Discover the best states to homeschool your children and learn how to start homeschooling in this comprehensive guide.
If you’re a parent who plans to homeschool your children, a question that has doubtless crossed your mind is, “What are the best states to homeschool my children?”. Each state has different rules and regulations regarding homeschooling, so it is crucial to choose a place where you can give an ideal education to your child. In this blog, we discuss the best states for homeschooling your child and how to get started.
How to Get Started With Homeschool?
Before deciding where to homeschool your child, it is crucial to be sure that you are up for the challenge. There are many decisions to make before you start homeschooling. Thus, here is a step-by-step guide on how to get started with homeschooling for your child.
Start by Researching
You can start researching homeschooling any time, regardless of your child’s age. Many parents prefer to begin at the end of the school year, so they have time to plan before fall. Many resources are available to help you learn about homeschooling, including magazines, books, websites, and local homeschooling groups.
Understand Homeschooling Laws
Each state has varying regulations on homeschooling children. You can look online or contact your local school district to find out details about homeschooling requirements in your area. These requirements include things like filing paperwork, maintaining attendance records, and standardized testing.
Choose a Homeschooling Curriculum
Many homeschooling curriculums are available, from traditional textbooks to more individualized approaches that fit your child’s needs. To find the best homeschooling curriculum for your child, you must first learn their learning style and interests. Thus, it is crucial not to rush into investing in curriculum packages until you’re sure of the perfect fit for your student.
Create a Dedicated Learning Space
Even when children are being homeschooled, it is important to have a dedicated “classroom” to keep them focused. You can use a separate room or even a corner of your kitchen for this. However, you must make sure the space is organized and has all the supplies you’ll need, such as a desk, storage shelves, and a computer with internet access.
Set Personal Homeschooling Goals
A perk of homeschooling is the ability to tailor your child’s education to their needs and interests. This includes extracurricular goals. When setting goals, consider both academic achievement and other important areas like social interaction, physical activity, and extracurricular activities.
Develop a Homeschooling Schedule
Create a schedule that helps you meet your homeschooling goals. This schedule should include time for,
- Academics
- Breaks
- Field trips
- Library visits.
Remember, homeschooling curriculums and schedules are flexible and can be adjusted as needed. The important thing is to give your child a well-rounded education that meets the standards of the state in which you live.
Join A Support Group
Homeschooling can feel isolating at times. Joining a support group can help you connect with other homeschooling families and reduce feelings of isolation. In addition, you can build connections and meet experienced parents who can provide advice and support your homeschooling journey.
Best States For Homeschooling Your Child
Before we reveal what the best states for homeschooling are, it is important to understand the regulations and laws in various states. On one end of the spectrum, some states require annual paperwork, set daily learning hours, home evaluations, specific subjects to be covered, and even annual standardized testing. On the other hand, some states only require minimal initial paperwork, leaving parents free to design their homeschooling approach with little oversight.
Some parents prefer highly regulated states as they allow them to carry out an already-planned homeschooling curriculum. Thus, the stress of having to research and plan lessons is something they don’t have to worry about. However, most of the best states for homeschooling are those that have the least amount of regulation. The parents who prefer these states feel that a lot of regulations and guidelines can feel suffocating and defeat the purpose of educating their child outside of a public school. The best states for homeschooling are as follows,
Alaska
The state of Alaska is considered one of the best states for homeschooling a child as it offers remarkable freedom for homeschoolers. No notification, approval, testing, or teacher certification is required. However, it is important to keep records of your child’s progress and curriculum planning to ensure their education is consistent and matches their future goals.
Idaho
Like Alaska, Idaho is another state for homeschooling, which allows significant flexibility. Qualifications, district approval, and testing are not mandated. Parents can choose instructors, but you are required to cover core subjects like language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Illinois
Homeschools in Illinois function as private schools. While you don’t need to register with the state board or recognition, there are some regulations that you must follow. You must,
- Teach core subjects, including language arts, math, science, social studies, fine arts, and physical education.
- The medium of instruction must be in English
- A name for the homeschool program is required.
Indiana
Like Illinois, homeschools here are considered private schools and must follow the state’s private school statute. In this best state for homeschooling,
- instruction must be equivalent to public schools (however, the meaning of this can be ulcer as it is undefined, and it does not list the required subjects)
- Instruction must be delivered in English.
- Attendance records are required.
- The homeschool needs to operate for the same number of days as public schools (typically 180).
Michigan
In Michigan, parents can choose between homeschooling statutes or operate as a non-public school. This is one of the best states for homeschooling, and it requires more compliance with regulations.
- In most areas, the instructor must have the required qualifications to teach. This can include being a certified teacher or holding a teaching permit or bachelor’s degree.
- You must teach the Required subjects that are mandated, which include English, science, math, physical education, reading, etc. High school students must learn the U.S. and state laws.
Despite these regulations, there are no specifics given on frequency or grade level. The only recommendation given by the HSLDA is to provide age-appropriate instruction, especially for elementary and middle school.
Missouri
This is a state for homeschooling that is moderate about regulating homeschools.
- You must teach core subjects and keep meticulous records for children under 16
- While notification is not required, you must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction (including 600 hours in core subjects) per school term.
- In case of inspection, it is also important to keep samples of your student’s work and evaluation.
New Jersey
This is one of the best states to homeschool as it has minimal requirements for parents. The sole requirement here is to provide an education equivalent to public schools. This does not mean it should be identical to a public school – parents are encouraged to ensure their curriculum aligns with local public school subjects.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma offers a relaxed approach with no testing or reporting requirements. In this state of homeschooling, if the homeschool operates for at least 180 days, parents have significant freedom in program design. The HSLDA recommends including core subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies.
Texas
Homeschools in Texas are treated as private schools, and children must attend until they go to college or obtain a GED. The total requirements for this state are,
- You must teach core subjects like math, reading, spelling/grammar, and good citizenship. Since science and history are not mandated, parents must take it upon themselves to teach these, so their child is prepared for college.
- You must use a written curriculum, even if you are teaching online.
In a nutshell, there are a few states to consider if you are looking for the best states to homeschool your children.
The states that give parents the most freedom to carry on their children’s education without regulation from the state are as follows,
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Utah
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
However, some of the most restrictive states for homeschooling are,
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
These states require a lot of documentation and control over a child’s homeschooling journey. However, this might be the ideal arrangement for parents who have no choice but to homeschool their child and thus don’t have the need to create a learning plan of their own.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling is a serious decision to make regarding your child’s academic journey. Most parents choose to homeschool so that they can educate their children in an unrestrictive environment that allows them to shine. Thus, you can choose from these best states to homeschool your child when considering where to raise and educate your child.
This is helpful! My son is only 1 but we are considering homeschool when he’s older. This is great info to have. Thanks!