.png){kind=logo}
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. An estimated 3.4 million students were homeschooled during the 2024-2025 school year, roughly 6.3% of the K-12 population (NHERI, 2025). Requirements vary by state, from no-notice states like Texas to high-regulation states like New York. This guide covers the legal landscape, how to start, curriculum options, accreditation, and the path from homeschool to college.
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. There is no federal homeschooling law. Each state sets its own requirements for notification, curriculum, assessment and record-keeping. The variation is wide.
The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) groups states into four categories based on regulatory burden. Understanding which category your state falls into determines what paperwork you need and how much oversight to expect.
States like Texas, Alaska, Idaho and Iowa do not require parents to notify anyone before they start homeschooling. There is no registration, no curriculum approval and no mandatory testing. Texas requires that the curriculum cover reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and good citizenship, but does not specify materials or providers. These states offer the broadest discretion to parents.
States like California, Nevada, Utah and Missouri require some form of notification or registration but impose minimal requirements on what or how you teach. In California, most homeschooling families file a Private School Affidavit (form R-4) to register their home as a private school. Missouri requires parents to maintain a log of instruction hours (at least 1,000 per year, 600 in core subjects) and offer instruction in reading, maths, social studies, language arts, and science.
States like Florida, Colorado, Oregon and South Carolina require notification, and the child must be assessed periodically. In Florida, parents file a notice of intent with the county superintendent and submit an annual evaluation. Colorado requires notification and annual testing or evaluation starting at grades 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11.
States like New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Vermont require detailed notification, curriculum plans, regular assessment and sometimes approval from the school district. New York requires parents to submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) and file quarterly reports. Pennsylvania requires a notarised affidavit, a portfolio of the child's work, and annual evaluation by a licensed teacher or psychologist.
Check your state before you start. The HSLDA state-by-state guide is the most reliable reference for current requirements. Laws change. Some states have recently expanded homeschooling freedoms; others have tightened reporting requirements. Verify your state's current rules before beginning.
The process varies by state, but four steps apply in most cases.
Find out whether your state requires notification, curriculum approval, assessment, or record-keeping. The HSLDA state guide covers every state. If your child is currently enrolled in a school, check whether your state requires a formal withdrawal letter.
If your child attends a public or private school, you will typically need to submit a written withdrawal notice. In some states (like Florida), you also file a notice of intent to homeschool with the school district or county superintendent. Keep copies of everything.
You can teach independently using purchased materials, join a homeschool co-op, or enrol with an accredited online school. If you want your child to earn a recognised diploma, an accredited provider is the most direct route. CambriLearn's US K-12 programme is Cognia accredited, which means the diploma carries the same recognition as one issued by a Cognia-accredited public or private school.
A quiet workspace, a reliable internet connection (if using an online provider), and a daily routine. If you are using an online school, the school provides the timetable, lesson materials and teacher support. If you are teaching independently, you will need to source or create your own curriculum materials, plan lessons, and track your child's progress according to your state's requirements.
What is Cognia? Cognia (formerly AdvancED and NCA CASI) is a non-profit accreditation body that evaluates and accredits schools across 85 countries. In the US, Cognia accredits public school districts, private schools and online schools. A Cognia-accredited diploma is recognised by US colleges and universities, the NCAA, and employers. CambriLearn's US K-12 programme holds full Cognia accreditation.
American families can choose from thousands of curriculum providers. The table below covers the accredited pathways available through CambriLearn, plus context on common US options.
| Curriculum | Qualification | Accreditation | US College Admission | International Recognition | Via CambriLearn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US K-12 | US High School Diploma | Cognia | Accepted by US colleges, NCAA eligible | US, Middle East, global | Yes, Cognia accredited |
| Cambridge Int.* | Int. GCSE, AS, A-Level | Cambridge Assessment | Accepted via equivalency | 160+ countries | Yes, private candidate exams |
| Pearson Edexcel | Int. GCSE, Int. A-Level | Pearson | Accepted via equivalency | 80+ countries | Yes, accredited centre |
| Common Core-aligned | Varies by provider | Varies | Standard US route | US only | No |
| Classical / Charlotte Mason | Parent-issued or provider diploma | Usually unaccredited | Accepted with portfolio | Limited | No |
Why accreditation matters for college. US colleges accept homeschooled students, but the application process is smoother with an accredited diploma. Cognia accreditation signals to admissions offices that the programme meets recognised educational standards. Students with a Cognia-accredited diploma do not need to provide additional documentation to prove the validity of their high school education. Unaccredited homeschoolers can still gain admission, but they may need to submit portfolios, additional test scores (SAT, ACT, AP), or interview evidence.
Combining pathways. Some CambriLearn families combine the US K-12 diploma with Cambridge* or Edexcel A-Levels. This gives the student a US diploma for domestic college applications and A-Levels for international university applications. CambriLearn's academic advisors coordinate the schedule so both pathways are manageable.
