How to Start Homeschooling: A Step-by-Step Guide by State

To learn how to start homeschooling, check your state’s law first: notice is required in 37 states, including Alabama and Arizona, and is not required in 13, including Alaska and Connecticut.

Your state’s rules set the starting point for filing, required subjects, and instruction time. Once you know those rules, you can choose learning materials and build a routine that fits your household.

• NNo routine notice required (13)
• YNotice required (37)

50 states · Letters or ages identify each tile; counts appear in the legend.

Key Takeaways

• Check your state’s requirements before beginning home instruction.
• Send any required notice to the official named by your state.
• Keep learning records and check state rules for assessments.

Step 1: Check Your State's Homeschool Law

Start with your state’s homeschool rules. Every state falls into one of four regulation levels: none, low, moderate or high. The level is a broad guide, so read your state’s page for the exact rules.

Of the 50 states, 16 are low regulation, 13 are rated none and require no notice, 9 are moderate and 12 are high. In all, 37 states require you to file a notice and 13 do not.

Look up the state where your child lives, then check which legal option you will use. In some states the rules change with the option: in Alabama, a church school and a private tutor have different subject and schedule rules. Confirm your option before you file or set your schedule.

Step 2: File a Notice If Your State Requires One

If your state requires notice, send it to the official your state names. In Arizona it goes to the county school superintendent for the county where the family lives. In Georgia it goes to the Georgia Department of Education, online or by email, fax or mail.

Use the current state page to confirm what to send and how to submit it. Keep a copy of your notice and any response with your homeschool paperwork so you can refer to the details later.

Step 3: Cover the Required Subjects

Build your learning plan around your state’s subject rule. Georgia requires at least reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. Florida, by contrast, does not specify subjects in state law.

Check the exact wording before selecting materials. When a state sets a list, use it to shape your course plan; when the rule points to an option or does not specify subjects in state law, consult the state page for the details that apply to you.

Step 4: Set a Schedule That Meets Any Time Rule

Check whether your state sets an instruction-time rule before you plan your days. Five states, Colorado, Georgia, North Dakota, South Carolina and Tennessee, set daily hours for homeschoolers. States such as Missouri, New York and Wisconsin set yearly hours, while Florida, Texas and Utah do not specify instruction time in state law.

Plan lessons around your state’s rule and keep a simple record of instruction time. Where state law is silent on time, your state page notes any agency guidance worth following.

Step 5: Keep Records and Plan for Assessments

Keep an organized file of homeschool materials, including copies of notices and responses, lesson plans, work samples, and attendance notes. These records help you track what your child has covered and make it easier to review your plan.

Check your state page for any assessment or testing rules. Keep assessment results with your other homeschool paperwork when testing applies.

State-by-State Starting Checklist

Find your state below to see its regulation level, who gets the notice, its subject rule and its instruction-time rule. Check the state page for the exact steps that apply to your situation.