When there is a high volume of applications, the review process and funding may be delayed. You can help us streamline your grant processing time when you make sure that:

• The information on your application is accurate and complete.
• The documents you attached are clear, readable, and easily accessible.
• Your references fill out and return their forms within one week.
• You respond promptly to emails from HSLDA Compassion.

You may be thinking: "What if public school at home isn't working for my child? What do I do?" With varied levels of support being offered to students, the pressure is on for parents. If you're asking yourself how you'll ever get through June or maybe longer, here's something you should hear. The foundational freedom of homeschooling is that no homeschool looks alike. You can learn from others, but the scene in your house doesn’t have to look like anyone else's. Your kids can “do school” at the kitchen table—or a picnic table. But they don’t have to. They can “do school” on the couch—or at an evacuation center. But they don’t have to. The point is, learning can become the pattern of your lives, not a specific pattern of the day. Learning can become the mentality of every moment, not just a specific and planned event. It can become your lifestyle. Let HSLDA help you see what the freedom to homeschool can look like!

Generally, yes. The Constitution protects the fundamental right of parents to direct the education of their children, which includes the right to privately teach one’s own children instead of sending them to public schools. That said, you should follow two basic steps when you decide to homeschool your child.

First, you need to comply with any legal requirements to set up your homeschool program. You can find homeschool laws (including any requirements to get started) for all 50 states and US territories on our interactive legal map. HSLDA members can also contact their state’s legal team with any questions about starting a homeschool program.

Second, if your child was previously enrolled in another school (whether public or private), you should formally withdraw your student from that school when you begin your homeschool program.

For more information about withdrawing, read our "How do I withdraw my child from public or private school?" FAQ.