Homeschooling in the USA: 12 States at a Glance

After the outbreak of COVID-19, homeschooling quickly grew in popularity. Changes in the US public school system and new technology had already laid the groundwork for the shift to online homeschooling.

According to the National Home Education Research Institute, around 3.4 million K-12 students (kindergarten through grade 12) in the United States are homeschooled (school year 2024/25). That is a big jump from 2019 (roughly 2.5 million), with the largest leap during the Covid pandemic.

This does not mean families who, as in Europe, had no choice but to teach their children online or at home in cooperation with their schools. The statistic counts families who chose on their own to take their children out of school and now teach them themselves.

Many parents say their main reason for homeschooling is to create a positive learning environment, free from the bullying and violence that often dominate everyday school life. Others point to the enormous flexibility homeschooling offers.

Homeschooling is not exactly cheap, though. On average, US homeschoolers spend around $1,000 to $1,800 per child per year on learning materials, field trips and curricula.

Today, homeschooling is legal in all 50 US states. In the USA, education is the responsibility of the states. Each state can pass its own homeschooling rules and laws, so they can differ considerably from one state to the next.

Below, we have summarized the homeschooling rules in the 12 most important states.

1Homeschooling in Texas

The homeschooling rules in Texas are flexible and straightforward, and the same goes for online learning.

1.1How does homeschooling work in Texas?

Here are two simple steps for families who want to switch to homeschooling in Texas.

1. If your child is already enrolled in a school, withdraw them.
2. Choose a homeschooling curriculum that suits your child's needs and preferences.

1.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in Texas

The choice of curriculum is largely up to the parents. However, the curriculum you choose should cover at least reading, spelling, grammar, math and good citizenship. This should be done with textbooks and workbooks as well as the online homeschooling program.

In Texas, you are not alone if you need support teaching your child. Two statewide associations provide parents with information and even offer legal representation. Be sure to look into both organizations and their membership terms: Texas Homeschool Coalition and Texas Home Educators.

Homeschooling parents can also contact the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission and the International Student-Focused Schools Association for information on accredited private schools. Parents interested in the state's curriculum standards can look up Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) on the TEA website.

2Homeschooling in California

There are several ways to homeschool your children in California:

• through an existing private school
• through a public charter school
• through an independent study program, by opening your own private homeschool

Many families in California choose to enroll their children in a public school that also offers online homeschooling. The reason: these schools are free, and parents also receive generous annual allowances.

2.1How does homeschooling work in California?

There are five simple ways to start homeschooling in California:

1. Draw up an agreement establishing that you operate as a private school.
2. Enroll in a private school's homeschooling program.
3. Become an authorized teacher or hire a certified private tutor.
4. Set up an independent homeschooling program.
5. Enroll in a public school's homeschooling program.

2.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in California

The California Department of Education (CDE) does not provide information or guidance on homeschooling programs or curricula. Parents who file the private school affidavit also confirm that they will supply all curricula, teaching materials and other materials for online homeschooling.

Plenty of information is available online. Even at public charter schools in California, the choice of curriculum is usually up to the parents.

Not just one but three organizations in California provide information on legislation, online homeschooling programs, scholarships, newsletters, discounts and much more: the California Homeschool Network (CHN), the Christian Home Educators Association (CHEA) and the HomeSchool Association of California.

3Homeschooling in Florida

There are two ways to homeschool your children in Florida:

• teaching under the home education statute
• enrolling in an umbrella school

3.1How does homeschooling work in Florida?

To switch your children to homeschooling in Florida, all you need to do is follow these steps:

1. File a notice of intent with the local school superintendent's office.
2. Choose a curriculum that suits your child.
3. Keep student records, which must be retained for two years.
4. Submit annual student evaluations to the superintendent.
5. Submit an annual evaluation file once the homeschooling program ends.

3.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in Florida

The choice of homeschooling curriculum in Florida is up to the parents. If you teach your children individually or at home using the umbrella school method, you must include standardized tests as part of the annual evaluation.

You also have to keep educational records for homeschooling in Florida. So when choosing your online curriculum, make sure it meets all the requirements.

Statewide online homeschooling associations usually form when a group of families come together and build support systems for other families interested in homeschooling. Florida has several homeschooling associations that work this way, supporting parents and providing plenty of information: the Florida Parent-Educators Association, Florida Homeschooling and the Christian Victory Academy of Central Florida, Inc.

4Homeschooling in North Carolina

Under the homeschooling laws in North Carolina (NC), a notice of intent must be filed with the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) in the North Carolina Department of Administration once children turn seven. Parents who want to homeschool must have a high school diploma.

4.1How does homeschooling work in NC?

The process is fairly simple. To homeschool a seven-year-old, parents need to take the following steps:

1. File a notice of intent to homeschool with the NC Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE).
2. Provide proof of a high school diploma or an equivalent.
3. The name of your school.
4. Choose a curriculum tailored to your child's needs.

