U.S State Laws for Homeschooling
Alabama
Between the ages of 7 and 16
Legal Option: Establish and/or enroll in a church school
Attendance: None specified (175 days required for the public schools)
Subjects: None
Qualifications: None
Notice: File a notice of enrollment and attendance with the local superintendent on a provided form (not required annually)
Record Keeping: Maintain a daily attendance register to be kept by the church school
Testing: None
Alaska
Between 7 and 16
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: None
Subjects: None
Qualifications: None
Notice: None
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Arizona
Between 6 and 16; by noting so in affidavit (see Notice Required), instruction in a home school setting may be delayed until eight years of age
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: None
Subjects: Reading, grammar, math, social studies and science
Qualifications: None
Notice: File an affidavit of intent with the local superintendent within 30 days of the start (even if instruction will be delayed until age 8) or end of home schooling
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Arkansas
5 through 17 on or before September 15 of that year; a child under age 6 on September 15 may be waived from kindergarten with submission of a state-provided form
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: None
Subjects: None
Qualifications: None
Notice: File written notice of intent with the local superintendent by August 15 (for those starting in fall semester), December 15 (for those starting in spring semester), or 14 days prior to withdrawing child mid-semester from public school; re-file annually thereafter at beginning of school year
Record Keeping: None
Testing: Participate in same state-mandated norm-referenced tests given to public school students (in grades 3-9)
California
Between the ages of 6 by December 2 and under 18 years of age
Legal Option: Qualify as a private school
Attendance: None
Subjects: Same as the public schools and in the English language
Qualifications: Must be "capable of teaching"
Notice: File an annual affidavit with the local superintendent between October 1 and 15
Record Keeping: Maintain an attendance register
Testing: None
Colorado
7 and under the age of 16. Also "appl[ies] to a six-year-old child who has been enrolled in a public school in the first [or higher] grade," unless the "parent or legal guardian chooses to withdraw such child.
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: 172 days per year, averaging four hours per day
Subjects: Constitution of the United States, reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, literature, and science
Qualifications: None
Notice: File notice of intent with the local superintendent 14 days prior to start of home school and annually thereafter
Record Keeping: Maintain attendance records, test and evaluation results, and immunization records
Testing: Administer a standardized test for grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 or have the child evaluated by a "qualified person . . . selected by parent"
Connecticut
"Five years of age and over and under sixteen years of age" five- or six-year-olds can opt out when the parent goes to the school district and signs an option form
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: Generally, 180 days per year
Subjects: Reading, writing, spelling, English, grammar, geography, arithmetic, United States history, and citizenship, including a study of the town, state and federal governments
Qualifications: None
Notice: None, but parents may voluntarily comply with State Dept. of Education guidelines by filing a";Notice of Intent" form with the local superintendent within 10 days of the start of home school
Record Keeping: The guidelines require that parents maintain a portfolio indicating that instruction in the required courses has been given
Testing: None
Delaware
"Between 5 years of age and 16 years of age"; can delay start (if "in best interests of the child") with school authorization
Legal Option: Establish a "single family homeschool" which is the parents or guardians educating their
Children mainly in their own residence.
Attendance: 180 days per year
Subjects: Same as the public schools
Qualifications: None
Notice: Report attendance info with the Department of Education . Association or organization must register with the Department of Education; report enrollment, student ages, and attendance to Department of Education on or before July 31 each year; also submit annual statement of enrollment as of last school day in September in form prescribed by Department of Education
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
District of Columbia
"Age of 5 years by December 31 of current school year until minor reaches the age of 18"
Legal Option: Provide private instruction not affiliated with an educational institution
Attendance: During the period that the public schools are in session
Subjects: None
Qualifications: None
Notice: None, unless the child is being removed from the public school
Record Keeping: An accurate daily record of the attendance…shall be kept by every teacher who gives instruction privately.
