Homeschool Requirements Worldwide

Alabama offers three distinct legal options for families wishing to homeschool. **You must choose one and follow its specific procedures.**

Alaska

Alaska is one of the most homeschool-friendly states, offering four distinct legal options. The most common choice is the **Independent Homeschool Statute**, wh

Arizona

Arizona is widely considered one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the nation. Parents have two primary, distinct pathways:

Arkansas

Arkansas is a very homeschool-friendly state with minimal regulation. The primary requirement is filing an annual **Notice of Intent (NOI)**. There are no manda

Connecticut

Connecticut is a low-regulation state with a unique legal twist. While there is no explicit statute mandating a Notice of Intent (NOI) or Portfolio Review, the

Florida

Florida is widely considered one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the US. It offers parents significant freedom in choosing curriculum and teaching met

Idaho

Idaho is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country, with no requirement to register with the state or local school district. Parents have comple

Illinois

Illinois is a low-regulation state where homeschools are legally classified as "private schools." Parents have significant freedom, with no requirement to regis

Indiana

Indiana is a low-regulation state where homeschools operate as non-accredited private schools. There is no requirement to register with the state, although an o

Kansas

Kansas classifies homeschools as "Non-Accredited Private Schools" (NAPS). To homeschool, you must register your school with the State Board of Education once. A

Kentucky

In Kentucky, homeschooling families operate as private schools. This means you have a great deal of freedom in how you educate your children, provided you meet

Michigan

Michigan offers two paths: homeschooling under the statutory exemption (most popular) or organizing as a nonpublic school. The exemption option is incredibly fl

Mississippi

Mississippi is one of the easiest states to homeschool in. You must file a Certificate of Enrollment (COE) with your local School Attendance Officer annually. B

Montana

To homeschool in Montana, you must notify your county superintendent annually and provide the legally required hours of instruction. You maintain full control o

Nevada

Nevada parents must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with their local school district. This is generally a one-time requirement filed when you start homeschooling

New Jersey

New Jersey law requires that a child receive 'equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school'. This gives parents immense freedom, as there are no reporting re

Ohio

Ohio officially 'exempts' homeschooled children from compulsory attendance upon receipt of the annual notification. Recent changes (HB 33) removed the requireme

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has some of the best homeschooling laws in the country. You do not need to register, test, or report to anyone. You simply must provide 180 days of ins

South Carolina

You have three choices: Option 1 (School District oversight), Option 2 (SCAIHS membership), or Option 3 (Accountability Association membership). Option 3 is the

South Dakota

South Dakota calls homeschooling 'Alternative Instruction'. The laws were significantly relaxed in 2021, removing the testing requirement. Now, you essentially

Tennessee

Easy (Umbrella).

You have three main options: Independent Homeschool (Option 1), Church-Related Umbrella School (Option 2), or Accredited Online School (Option 3). Option 2 is t

Texas

Texas is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the U.S. Homeschools are legally considered private schools. There is no requirement to register with the

Utah

To homeschool in Utah, you must file a notarized affidavit with your local school district. Once filed, you are exempt from compulsory attendance laws for as lo

Wisconsin

875 hours

To homeschool in Wisconsin, you enroll in a 'Home-Based Private Educational Program' by filing form PI-1206 online. You must provide 875 hours of instruction an

Wyoming

To homeschool in Wyoming, you must provide a 'basic academic educational program' and submit your curriculum annually to the local school board.

Moderate States

(22)

California

California offers diverse options for homeschooling, ranging from complete independence to fully state-funded programs. Parents can choose the path that best fi

Colorado

Colorado offers three distinct ways to homeschool. Most families choose between filing a Notice of Intent (NOI) with a school district or enrolling in an Indepe

Delaware

Delaware is a moderate-regulation state where homeschools are legally considered "nonpublic schools." You must register with the Department of Education (DDOE)

District Of Columbia

Homeschooling in Washington, D.C., is regulated by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). It is a notification-based state with moderate re

Georgia

Georgia is a "moderate regulation" state that requires annual notification and standardized testing, but generally leaves curriculum and instruction decistions

Hawaii

Hawaii classifies homeschooling as an "Exception to Compulsory Education." The process involves notifying the local public school principal and submitting annua

Iowa

Iowa offers rigorous flexibility through two main pathways: **Competent Private Instruction (CPI)** and **Independent Private Instruction (IPI)**. Families can