4.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in NC

Families in North Carolina are completely free to choose their curriculum and resources, including online homeschooling.

North Carolina's homeschool law requires every student to take a nationally standardized test each year. The records don't have to be sent to the DNPE, but they should be kept for one year.

North Carolina has a growing number of homeschools, and there is an association set up specifically to support homeschooling families.

You'll find answers to all your questions at these links: North Carolina Homeschooling Associations and Annual Homeschool Test in NC.

5Homeschooling in Michigan

Families living in Michigan who want to homeschool legally have two options:

• Operate as a nonpublic school: this requires all curriculum requirements to be met by a state-certified teacher.
• Set up a homeschool program: this option comes with almost no regulations. The system only requires instruction in reading, spelling, math, science, history, civics, literature, writing and English grammar.

5.1How does homeschooling work in Michigan?

Homeschooling rules in Michigan are minimal, so parents only need to follow these two steps:

1. Decide how you want to set up home education: at home or through a nonpublic school.
2. Choose the curricula and materials you want to use for your child.

5.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in Michigan

If you homeschool in Michigan, the choice of curriculum is entirely up to you and your child's needs.

In the past, some families in Michigan had to fight legal opposition to teach their children at home. Out of those battles came a statewide association that supports families in doing just that. Learn more about Michigan's homeschooling associations here: Michigan Christian Homeschool Network and Michigan Gifted Homeschool Group.

6Homeschooling in New York

First things first: homeschooling in New York (NY) is anything but cheap, because you pay for everything out of your own pocket. Here are the key facts you should know about homeschooling in New York.

6.1How does homeschooling work in NY?

These three steps explain how you can homeschool your child in NY:

1. Notify your local school district 14 days before withdrawing your child from their current school that you are switching to homeschooling.
2. Once you receive the approval and the Individualized Home Instruction Plan form, you have four weeks to complete and submit it.
3. Choose the right curriculum for your child.

6.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in NY

New York sets rules on the subjects a homeschool program must cover, but has no guidelines on curriculum. Choosing a homeschool curriculum in New York, online included, comes down to the parents' preferences.

Good to know:

New York law requires families to keep records of their homeschool activities. Students must also take annual assessments in certain grades. So parents should make sure the online curriculum they choose prepares them properly.

New York State has two major organizations that support parents and educators. Homeschool associations are structured differently from state to state, but they share the same goal: support, advice and information. Find out more at: New York Home Educators Network and Loving Education at Home.

7Homeschooling in Ohio

Homeschooling in Ohio comes with a few basic requirements:

• Since October 2023 (House Bill 33), a simple notification to the school district superintendent is enough: within five days of starting homeschooling, then every year by August 30.
• Required subjects are English (language arts), math, science, history, government and social studies; a minimum number of hours or a parental diploma is no longer required.
• Families choose their own homeschool curriculum, though some courses are mandatory.

7.1How does homeschooling work in Ohio?

Getting started with online homeschooling in Ohio is fairly easy. For families who want to teach their children online, these steps are all it takes:

1. Notify your school district superintendent of your homeschool program.
2. Learn Ohio's homeschooling rules and follow them.
3. Choose the best curriculum mix for your children.

7.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in Ohio

The choice of homeschool curriculum in Ohio is entirely up to each family and their children's needs.

Since the October 2023 reform, an annual assessment is no longer required: there's no standardized test to take and no evaluation by a certified teacher to submit.

Teaching your children online means taking on a lot of responsibility. But Ohio has plenty of groups and organizations that can support you: Christian Home Educators of Ohio (CHEO), Home Educators Network (OHEN) and the Statewide Ohio Homeschool Organization (SOHO).

8Homeschooling in Georgia

Parents who want to homeschool in Georgia (GA) have a few rules to follow:

• Parents must have at least a high school diploma or a GED.
• Compulsory schooling applies to every child who is six by September 1.
• The "Declaration of Intent to Homeschool" must be filed every year by September 1 (or within 30 days of starting the program).

8.1How does homeschooling work in GA?

Homeschooling in Georgia comes with some standards and rules. To get started, simply follow these:

1. Every year by September 1, or within 30 days of starting homeschooling, file a declaration of intent to homeschool with the Georgia Department of Education.
2. Choose a curriculum that suits your child.
3. The homeschool year must cover 180 days with at least 4½ hours of instruction per day.

8.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in GA

Families design their homeschool programs as they see fit. A basic academic program should, however, include math, science, English, social studies and reading.

That's because all students in Georgia, online homeschoolers included, must take a nationally standardized achievement test every three years from third grade on. The results don't have to be submitted, but parents must keep them.

Even if you're still researching, a homeschooling organization or association in your state can help. Reach out to organizations in Georgia and you'll hear from many families and find support easily: Georgia Home Education Association (GHEA), Central Georgia Christian Home Educators (CGCHE) and Southwest Georgia Homeschool Association.