Testing: None
Florida
"Attained the age of 6 years by February 1 . . . but have not attained the age of 16 years"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: None specified
Subjects: None
Qualifications: None
Notice: File notice of intent with the local superintendent within 30 days of establishment for home school (not required annually)
Record Keeping: Maintain a portfolio of records and materials (log of texts and sample work sheets)
Testing: Annually, either:
· Administer any standardized test or a state student assessment test; must be given by a certified teacher
· Have child evaluated by a certified teacher
· Be evaluated by a licensed psychologist
· Have child evaluated by another valid tool that is mutually agreed upon
Georgia
"Between 6th and 16th birthdays"; a child under 7 who has attended public school for more than 20 days is also subject to the compulsory attendance law"
Legal Option: Establish and conduct a home study program
Attendance: 180 days per year, 4 1/2 hours per day
Subjects: Reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science
Qualifications: High school diploma or GED for a teaching parent or any private tutor used
Notice: File a declaration of intent with the local superintendent within 30 days of commencing the home study program and by September 1 annually thereafter
Record Keeping: Maintain attendance records and submit monthly to the superintendent; write and retain an annual progress report
Testing: Administer and retain the results of a standardized test every 3 years beginning at the end of the 3rd grade
Hawaii
"Have arrived at the age of at least 6 years and...not...at the age of 18 years by January 1 of any school year"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: None
Subjects: Curriculum must";be structured and based on educational objectives as well as the needs of the child, be cumulative and sequential, provide a range of up-to-date knowledge and needed skills, and take into account the interests, needs, and abilities of the child"
Qualifications: None
Notice: File a notice of intent with the principal of the public school the child would otherwise be required to attend before starting to home school (not required annually); notify this same principal within 5 days after ending home school
Record Keeping: Maintain a record of the planned curriculum
Testing: Administer standardized achievement test of parent's choice in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10; submit annual report (of child's progress) to local principal comprised of either: 1) standardized test results, or 2) written evaluation by certified teacher, or 3) written evaluation by parent
Idaho
"Attained the age of 7 years, but not the age of 16 years"
Legal Option: Provide an alternate educational experience for the child that "is otherwise comparably instructed"
Attendance: Same as the public schools
Subjects: Same as the public schools
Qualifications: None
Notice: None
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Illinois
"Between the ages of 7 and 16 years"
Legal Option: Operate a home school as a private school
Attendance: Generally, 176 days per year (but not mandated for private or home schools)
Subjects: Language arts, biological and physical science, math, social sciences, fine arts, health and physical development, honesty, justice, kindness, and moral courage
Qualifications: None
Notice: None
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Indiana
"Earlier of the date on which the child officially enrolls in a school or reaches the age of 7 until the date on which he reaches the age of 18."
Legal Option: Operate a home school as a private school
Attendance: Same as the public schools; Generally, 180 days per year
Subjects: None
Qualifications: None
Notice: None, unless specifically requested by the state superintendent of education
Record Keeping: Maintain attendance records
Testing: None
Iowa
"Age 6 by September 15 until age 16"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: 148 days per year (37 days each quarter)
Subjects: None
Qualifications: None
Notice: Complete an annual "Competent Private Instruction Report Form"; file 2 copies with the local school district by 1st day of school or within 14 days of withdrawal from school
Record Keeping: None
Testing: Complete by May 1 and submit to the local school district by June 30: 1) test results from an acceptably administered standardized test, or 2) a portfolio for review
Kansas
"Reached the age of 7 and under the age of 18 years"
Legal Option: Operate a home school as a non-accredited private school
Attendance: "substantially equivalent to . . . the public schools" (i.e., 186 days per year or 1116 hours per year; 1086 hours for 12th grade)
Subjects: None
Qualifications : Must be a "competent" teacher (however, local school board has no authority to define or evaluate "competence" of private school teachers)
Notice: Register name and address of school with the state board of education (not subject to approval)
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Kentucky
"Has reached the 6th birthday and has not passed the 16th birthday"
Legal Option: Qualify a home school as a private school
Attendance: 185 days per year, or the equivalent of 175 six-hour days
Subjects: Reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, mathematics, and civics
Qualifications: None
Notice: Notify the local board of education of those students in attendance within two weeks of start of school year
Record Keeping: Maintain an attendance register and scholarship reports
Testing: None
Louisiana
"From the child's 7th birthday until his 18th birthday"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school as approved by the board of education
Attendance: 180 days per year
Subjects: At least equal to the quality of that in the public schools including the Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers
Qualifications: None
Notice: File an application and a copy of the child's birth certificate, with board of education, within 15 days after start of home school and annually thereafter
Record Keeping: Whatever form(s) of documentation is(are) planned to satisfy the testing requirement
Testing: Submit with renewal application documents showing satisfactory evidence that the program is at least equal to that offered by the public schools
Maine
"7 years of age or older and under 17 years"
Legal Option: Operate homeschool
Attendance: 175 days per year
Subjects: English, language arts, math, science, social studies, physical and health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (in one grade between grade 6 and 12), and computer proficiency (in one grade between grade 7 and 12)
Qualifications: None
Notice: File initial notice within 10 days. Each subsequent year file a letter indicating whether
the child's homeschooling will continue. Submit a copy to both the local
school board and the commisioner of education.