Louisiana

In Louisiana, you must choose between two distinct legal categories: a BESE-Approved Home Study Program or a Registered Nonpublic School (not seeking state appr

Maine

Homeschooling in Maine is defined as 'Home Instruction.' Parents must notify the state and local superintendent annually and submit proof of academic progress a

Maryland

In Maryland, you must sign a Notice of Intent form verifying your choice of supervision. You can either be supervised by your local county public school superin

Minnesota

To homeschool in Minnesota, you must report to your local school district superintendent each year. The initial report lists your students and testing plan. In

Missouri

Missouri does not require you to register with the state. Instead, you must maintain a plan book, a log of hours, and a portfolio. The key rule is providing 1,0

Nebraska

Nebraska requires homeschoolers to file for 'Exempt School' status under Rule 13. This involves submitting forms annually to the Nebraska Department of Educatio

New Hampshire

New Hampshire parents must file a one-time Notice of Intent. The core requirement is the annual evaluation, which can be a standardized test or a portfolio revi

New Mexico

New Mexico has a straightforward system: Notify the state annually, ensure the teaching parent has a high school diploma (or GED), and provide instruction for t

North Carolina

In North Carolina, a homeschool is considered a non-public school. You must file a Notice of Intent with the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) to 'open' y

North Dakota

North Dakota requires parents to file a Statement of Intent annually. Parents must be qualified (HS Diploma/GED) or supervised by a certified teacher. Standardi

Oregon

In Oregon, you notify your local Education Service District (ESD), not the local school, of your intent to homeschool. You must also arrange for standardized te

Vermont

Vermont requires you to submit an annual 'Notice of Intent' and confirm you have mapped out a curriculum designated as the 'Minimum Course of Study' (MCOS). You

Virginia

In Virginia, parents must submit a 'Notice of Intent' by August 15th each year. You must also provide 'Evidence of Progress' (test scores or evaluation) by Augu

Washington

To homeschool in Washington, you must be a 'qualified' parent, file an annual Declaration of Intent, and assess your student annually. Records are kept at home.

West Virginia

To homeschool in West Virginia, you must file a one-time 'Notice of Intent' and ensure your child receives an annual academic assessment.

Hard States

(4)

Massachusetts

High.

Homeshooling in Massachusetts is regulated by case law, specifically the landmark 'Care and Protection of Charles' decision. This ruling established that while

New York

New York is one of the most highly regulated states for homeschooling. It requires significant paperwork and strict adherence to deadlines. However, the process

Pennsylvania

Strict.

180 days · 900 hours

Pennsylvania is one of the stricter states. You must file a notarized affidavit annually with educational objectives. You must also maintain a portfolio, track

Rhode Island

Strict.

Rhode Island laws are locally administered. You must have your program approved by the local school committee. Requirements for testing and end-of-year reportin

Canada

(13)

Alberta

Home education is legal in Alberta under the Education Act and Home Education Regulation (89/2019). Parents must notify a supervising school authority or the Mi

British Columbia

Homeschooling is legal in British Columbia under section 12 of the School Act (RSBC 1996, c. 412), granting parents the statutory right to educate children at h

Manitoba

Homeschooling is legal in Manitoba under The Public Schools Act (CCSM c. P250). Parents must notify the Minister of Education annually and submit progress repor

New Brunswick

Home education is permitted in New Brunswick under the Education Act where the Minister is satisfied the child receives effective instruction elsewhere, avoidin

Newfoundland and Labrador

Home education is legal in Newfoundland and Labrador under the Schools Act, 1997, but operates as an annually-approved privilege rather than a parental right. P

Northwest Territories

Homeschooling is legal in the Northwest Territories under the Education Act and Home Schooling Regulations (R-090-96). Parents must register with a local school

Nova Scotia

Home education is legal in Nova Scotia under the Education Act SNS 2018 c.1, section 83, allowing parents to provide a home-based program for their children. Fa

Nunavut

Homeschooling is legal in Nunavut but requires approval from the local District Education Authority (DEA) or Commission scolaire francophone du Nunavut (CSFN).

