Home Schooling- Laws and Regulations

By Glenn R. Grundberg

Complying with the laws and regulations concerning Home Schooling is typically fairly simple depending on which state you live in. However, as most states do require some schedule of compulsory attendance, you must be aware of what your obligations are. Some states require no or very little contact with the authorities, while others are quite involved in the home school process.  

States such as Illinois, for example, require that children between the ages of 7-17 generally receive 176 days a year of instruction in Language arts, biological and physical science, math, social sciences, fine arts, health and physical development. However, that is not mandated for a "Private School", which is what Illinois considers Home Schools to be. Also, there are no requirements for the credentialing of teachers in Home School environments, nor is there a formal requirement to report anything to the local school boards or the state. However, to avoid truancy actions, there are some forms that should be filed with the state department of education and the local school board that should forestall truancy actions.    

States such as North Dakota on the other hand, require that instructors be state certified teachers, or be overseen by same, that tests be given by certified teachers, and many reports be filed with the local superintendant of schools and the state. Alternatively, a home school may be accredited as a private school by going through an approval process, and using only accredited teachers.

Middle ground states such as Florida require some notices be filed, records of instruction and samples of student work be kept and available for review, and that certain tests be administered by accredited teachers or psycholgists. The best place to start your research is here:
The Home School Legal Defense Association. Their site is packed full of very valuable news and links about the home school process. 

In closing, remember that every state has different laws, and it is your responsibility to determine if you are in compliance or not with your state's regulations. Check with your local superintendant of schools as well, as there may be local considerations too. If you should find yourself on the wrong side of the laws, it can be quite aggravating and intrusive to say the least. Check the laws in your state and file all necessary paperwork!

Disclaimer: This article and website does not constitute the giving of Legal Advice. Neither The Home Teacher.com nor the author make any claims as to the legality, suitability, or completeness of the material contained herein. Please seek competent legal advice from a qualified attorney.