Record Keeping: None
Testing: Annually, either:
· Administer a standardized test
· Take a local test
· Have child's progress reviewed by a certified teacher, a superintendent-selected local advisory board, or a home school support group that includes a certified teacher
Maryland
"5 years old or older and under 16" with one-year exemption available for 5 year-olds"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a qualified home school
Attendance: Must be of "sufficient duration to implement the instructional program"
Subjects: Must provide "regular, thorough instruction" in the same subjects as the public schools including English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education
Qualifications: None
Notice: File a notice of intent with the state department of education at least 15 days before the start of home school. Verify annually.
Record Keeping: Maintain a portfolio of "relevant materials," review able by the local superintendent up to 3 times per year
Testing: None
Massachusetts
"6 to 16 years of age"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school as approved in advance by the local school committee or superintendent
Attendance: None specified, though 900 hours at elementary level and 990 hours at secondary level are expected
Subjects: Reading, writing, English language and grammar, geography, arithmetic, drawing, music, history, and constitution of United States, duties of citizenship, health (including CPR), physical education, and good behavior
Qualifications: None
Notice: A de facto part of the approval process
Record Keeping: None
Testing: Not required by state law but may be a negotiated condition for approval.
Michigan
"Age of 6 to the child's 16th birthday"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home education program
Attendance: None
Subjects: Reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar
Qualifications: None
Notice: None
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Minnesota
"Between 7 and 16 years of age"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a qualified home school
Attendance: None
Subjects: Reading, writing, literature, fine arts, math, science, history, geography, government, health, and physical education
Qualifications: The homeschool instructor must satisfy one of the following six requirements: a) hold
a Minnesota teaching license in the field and grade taught b) or be directly supervised
by a licensed teacher c) or successfully complete a teacher competency exam d) or
provide instruction in a school that is accredited or recognized by the state board e) or
hold a baccalaureate degree f) or be the parent of a child who is assessed according
to procedures in subdivision 11 and the standardized test section below.
Notice: File with the local superintendent by October 1 of each school year the name, age, and address of each child taught
Record Keeping: If teaching parent is not at least a college graduate, submit a quarterly report to the local superintendent showing the achievement of each child in the required subjects
Testing: Administer an annual standardized test as agreed to by the local superintendent
Mississippi
"Age of 6 on or before September 1... and has not attained the age of 17 on or before September 1"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: Whatever "number of days that each [home] school shall require for promotion from grade to grade"
Subjects: None
Qualifications: None
Notice: File a "certificate of enrollment" by September 15 of each school year to the district's attendance officer
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Missouri
Between the ages of 7 and 16 years
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: 1,000 hours per year; at least 600 hours in the five required subjects; 400 of these 600 hours must occur at "the regular home school location"
Subjects: Reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science
Qualifications: None
Notice: None required; parents "may provide" a notice of intent within 30 days of establishment and on September 1 each year thereafter
Record Keeping: Maintain records of subjects taught, activities engaged in, samples of the child's academic work and evaluations or a credible equivalent and a written log showing the
hours required under attendance.
Testing: None
Montana
"7 years of age or older prior to the first day of school" and "the later of the following dates: the child's 16th birthday; the day of completion of the work of the 8th grade"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: 180 days per year, 4 hours per day for grades 1-3 and 1080 hours per year for grades 4-12
Subjects: Same "basic instructional program" as the public schools
Qualifications: None
Notice: File annual notice of intent with the county superintendent
Record Keeping: Maintain attendance and immunization records; must be available for inspection by county superintendent upon request
Testing: None
North Carolina
"Between the ages of seven and 16 years"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: At least nine calendar months per year, excluding reasonable holidays and vacations
Subjects: None, but annual standardized tests must cover English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics
Qualifications: High school diploma or GED
Notice: File notice of intent with the state division of non-public education upon starting home school
Record Keeping: Maintain attendance and immunization records and results of standardized tests
Testing: Administer an annual standardized test measuring achievement in English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics, the results of which must be available for inspection
North Dakota
"A child between the ages of seven and sixteen years."
