Busting Homeschooling Myths #1

This blog post is part of a series in which I bust common homeschooling myths.

Myth 1: Homeschooling is illegal.

Truth: Homeschooling is legal in the United States. (I can’t speak to homeschooling laws in other countries so please check with your local authorities if you are not in the US.)

Laws and requirements vary from state to state, so you need to know your state’s specific requirements. You can find out more by visiting the Home School Legal Defense Association, which provides a helpful resource that allows you to easily learn more about your state’s homeschooling practices. When you select your state of residence, they will provide you with a quick summary that includes the required schooling ages, teacher qualifications, assessment requirements, state-mandated subjects, and other useful pieces of information.

In addition to checking with the HSLDA, it may be helpful to talk with local friends, research your state government’s education website, or even call your local school district. A local homeschooler can demystify the process and simplify the legal jargon you may encounter on government sites, and your local school district may provide resources or programs to homeschooling families.

Talking about homeschool laws may not be glamourous, but it’s imperative that you are familiar with your state’s requirements so that you remain within the boundaries of the law.