Ontario

Homeschooling is legal in Ontario under the Education Act, RSO 1990, c E.2, section 21(2)(a), which excuses children from compulsory school attendance if they r

Prince Edward Island

Home education is legal in Prince Edward Island under section 95 of the Education Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. E-0.02, with a simple notification requirement befor

Quebec

Homeschooling is legal in Quebec under the Loi sur l'instruction publique (I-13.3), article 15, for children of compulsory school age. Parents must send written

Saskatchewan

Home-based education is legal in Saskatchewan under the Education Act, 1995. Parents must register with their local school division by submitting a Notification

Yukon

Home education in Yukon is legal with registration and approval of an educational plan under Section 31 of the Education Act (2002, c.61). Parents must register

Central America & Caribbean

(7)

Belize

Homeschooling is legal in Belize under Section 60.1 of the Education & Training Act 2010, which permits children to receive 'suitable education either by regula

Costa Rica

Homeschooling is not explicitly regulated or recognized in Costa Rica's official legislation, with all minors required to attend institutions authorized by the

El Salvador

Homeschooling is not a recognized modality of the education system in El Salvador and is considered illegal for formal education fulfillment. The Ley General de

Guatemala

Homeschooling in Guatemala exists in a grey area, as the Ley de Educación Nacional (Decreto 12-91) does not explicitly address or regulate it. Compulsory educat

Honduras

Home education is legal in Honduras, grounded in constitutional protections and the Fundamental Education Law (Legislative Decree No. 262-2011). The legal frame

Nicaragua

Homeschooling in Nicaragua is a grey area, governed by the Nicaraguan Constitution (1987) and Ley General de Educación No. 582 (2006), which declare basic educa

Panama

Homeschooling in Panama lacks explicit regulation in official government sources and exists in a grey area. Compulsory education is mandated by Ley 47 de 1946 (

South America

(12)

Argentina

Homeschooling in Argentina exists in a legal grey area due to tensions between the National Education Law (Ley 26.206) mandating school attendance and an older

Bolivia

Homeschooling in Bolivia is not explicitly regulated but exists in a grey area due to compulsory school attendance mandates. Parents must register children with

Brazil

Homeschooling (educação domiciliar) in Brazil is not explicitly authorized by federal law and occupies a legal grey area. The Supreme Federal Court (STF) ruled

Chile

Homeschooling is legal in Chile through the exámenes libres system, allowing families to educate at home and validate studies via official exams without prior r

Colombia

Homeschooling in Colombia is not explicitly regulated or prohibited by national law, operating under Article 68 of the Constitution which grants parents the rig

Ecuador

Homeschooling is legal with authorization in Ecuador under limited conditions outlined in Acuerdo Ministerial 0067-13, primarily for families distant from schoo

Guyana

Homeschooling is virtually nonexistent and essentially illegal in Guyana. No explicit legislative framework permits home education as an alternative to institut

Paraguay

Homeschooling in Paraguay lacks explicit regulation and exists in a grey area, supported by parental rights under the Constitution but challenged by compulsory

Peru

Homeschooling in Peru lacks explicit regulation and is considered a grey area, with families interpreting parental choice rights under Ley General de Educación

Suriname

Homeschooling is legal in Suriname per Article 6 of the Lower Education Act of 1960, exempting parents or guardians who educate their children themselves from s

Uruguay

Homeschooling in Uruguay is not explicitly regulated or authorized by official legislation, creating a grey area despite a 2020 amendment to Article 7 of Ley Ge

Venezuela

Homeschooling in Venezuela lacks specific regulation and is considered a grey area, grounded in constitutional protections for the right to education and family

Europe

(31)

Austria

Homeschooling (haeuslicher Unterricht) is legal in Austria during compulsory schooling ages 6-15 under the Schulpflichtgesetz 1985. Parents must notify the Bild

Belgium

Home education is legal in Belgium but regulated differently by the Flemish, French, and German-speaking communities. Parents must submit annual declarations to

Bulgaria

Homeschooling in Bulgaria is legal only as independent form of education, requiring enrollment in a formal school and approval by regional education authorities

Croatia

Homeschooling is banned in Croatia for nationals, with education officials interpreting the law to require school attendance for compulsory primary education. E

Cyprus

Homeschooling in Cyprus is severely restricted and is legal only for students at pre-primary, primary, and secondary levels who have special educational needs,

Czech Republic

Homeschooling, known as individual education (individuální vzdělávání), is legal with authorization from the headteacher of an enrolled school under Act No. 561

