Choosing to serve in the military is a big decision, and you want to set your teen up for success! But the exact hows and whens depend on a few factors: Which branch? Does your student want to join as an enlisted soldier or sailor, or as an officer? What about college?

Check out our post on preparing to enter the military to learn how to identify the best stepping stones for your teen to reach their goals.

You should follow the law of the state in which you are physically present.

Why? When you are physically present in a state, even temporarily, you are subject to that state’s laws—and often to the jurisdiction of its courts. So you could be required to comply with that state’s homeschool law. This is true even if your legal residency is in another state and you are only living elsewhere temporarily (such as if you are an active member of the military completing a temporary assignment).

Will you be living in another state longer than a month while that state’s public schools are in session? HSLDA generally recommends that you comply with that state’s homeschool requirements. This general recommendation applies even if you and/or your spouse pay taxes, own property, and/or have employment in a different state.

If you’re an HSLDA member, please contact our Legal Team for specific advice about how state home education laws apply in your specific situation.

Well, it depends! Homeschooling is so personalized to each child and each family—you may be surprised at how much homeschool budgets can vary. If you have the time and flexibility to take advantage of opportunities to borrow curriculum, use the library, shop for used books, find reusable, multi-level, or free curriculum, and exchange services for extras like music, art, etc., you might pare your costs down to $50–100 per student. Adding in some paid extras like co-ops, online courses, enrichment classes, or sports could bring your budget up to $300–500. And if you opt for tutors, video courses, or all-inclusive curriculum packages, your cost may easily be $500 on up. (Still, that’s a lot less than private school!)

You can check out more creative ways to stretch your dollars here.