9Homeschooling in Missouri

Homeschooling is a fairly easy option for families in Missouri. There's no mandatory registration process: parents can decide to homeschool and start their program the very same day.

9.1How does homeschooling work in Missouri?

Families who want to homeschool in Missouri go through a simple process. Here's what to keep in mind:

1. Formally withdraw your child from the school they're enrolled in.
2. Keep accurate records of instruction hours, samples of student work and regular evaluations.
3. Choose the homeschool curriculum that best fits your child's learning needs.

9.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in Missouri

In Missouri, each family chooses its own homeschool curriculum. Parents do, however, have to carry out regular evaluations. The most popular method is a standardized achievement test based on national standards.

Families who homeschool in Missouri enjoy a great deal of freedom, thanks to the work of the state's homeschool association. Here are some Missouri organizations where you can get support, learn about the legal requirements and swap ideas: Family Covenant Ministries of Missouri, Families for Home Education (FHE) and Clay-Patte Home Educators (CPHE).

10Homeschooling in Oregon

Parents who want to start homeschooling in Oregon need to do the following first:

• File a one-time Notice of Intent (NOI) to homeschool with your local Education Service District (ESD).
• Your child must take a test in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10.

10.1How does homeschooling work in Oregon?

To start homeschooling in Oregon, you need to complete these four steps:

1. File a one-time Notice of Intent (NOI) to homeschool.
2. Have your children tested in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10.
3. Get an official health assessment if your child has a disability.
4. Choose your homeschool curriculum.

10.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in Oregon

When you homeschool in Oregon, you are free to use any teaching materials, resources and curricula you like, or any combination of them.

As mentioned above, your homeschooled children should take a standardized test approved by the Oregon Board of Education in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10. The results are not submitted to the ESD unless the inspector asks for them. If a homeschooled student scores below the 15th percentile, the tests must be retaken within the same year.

Oregon has two homeschool associations that give families the advice and support they need. Besides advocating for homeschooling and changes to the law, they offer plenty of chances to connect with other families: Oregon Home Education Network (OHEN) and Oregon Christian Home Education Association Network (FHE).

11Homeschooling in Illinois

Illinois has no specific homeschooling rules, because a homeschool is treated as a private school.

11.1How does homeschooling work in Illinois?

Illinois has very few rules for homeschooling, which gives parents lots of freedom. There are just a few steps parents should follow:

1. If your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, formally withdraw them.
2. Choose the curriculum you want to use. Remember, you can mix different homeschool programs for different subjects and tailor a program to your child's individual needs.

11.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in Illinois

When you start homeschooling in Illinois (IL), you don't have to keep attendance records or give end-of-year tests. It's enough to teach language arts, math, biology and physics, social sciences, fine arts and physical development/health. These subjects are covered at every grade level.

Many families in IL choose online homeschooling, which is why local, regional and even statewide networks have sprung up to support them. If you have questions about homeschooling in Illinois, you can go straight to the state's homeschool associations. Check out these Illinois associations: Illinois Christian Home Educators, Illinois HOUSE, East Central Illinois Home Educator Network and Splendor of Truth Catholic Home Educators (SOTCHE).

12Homeschooling in Arizona

Here are some of the rules for homeschooling in Arizona:

• Under compulsory education laws, all children between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend school.
• You must send a notarized statement of your intent to homeschool to the school authority where the student lives.

12.1How does homeschooling work in Arizona?

Homeschooling is especially popular in Arizona. One reason is the wide latitude the state gives families; the other is the wealth of resources available to Arizona parents. Here's what parents should do to start homeschooling in Arizona:

1. Within 30 days of starting to homeschool, file a notarized affidavit of intent with the county school superintendent.
2. Pick the best mix of curriculum and homeschool program for your child.

12.2Tips, tricks and information on homeschooling in Arizona

Parents can combine different online homeschool programs and curricula. They just need to cover reading, grammar, math, social studies and science.

Thanks to its advantages, homeschooling keeps growing in Arizona. That trend is directly linked to a statewide organization that provides information, resources and activities for families who choose to homeschool. Take a look at these organizations for information and support: Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE), Desert Hills Christian Homeschoolers (DHCH) and Arizona Homeschool Adventures.

You'll find more on this in our Life in the USA section: the overview Homeschooling in the USA, the article From the fringe to the mainstream and our list of 30 US celebrities who were homeschooled. To see how the school system affects your move to the USA, read Moving and the school system.

In short

• Homeschooling is legal in all 50 US states, and each state sets its own rules.
• Texas, Michigan, Missouri and Illinois have minimal requirements.
• Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Oregon and Arizona require a notice of intent, and several of them also require tests or annual evaluations.
• New York requires an individualized home instruction plan, records and, in certain grades, annual assessments.
• In each of the twelve states, homeschool associations offer information and support.

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