Notifying the State About Your Homeschool and Documenting Legal Requirements

Notifying the State About Your Homeschool and Documenting Legal Requirements

All states except those in the "Least Regulation" category require that you provide some sort of notification that you are homeschooling your children. Make sure that you understand the type of notification you are required to provide. Some states have specific forms you must complete, while others just require "notification." This notification is typically due well before the school year starts or soon thereafter. Your state's regulations will tell you where, how, and when this notification is required. After you file your notification, make sure you keep a copy and can prove when and to whom you submitted it.

Documenting Legal Requirements for Your Homeschool

After you have determined the state requirements for your homeschool and understand any involvement with the local school system that is required, you should create a file with all the relevant legal documentation in it. This file should include the following documents:

• The HSLDA analysis of your state's requirements. You can print this out from the HSLDA Web site.
• A copy of your state's actual legal requirements for homeschool. While you are likely to use the HSLDA analysis to understand your state's requirements, your documentation package should include the actual legal text. You should be able to get this from your state's education office or from a local library.
• Written requirements presented to you by local school officials who will have oversight of your homeschool, if required. This should include what specifically you are required to do, who your contacts are, and when specific actions are due.
• Minutes of any meetings or records of phone calls you have with local school officials.
• Copies of any documents you submit regarding your homeschool, such as your notification to the state, along with documentation of how and when you submitted those documents.