No. In general, homeschooling only becomes an issue in a divorce case when the parents cannot agree with each other about the children’s education, and it is typically only one of the many issues over which parents disagree. HSLDA supports the right of parents to determine how their children are educated and therefore does not choose sides if one parent wants to homeschool and the other does not.

When a divorce occurs after the parents have joined HSLDA as a married couple, and the parents disagree on homeschooling, HSLDA cannot ethically represent either member against the other due to the conflict of interest between the parents.

While HSLDA does not represent families in custody disputes, we can provide a packet containing research on domestic and custody cases involving homeschooling to our members. If you are an HSLDA member, you can contact us to request the packet.

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.

Homeschooling is a growing education movement with several unique characteristics:

• Parents or guardians are the primary directors of their child’s education and can tailor it to meet their child’s unique educational needs.
• Education encompasses more than just “academics.” Homeschooling allows parents to incorporate real-life skills and disciplines into their child’s education as they weave studies into daily life.
• Most learning takes place within the home. While homeschool families can certainly supplement education with learning outside of the home through homeschool groups, tutors, or online courses, primary education occurs in the context of the home.

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and parents have a lot of liberty to make educational choices. However, they still must comply with their state’s homeschool laws.  

Interested in learning more about homeschooling? Read more.

Yes! In fact, studies have shown that homeschooled children tend to have higher standardized test scores, persevere though college longer, and have higher GPAs in college.

In large part, this is because homeschool students receive an education that is tailored to their specific needs and talents. Parents know their children best and can give them one-on-one help and attention.