You are solely responsible for ensuring your homeschool program complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Oaklane Academy is a tool to help you organize and manage your homeschool, but it does not provide legal advice or guarantee compliance with any specific requirements.
1. Understanding Homeschool Laws
Homeschool laws vary significantly by state and even by local jurisdiction. Every homeschooling family must understand and comply with their specific state's requirements.
Common State Requirements May Include:
Notice of intent to homeschool
Minimum instructional days or hours
Required subjects to be taught
Teacher qualifications or parent education level
Assessment or testing requirements
Record-keeping and documentation
Annual progress reports or evaluations
Portfolio requirements
Immunization records
2. State-by-State Variations
States are generally categorized by their homeschool regulation levels:
No Notice/Low Regulation States
Some states (e.g., Alaska, Idaho, Texas) require no notification and have minimal or no specific homeschool regulations beyond compulsory attendance ages.
Low Regulation States
These states require notification only, with minimal or no other requirements (e.g., Alabama, California, Indiana).
Moderate Regulation States
These states require notification, testing, and/or assessment, and may require other specific requirements (e.g., Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Ohio).
High Regulation States
These states require notification, testing/assessment, and often additional requirements such as parent qualifications, curriculum approval, or regular home visits (e.g., Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont).
3. How Oaklane Academy Helps (and Doesn't)
What We Help With:
Organizing your curriculum and lesson plans
Tracking daily activities and learning experiences
Documenting student progress over time
Creating portfolios of student work
Generating progress reports and summaries
Aligning curriculum with state standards (when applicable)
Maintaining detailed educational records
What We Don't Do:
Provide legal advice about homeschool requirements
File notice of intent or other legal documents on your behalf
Guarantee compliance with your state's specific regulations
Serve as an "umbrella school" or "cover school"
Provide official transcripts or diplomas (unless specifically arranged)
Replace required assessments, testing, or evaluations
4. Record Keeping Best Practices
Regardless of your state's requirements, maintaining thorough records is recommended:
Attendance Records: Track days and hours of instruction
Curriculum Documentation: Keep records of materials and resources used
Work Samples: Maintain a portfolio of student work across subjects
Progress Records: Document learning milestones and achievements
Assessment Results: Keep copies of any standardized tests or evaluations
Activity Logs: Record field trips, projects, and extracurricular activities
Reading Lists: Track books read throughout the year
5. Common Compliance Scenarios
Annual Assessments
Many states require annual assessment of student progress through:
Standardized testing
Portfolio evaluation by certified teacher
Progress report or narrative assessment
Combination of methods
Oaklane Academy can help you prepare documentation for these assessments, but cannot replace the official assessment itself.
Curriculum Requirements
Some states specify subjects that must be taught. Common requirements include:
Reading/Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies/History
Health/Physical Education
Art/Music (varies by state)
Instructional Time Requirements
Many states require a minimum number of:
Days of instruction per year (commonly 180 days)
Hours of instruction per day (varies, often 3-6 hours)
Hours of instruction per subject (some states)
6. Resources for Compliance
To understand your specific state requirements, we recommend:
Coalition for Responsible Home Education - Policy research and advocacy
State-Specific Resources:
Your state department of education website
Local homeschool support groups and cooperatives
State homeschool associations
County or district education offices
7. Important Legal Considerations
College and Career Planning
Maintain comprehensive records for:
College applications and admissions
Scholarship applications
Employment verification
Military service requirements
Special Education Services
Laws regarding special education services for homeschoolers vary by state. Contact your local school district or state education department to understand available services and eligibility.
Dual Enrollment and Part-Time Public School
Some states allow homeschoolers to participate in:
Public school classes or activities
Extracurricular activities and sports
Dual enrollment in community colleges
Each state and district has different policies. Check with your local school district.
8. Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Homeschool laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state's department of education or consult with a qualified education attorney.
Oaklane Academy assumes no liability for any legal issues that may arise from homeschooling. Users are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws in their jurisdiction.
9. Getting Help
If you need assistance with compliance in your state:
Contact your state's homeschool association
Join local homeschool support groups
Consider HSLDA membership for legal support
Consult with an education attorney in your state
Contact your state department of education directly
10. Updates and Changes
We regularly update this page with general information about homeschool compliance. However, laws change frequently. It is your responsibility to stay informed about current requirements in your jurisdiction.