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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.

There are many ways to track your child’s progress, such as report cards, transcripts, work samples, book lists, attendance records, and test scores (just to name a few). For more information on recordkeeping, click here.

Note that some state laws require that certain records be kept. You can find homeschool laws (including any recordkeeping requirements) for all 50 states and US territories on our interactive legal map.

No, you don't! While some states have a special homeschooling option for parents who are certified teachers, no state requires that every homeschooling parent be a certified teacher.

In fact, research has found little difference between the academic achievement of homeschooled students whose parents were certified teachers and those whose parents were not. They both scored on average much higher than their counterparts in public school.

However, be aware that some states require homeschool parents to meet certain qualifications (such as having a high school diploma or its equivalent). You can find homeschool laws (including any qualification requirements) for all 50 states and US territories on our interactive legal map.

Homeschool students receive their diplomas from their parents. Since parents are the ones who structure and organize a homeschool student’s education, they are also the ones qualified to judge when that education has been successfully completed and a diploma earned.

A few states have high school graduation requirements for homeschoolers, so you can check your state’s homeschool laws on our interactive legal map. If you’re an HSLDA member, please contact your state’s legal team if you have any further questions.

Are you wondering more about where to get diplomas, what you should put on a diploma, and whether you should have your child take a GED test? Check out our Diploma FAQs.
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Home-Based Education in an Alabama Private School

Understand exactly which legal requirements apply to home-based private schools.
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COVID-19: Has Annual Testing for Homeschoolers Changed?

Continue to comply with the legal requirements set by state law for assessments, but use the flexibility the law allows.
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Has North Carolina Requested Homeschool Enrollment Information?

Here's what to do if North Carolina sends you an email saying that you have to update your homeschool enrollment information before they "close" your school.
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Child Labor and Work Permit Laws in Alaska

Homeschooling? Here’s what you should know about Alaska’s child labor laws and work permit requirements.
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Child Labor and Work Permit Laws in New Hampshire

Homeschooling? Here’s what you should know about New Hampshire’s child labor laws and work permit requirements.
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Child Labor and Work Permit Laws in Vermont

What you need to know
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Child Labor and Work Permit Laws in Mississippi

Homeschooling? Here’s what you should know about Mississippi’s child labor laws and work permit requirements.
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Child Labor and Work Permit Laws in Utah

Homeschooling? Here’s what you should know about Utah’s child labor laws and work permit requirements.
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Child Labor and Work Permit Laws in Illinois

Homeschooling? Here’s what you should know about Illinois’s child labor laws and work permit requirements.
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Child Labor and Work Permit Laws in Maryland

Homeschooling? Here’s what you should know about Maryland’s child labor laws and work permit requirements.
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