geography, United States History, Pennsylvania History, Civics, Safety Education, Health & Physical Education, Music, Art (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional hours: 900 hours per year (elementary; secondary may differ)
• Instructional days: 180 days per year
• Testing: grades 3, 5, 8
• Evaluator: written evaluation by a qualified evaluator required

Per 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(h)(1): The portfolio and written evaluation shall be provided to the district by August 1 (returning families). The portfolio must include a log of reading materials and be retained for at least two years. Hours requirement is 180 days OR 900/990 hours.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Pennsylvania homeschool law · read the statute: 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1

Full Pennsylvania guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Rhode Island Detailed regulation

• Governing law: R.I.G.L. § 16-19-2
• Required subjects: Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Geography, United States History, Rhode Island History, Principles of American Government (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional days: 180 days per year

Rhode Island requires approval from the local school committee before starting; most committees require annual renewal. Assessment requirements vary by municipality — confirm current requirements with your school committee.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Rhode Island homeschool law · read the statute: R.I.G.L. § 16-19-2

Full Rhode Island guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

South Carolina Moderate regulation

• Governing law: S.C. Code § 59-65-40
• Required subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional days: 180 days per year

Requirements vary by option: Option 1 (district approval) includes portfolio review and semiannual progress reports; Option 3 (independent association) requires 180 days at 4.5 hours per day with an annual test or portfolio.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — South Carolina homeschool law · read the statute: S.C. Code § 59-65-40

Full South Carolina guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

South Dakota Low regulation

• Governing law: S.D. Codified Laws § 13-27-7
• Required subjects: Mathematics, Language Arts (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)

One-time filing with the state DOE or local district.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — South Dakota homeschool law · read the statute: S.D. Codified Laws § 13-27-7

Full South Dakota guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Tennessee Moderate regulation

• Governing law: TCA § 49-6-3050
• Instructional days: 180 days per year
• Testing: grades 5, 7, 9

Independent home schools: notify the LEA, 180 days of instruction, attendance records submitted at year end. Umbrella/church-related school options require testing at grades 5, 7, and 9 (portfolio review is not an alternative for the umbrella option).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Tennessee homeschool law · read the statute: TCA § 49-6-3050

Full Tennessee guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Texas No requirements

• No notification, subject, testing, or portfolio requirements at the state level.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Texas homeschool law · read the statute: Tex. Educ. Code § 25.086(a)(1)

Full Texas guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Utah Low regulation

• No notification, subject, testing, or portfolio requirements at the state level.

File a signed affidavit with the local district (one-time).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Utah homeschool law · read the statute: Utah Code § 53G-6-204

Full Utah guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Vermont Moderate regulation

• Governing law: 16 V.S.A. § 166b
• Required subjects: Basic Communication Skills (Reading, Writing, Use of Numbers), Citizenship, History & Government (Vermont and the United States), Physical Education & Comprehensive Health, English, American & Other Literature, Natural Sciences, Fine Arts (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional days: 175 days per year

File an annual enrollment notice with the Vermont Agency of Education. Annual assessment via test, certified teacher letter, parent portfolio (summary plus at least 4 work samples), online academy grades, or GED prep evidence.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Vermont homeschool law · read the statute: 16 V.S.A. § 166b

Full Vermont guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Virginia Moderate regulation

• Governing law: Va. Code § 22.1-254.1

File notice with the local superintendent annually by August 15, including a curriculum description. Annual evaluation: standardized test at or above the 4th stanine (ACT/SAT/PSAT accepted), an evaluation letter from a licensed teacher or person with a master's degree, or an approved program report card.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Virginia homeschool law · read the statute: Va. Code § 22.1-254.1

Full Virginia guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Washington Moderate regulation

• Governing law: RCW 28A.200.010
• Required subjects: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, History, Health, Occupational Education, Art & Music Appreciation (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional hours: 1000 hours per year (elementary; secondary may differ)
• Instructional days: 180 days per year

File an annual declaration of intent with the local superintendent by September 15. 1,000 hours / 180 days per year. Annual assessment: standardized test (no minimum score) or evaluation by a certificated teacher confirming reasonable progress. Instructor qualification required (most commonly 45+ college quarter credits).

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Washington homeschool law · read the statute: RCW 28A.200.010

Full Washington guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

West Virginia Moderate regulation

• Governing law: W. Va. Code § 18-8-1(c)
• Required subjects: Reading / Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health & Physical Education (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional days: 180 days per year
• Testing: annual assessment required
• Evaluator: written evaluation by a qualified evaluator required

Option 2: annual standardized test every grade — minimum 4th stanine (23rd percentile) composite, or improvement over the prior year. Results for grades 3, 5, 8, and 11 are submitted to the county superintendent by June 30. Parent must hold a HS diploma or GED. 180 days minimum.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — West Virginia homeschool law · read the statute: W. Va. Code § 18-8-1(c)

Full West Virginia guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Wisconsin Low regulation

• Required subjects: Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Health (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
• Instructional hours: 875 hours per year (elementary; secondary may differ)

File form PI-1206 with the Department of Public Instruction annually. 875 hours per year.

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Wisconsin homeschool law · read the statute: Wis. Stat. § 118.165

Full Wisconsin guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links

Wyoming Low regulation

• Governing law: Wyo. Stat. § 21-4-101
• Required subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Civics, History, Literature, Science (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)

Read the current rules: HSLDA — Wyoming homeschool law · read the statute: Wyo. Stat. § 21-4-101

Full Wyoming guide → requirements, FAQ, and official law links