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: 175 days per year, four hours per day
Subjects: English language arts, including reading, composition, creative writing, English grammar, and spelling, mathematics, social studies, including the United States Constitution, and United States history, geography, and government, science, including agriculture, physical education, health, including physiology, hygiene, disease control, and the nature and effects of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics
Qualifications: Possess either
· A teaching certificate
· A baccalaureate degree
· A high school diploma or GED and be monitored by a certified teacher during first two years of home instruction; monitoring must continue thereafter if child scores below the 50th percentile on required standardized achievement test
· Proof of meeting or exceeding the cut-off score of the national teacher exam
Notice: File annual notice of intent with the local superintendent 14 days prior to the start of the home school or within 14 days of establishing residency inside the district for Developmentally Disabled Children: In addition to above, file a copy of the child's diagnosis from a licensed psychologist along with an individualized education program developed and followed by the child's school district and parent or by a team selected and compensated by the parent.
Record Keeping: Maintain an annual record of courses and each child's academic progress assessments, including standardized achievement test results for Developmentally Disabled Children: Also file with the local superintendent progress reports from an individualized education program team selected by the parent on or before November 1, February 1, and May 1 of each school year
Testing: Take a standardized achievement test in grades 4, 6, 8 and 10; must be administered by a certified teacher; results must be provided to the local superintendent; a basic composite score below the 30th percentile requires a professional assessment for learning problems and submission of a plan of remediation to the local superintendent
Nebraska
"Not less than 7 nor more than 16 years of age"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school as a private school
Attendance: 1,032 hours per year for elementary grades, 1,080 hours per year for high school grades
Subjects: Language arts, math, science, social studies, and health
Qualifications: None, unless the teacher is "employed" by the family
Notice: File an annual notice of intent with the state commissioner of education by August 1 (or 30 days prior to the start of home school)
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Nevada
"Between the ages of 7 and 17 years"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: None
Subjects: Parents must provide the local school board with "satisfactory written evidence" that "the child is receiving at home . . . equivalent instruction of the kind and amount approved by the state board of education," including U.S. and Nevada constitutions
Qualifications: None.
Notice: File a one-time notice with the local superintendent. The notice must include the name, age and gender of the child; the name and address of the parent; a statement signed by the parent that he/she has legal control of the child and accepts responsibility for the child's education; and an educational plan.
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
New Hampshire
"At least 6 years of age [on September 30] and under 16 years of age"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: None
Subjects: Science, mathematics, language, government, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, U.S. and New Hampshire constitutional history, and art and music appreciation
Qualifications: None
Notice: Within 30 days of withdrawing from public school or moving into the school district, file a notice of intent with a private school principal, the state commissioner of education, or the local superintendent
Record Keeping: Maintain a portfolio of records and materials including a log of reading materials used, samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials used or developed by the child
Testing: By July 1, file either
· Results from a standardized test
· Results from a state student assessment test used by the local school district
· A written evaluation by a certified teacher
· Results of another measure agreeable to the local school board
New Jersey
"Between the ages of six and 16 years"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: None specified (180 days required for the public schools)
Subjects: Equivalent to that of public school.
Qualifications: None
Notice: None
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
New Mexico
"At least five years of age prior to 12:01am on September 1 of the school year...to the age of majority...unless the person has graduated from high school"; children under eight can be excused
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: Same as public schools
Subjects: Reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science
Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent
Notice: File notice of intent with the school district superintendent within 30 days of establishing the home school and by April 1 of each subsequent year
Record Keeping: Maintain immunization records
Testing: None
New York
"A minor who becomes six years of age on or before the first of December in any school year...until the last day of session in the school year in which the minor becomes sixteen years of age" or completes high school. Any school district may raise the age to 17 years.
