While I was looking into the homeschool laws and requirements for the state of Mississippi, I discovered that Mississippi is considered a homeschool-friendly state — and it made me wonder exactly what that meant and which other states fall into that category. If you've asked the same question, here's what I found.
In this guide
What is a homeschool-friendly state?
A state that's considered homeschool-friendly is one that has little to no regulations — its homeschool laws are more laid back than other states. Homeschool-friendly states do not require parents or legal guardians to participate in home visits, standardized testing, or professional evaluations, and they don't require you to provide test scores.
Remember: it's legal to homeschool in all 50 states, but each state sets up its own laws and regulations. So before you start homeschooling — or if you're already homeschooling — make sure to check your state's laws every year.
Which states are considered homeschool-friendly?
According to HSLDA, the following states are considered homeschool-friendly (best states for homeschooling), with either low regulation or no notice required:
- Alabama — Low Regulation
- Alaska — No Notice
- Arizona — Low Regulation
- Arkansas — Low Regulation
- California — Low Regulation
- Connecticut — No Notice
- Delaware — Low Regulation
- Georgia — Low Regulation
- Idaho — No Notice
- Illinois — No Notice
- Indiana — No Notice
- Iowa — No Notice
- Kansas — Low Regulation
- Kentucky — Low Regulation
- Michigan — No Notice
- Mississippi — Low Regulation
- Missouri — No Notice
- Montana — Low Regulation
- Nebraska — Low Regulation
- Nevada — Low Regulation
- New Jersey — No Notice
- New Mexico — Low Regulation
- Oklahoma — No Notice
- Texas — No Notice
- Utah — Low Regulation
- Wisconsin — Low Regulation
- Wyoming — Low Regulation
Which states have more regulation?
According to HSLDA, the following states are not considered homeschool-friendly, because they carry moderate or high regulation:
- Colorado — Moderate Regulation
- Florida — Moderate Regulation
- Hawaii — Moderate Regulation
- Louisiana — Moderate Regulation
- Maine — Moderate Regulation
- Maryland — Moderate Regulation
- Massachusetts — High Regulation
- Minnesota — Moderate Regulation
- New Hampshire — Moderate Regulation
- New York — High Regulation
- North Carolina — Moderate Regulation
- North Dakota — Moderate Regulation
- Ohio — Moderate Regulation
- Oregon — Moderate Regulation
- Pennsylvania — High Regulation
- Rhode Island — High Regulation
- South Carolina — Moderate Regulation
- South Dakota — Moderate Regulation
- Tennessee — Moderate Regulation
- Vermont — High Regulation
- Virginia — Moderate Regulation
- Washington — Moderate Regulation
- West Virginia — Moderate Regulation
If your state is on this list, please don't be discouraged — families homeschool happily and successfully in every one of these states. It simply means there are a few more hoops (like notice, record-keeping, or testing) to stay on top of.
Quick tip
Higher regulation isn't a reason not to homeschool — it's just a reason to get organized. Note exactly what your state asks for and when, and it becomes a simple yearly checklist.
Always check your state each year
Laws can change, so whatever category your state is in, look up your current requirements every year. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is the resource I recommend for accurate, up-to-date state information. Knowing your state's rules is actually the very first step to homeschooling — I put it at the top of How to Homeschool in 4 Easy Steps.
Frequently asked questions
Is homeschooling legal in all 50 states?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but each state writes its own laws and regulations, so requirements vary widely.
What does "no notice" mean?
In a "no notice" state, you aren't required to notify anyone that you're homeschooling. Low-regulation states have only minimal requirements, and neither requires home visits, standardized testing, or professional evaluations.
Where can I find my state's exact requirements?
Check HSLDA and your state department of education, and confirm the current version every year since laws can change.
Know your state, then relax
Whether you live in a low-regulation state or one with more rules, knowing exactly what's required takes the worry out of it. Look it up, jot down your yearly to-dos, and then put your energy where it belongs — into your kids. For the full getting-started roadmap, visit my Start Here page, and grab the free checklist below.
Free homeschool starter checklist
A simple one-page checklist to start your homeschool year with confidence.
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