Relax! Regardless of what your friends and family could say, home education is legal in the United States. Each state has a different school law. Some states have very few homeschooling requirements, while others have extensive rules that must be followed.
Here are some definitions that will help you understand the laws of the home in your state:
- Attendance is the minimum number of days or hours a student must teach.
- Compulsory attendance age is the age when a child should receive a formal education.
- Notification - information that should be sent to the state with notification of your decision at home.
- Qualifications are requirements that must be fulfilled by a teacher, tutor or other instructor.
- Records - information that should be stored or communicated to the state.
- Subjects - areas of knowledge in which the student must receive instruction.
- Testing - exams to determine the level of the child's performance.
According to the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, homeschoolers also work in states with very few legal restrictions, as in states with many legal requirements. Government oversight of homeschoolers does not affect academic results.
If your child was previously in a secondary school, you may need to send a letter from your local director or supervisor.
Government home schools and local school support groups are excellent resources to help you understand and comply with state school laws. To learn about school laws for your state, visit Homeschool's Legal Advocacy Association.