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: Substantial equivalent of 180 days per year; 900 hours per year for grades 1-6; 990 hours per year for grades 7-12
Subjects: Grades K-12: patriotism and citizenship, substance abuse, traffic safety, fire safety; Grades 1-6:arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, English, geography, U.S. history, science, health, music, visual arts, and physical education; Grades 7-8:English, history and geography, science, mathematics, physical education, health, art, music, practical arts, and library skills; At least once in grades 1-8: U.S. and New York history and constitutions; Grades 9-12: English, social studies--including American history, participation in government, and economics, math, science, art or music, health, physical education, and electives
Qualifications: "Competent"
Notice: File annual notice of intent with the local superintendent by July 1 or within 14 days if starting home schooling mid-year; complete and submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (form provided by district)
Record Keeping: Maintain attendance records (must make available for inspection upon request of the local superintendent); file, with the local superintendent, quarterly reports listing the number of hours of instruction during quarter, description of material covered in each subject, and a grade or narrative evaluation in each subject
Testing: File, with the local superintendent, an annual assessment by June 30; must be from a standardized test every other year in grades 4-8, and every year in grades 9-12; other years can be satisfied by either another standardized test or a written narrative evaluation prepared by a certified teacher, a home instruction peer review panel, or other person chosen by the parent with the consent of the superintendent
Ohio
"Between six and eighteen years of age"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: 900 hours per year
Subjects: Language arts, geography, U.S. and Ohio history, government, math, health, physical education, fine arts, first aid and science
Qualifications: High school diploma, GED, test scores showing high school equivalence, or work under a person with a baccalaureate degree until child's test scores show proficiency or parent earns diploma or GED
Notice: Submit an annual notice of intent to the local superintendent
Record Keeping: None
Testing: Submit with renewal notification either: 1) standardized test scores, or 2) a written narrative showing satisfactory academic progress, or 3) an approved alternative assessment
Oklahoma
"Over age of five (5) years and under the age of eighteen (18) years"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school as an "other means of education" expressed in the state constitution
Attendance: 180 Days
Subjects: Reading, writing, math, science, citizenship, U.S. constitution, health, safety, physical education, conservation
Qualifications: None
Notice: None
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Oregon
"Between the ages of 7 and 18 years who have not completed the twelfth grade"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: None
Subjects: None
Qualifications: None
Notice: Notify education service district in writing when child starts being taught at home; when moving, notify new district in same manner
Record Keeping: None
Testing: Participate in an approved comprehensive test in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 administered by "a qualified neutral person"; if child was withdrawn from public school, the first test must be administered at least 18 months after child was withdrawn; children with disabilities are to be evaluated as per their individualized education plan
Pennsylvania
From time the child enters school, "which shall not be later than the age of eight (8) years, until the age of seventeen (17) years"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home education program
Attendance: 180 days per year or 900 hours at the elementary level or 990 hours at the secondary level
Subjects: Elementary level: English spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, U.S. and Pennsylvania history, civics, health and physiology, physical education, music, art, geography, science, safety and fire prevention Secondary level: English language, literature, speech and composition, science, geography, civics, world, U.S., and Pennsylvania history, algebra and geometry, art, music, physical education, health, safety, and fire prevention
Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent
Notice: File a notarized affidavit with the local superintendent prior to start of home school and annually by August 1st thereafter
Record Keeping: Maintain a portfolio of materials used, work done, standardized test results in grades 3, 5, and 8, and a written evaluation completed by June 30 of each year
Testing: Administer standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8; submit results as part of portfolio
Rhode Island
"Completed six (6) years of life on or before December 31 of any school year and not completed sixteen (16) years of life"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school as approved by the local school board
Attendance: "Substantially equal" to that of the public schools
Subjects: Reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, U.S. and Rhode Island history, principles of American government, English, health and physical education; U.S. and R.I. constitution in high school
Qualifications: None
Notice: A de facto part of the approval process
Record Keeping: Maintain an attendance register
Testing: Annual assessment may be required. Preference of parent as to type of assessment must
be honored.
South Carolina
"Five years of age before September first until . . . seventeenth birthday or" graduation from high school; five-year-olds may be excused from kindergarten with submission of written notice to the school district
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school as approved by the local school board
Attendance: 180 days per year, 4½ hours per day
Subjects: Reading, writing, math, science, and social studies; also composition and literature in grades 7-12
Qualifications: High school diploma or GED or a baccalaureate degree
Notice: None
Record Keeping: Maintain evidence of regular instruction including a record of subjects taught, activities in which the student and parent engage, a portfolio of the child's work, and a record of academic evaluations, with a semiannual progress report
Testing: Participate in the annual statewide testing program and the Basic Skills Assessment Program
South Dakota
"Five years old by the first day of September and who has not exceeded the age of sixteen years"; children under age 7 can be excused"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: 180 days per year, 4 ½ hours per day.
Subjects: Language arts and math
Qualifications: None
Notice: Submit a notarized application to the local superintendent using the standard form provided by state department of education
Record Keeping: Must keep a copy of the child's birth certificate on file at home.
Testing: Administer a standardized test to children in the same grade levels tested under the state testing program (grades 2, 4, 8, and 11
Tennessee
"Between the ages of six (6) and seventeen (17) years, both inclusive"; also applicable to children under age 6 who have enrolled in any public, private, or parochial school for more than six weeks; a parent of a six-year-old may make application for a one-semester or one-year deferral with the principal of the public school in which the child would be required to attend"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: 180 days per year, 4 hours per day
Subjects: For grades K-8: None For grades 9-12: Either college preparatory courses---those required for admission to state-operated four-year colleges, OR general studies courses---those required by the state board of education for high school graduation (see http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/0520/0520-01/0520-01-03.pdf).
