Homeschool state and territory guides

Arizona parents file a one-time affidavit of intent with the county school superintendent within 30 days of starting homeschooling. Instruction must include reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies and science. A.R.S. 15-802 does not set testing or record-keeping requirements.

Notice required

Yes

Last verified

2026-10-26

California has no 'homeschool' statute as such. Parents who teach at home usually operate a small private school: file an annual Private School Affidavit, offer instruction in English in the branches of study required in public schools, and keep an attendance register and other records.

Notice required

Yes

Last verified

2026-10-26

Florida parents notify the district superintendent, keep a portfolio of records, and obtain an annual educational evaluation that is filed with the superintendent. A teaching certificate is not required for the parent.

Notice required

Yes

Last verified

2026-10-26

Georgia parents file a Declaration of Intent with the Department of Education within 30 days of starting and by September 1 each year, teach 180 days of at least 4.5 hours, cover five subjects, write annual progress reports, and test with a nationally standardized test at least every three years beginning after third grade.

Notice required

Yes

Last verified

2026-10-26

New York families give annual written notice to the school district, file an IHIP, submit quarterly reports and an annual assessment, and provide at least 180 days and 900 (grades 1-6) or 990 (grades 7-12) hours of instruction in required subjects.

Notice required

Yes

Last verified

2026-10-26

North Carolina families file a one-time Notice of Intent with DNPE, operate on a regular schedule for at least nine calendar months, keep attendance and immunization records, and give each student a nationally standardized achievement test every year.

Notice required

Yes

Last verified

2026-10-26

Since October 2023 Ohio parents send a short notice to the district superintendent: no curriculum outline, assessment report or excuse letter is required. The notice must give an assurance that instruction will cover the six listed subject areas.

Notice required

Yes

Last verified

2026-10-26

Pennsylvania supervisors file a notarized affidavit (or unsworn declaration) with the district each year, keep a portfolio, test in grades 3, 5 and 8, and submit an annual evaluation by a qualified evaluator by June 30. District approval is not required to begin.

Notice required

Yes

Last verified

2026-10-26

In the Puerto Rico laws and DEPR circulars we reviewed, there is no requirement for homeschools to register, be approved, take periodic tests or be monitored. The Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico (DEPR) has a written procedure for families who withdraw a child from a DEPR public school to homeschool, and a re-entry procedure (portfolio, book list and placement tests) for homeschooled children who later enroll in a DEPR school.

Notice required

No

Last verified

2026-10-30

Texas does not register, approve or monitor home schools. Under the Texas Supreme Court's Leeper decision, children taught at home in a bona fide manner using a curriculum designed to meet basic education goals are exempt from compulsory public school attendance, like private-school students.

Notice required

No

Last verified

2026-10-26

Virginia parents who meet one of four qualification options notify the division superintendent every August with a list of subjects and evidence of qualification, then provide evidence of progress by August 1 of the following year.

Notice required

Yes

Last verified

2026-10-26