Qualifications: For grades K-8: High school diploma or GED For grades 9-12: College degree (or an exemption granted by the commissioner of education)
Notice: Submit a notice of intent to the local superintendent by August 1 of each school year
Record Keeping: Maintain attendance records; must be kept available for inspection and submitted to the local superintendent at the end of the school year
Testing: Administer a standardized test in grades 5, 7, and 9; must be given by commissioner of education, his designee, or a professional testing service approved by the local school district
Texas
"A child who is at least six years of age, or who is younger than six years of age and has previously been enrolled in first grade, and who has not yet reached the child's 18th birthday."
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school as a private school
Attendance: None
Subjects: Reading, spelling, grammar, math, good citizenship
Qualifications: None
Notice: None
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Utah
"Between six and 18 years of age"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school as approved by the local school board
Attendance: Same as the public schools
Subjects: Language arts, math, science, social studies, arts, health, computer literacy, and vocational education
Qualifications: None specified; however, the local school board can consider the basic educative ability o of the teacher
Notice: A de facto part of the approval process
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Vermont
"Between the ages of six and 16 years"; children attending a post-secondary school (approved or accredited by Vermont or another state) are exempt"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: None. 175 days per year required for public schools
Subjects: Reading, writing, math, citizenship, history, U.S. and Vermont government, physical education, health, English, American, and other literature, science, and fine arts
Qualifications: None
Notice: File a written notice of enrollment with the commissioner of education any time after March 1 for the subsequent year
Record Keeping: None
Testing: Submit an annual assessment from
· A certified (or approved Vermont independent school) teacher
· A report from a commercial curriculum publisher together with a portfolio
· Results of an acceptably administered standardized test
Virginia
"Have reached the fifth birthday on or before... September 30...and who has not passed the eighteenth birthday; 5 year-olds can be excused"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: Same as the public schools; generally 180 days per year
Subjects: If operating under teacher qualification #4, math and language arts; for all others, none
Qualifications: High School Diploma.
Notice: File an annual notice of intent with local superintendent by August 15; if starting mid-year, file notice as soon as practicable
Record Keeping: None
Testing: Administer a standardized test or have child otherwise evaluated every year (for those six years or older on September 30 of the school year); submit results to local superintendent by August 1
Washington
"Eight years of age and under eighteen years of age"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: Equivalent to: 2,700 total hours in grades 1-3; 2,970 total hours in grades 4-6; 1,980 total hours in grades 7-8; 4,320 total hours in grades 9-12
Subjects: Occupational education, science, math, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, music and art appreciation, U.S. and Washington constitutions
Qualifications: Either
· Be supervised by a certified teacher
· Have 45 college quarter credit hours or completed a course in home education
· Be deemed qualified by the local superintendent
Notice: File an annual notice of intent with the local (or applicable nonresident) superintendent by September 15 or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter
Record Keeping: Maintain standardized test scores, academic progress assessments, and immunization records
Testing: Annually administer and retain a state approved standardized test by a qualified person or have the child evaluated by a certified teacher currently working in the field of education
West Virginia
"Compulsory school attendance shall begin with the school year in which the sixth birthday is reached prior to the first day of September of such year or upon enrolling in a publicly supported kindergarten program and continue to the sixteenth birthday"
Legal Option: Seek local school board approval to operate a home school
Attendance: Same as the public schools; generally 180 days per year
Subjects: English, grammar, reading, social studies, and math
Qualifications: Be deemed qualified to teach by the local superintendent and school board
Notice: A de facto part of the approval process
Record Keeping: As prescribed during the approval process
Testing: As prescribed during the approval process
Wisconsin
Between the ages of 6 [by September 1] and 18 years
Legal Option: Establish and operate a "home-based private educational program"
Attendance: Must provide "at least 875 hours of instruction each year"
Subjects: Must provide "a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction" in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, and health; such curriculum need not "conflict with the program's religious doctrines"
Qualifications: None
Notice: File a statement of enrollment with the state department of education by October 15 each year
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
Wyoming
"Whose seventh birthday falls before September 15 of any year and who has not yet attained his sixteenth birthday or completed the tenth grade"
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school
Attendance: 175 days per year
Subjects: A "basic academic educational program" that provides a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in reading, writing, math, civics, history, literature, and science
Qualifications: None
Notice: Annually submit to the local school board a curriculum showing that a "basic academic educational program" is being provided
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