Denmark

Home education (hjemmeundervisning) is legal in Denmark, protected by Article 76 of the Constitution. Parents must notify the local municipality and ensure the

Estonia

Homeschooling (koduõpe) is legal in Estonia under the Education Act (Riigi Teataja RT 1992, 12, 192) and regulated by the Ministry of Education and Research ord

Finland

Homeschooling is legal in Finland without requiring prior permission, governed by the Basic Education Act (Perusopetuslaki). Parents notify their municipality o

France

Home education (instruction en famille or IEF) in France is legal only under strict exceptions requiring prior authorization from the Director Académique des Se

Germany

Homeschooling is banned in Germany under strict compulsory school attendance (Schulpflicht) laws in all 16 states. The Federal Constitutional Court has upheld t

Greece

Homeschooling is banned in Greece under national education laws requiring compulsory attendance at public or private schools for children aged 6 to 15. Law 1566

Hungary

Home education in Hungary is permitted only as an exception, via the individual work schedule status (egyéni munkarend), which requires prior approval from the

Iceland

Homeschooling is permitted in Iceland as a temporary exemption from compulsory schooling under Article 46 of the Compulsory School Act No. 91/2008. Parents must

Ireland

Home education is legal in Ireland, protected by the Constitution and regulated under Section 14 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. Parents must register with

Italy

Home education (istruzione parentale) is a constitutionally protected option in Italy and is regulated by Decreto Legislativo 16 aprile 1994, n. 297 (Testo Unic

Latvia

Homeschooling is legal in Latvia with authorization for grades 1-6 under supervision of an accredited school. Parents must submit a written application with med

Liechtenstein

Homeschooling, known as Privatunterricht, is permitted in Liechtenstein with approval from the Office of Education. Parents must apply for authorization, submit

Lithuania

Homeschooling became legal in Lithuania through 2019 amendments to the Law on Education, Article 31(1), allowing family education (mokymasis seimoje). Families

Luxembourg

Home education is legal in Luxembourg with prior authorization required from the regional director for primary level children and from the Ministry of Education

Malta

Home education in Malta is legal with authorization from the Division of Education as per the Education Act, Chapter 605, Part V. Parents must apply with valid

Netherlands

Homeschooling is not a standard option in the Netherlands and is only permitted under strict exceptions to compulsory school attendance. The governing statute i

Norway

Home education is legal in Norway as an alternative to school attendance under the Education Act (Opplæringslova). Parents must notify the local municipality an

Poland

Homeschooling (edukacja domowa) is legal in Poland but requires annual permission from the director of a public or assigned school. Governed by the Prawo oświat

Portugal

Home education (ensino domestico) is legal in Portugal but requires prior authorization from a public school, a university degree for the educating parent, enro

Romania

Home education in Romania is restricted and permitted only for children unable to attend school due to health or other exceptional reasons, as governed by Legea

Slovakia

Slovakia permits home education, officially termed individual education, under Education Act No. 245/2008 (sections 23-25 and 28b). This form of education is le

Slovenia

Home education is legal in Slovenia under the Zakon o osnovni šoli (Basic School Act). Parents must notify the enrolled school in writing at least three months

Spain

Homeschooling in Spain lacks explicit legal recognition and is not provided for in official education laws, placing it in a grey area. Compulsory education appl

Sweden

Homeschooling is banned in Sweden except in exceptional circumstances as governed by Skollagen (2010:800) Chapter 24. Children are required to attend approved s

Switzerland

Homeschooling is not directly addressed in federal law but falls under cantonal jurisdiction per Article 62 of the Swiss Federal Constitution (BV). It is permit

United Kingdom

(4)

England

England is one of the most permissive places in the world for home education. Parents have a legal duty to ensure their child receives an efficient, full-time e

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has its own education system and legal framework for home education. The right to home educate exists under the **Education and Libraries (Nort

Scotland

Scotland has its own distinct legal framework for home education under the **Education (Scotland) Act 1980**. The key difference from England is that **consent

Wales

Wales currently shares much of its home education legal framework with England under the **Education Act 1996**. Parents have the right to home educate with no

Australia

(8)

Australian Capital Territory

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) requires parents to register with the ACT Education Directorate before home educating their children. The legal framework

New South Wales

New South Wales requires all home schooling families to register with the NSW Department of Education. Parents must demonstrate that their educational program i

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory requires families to obtain formal approval from the NT Department of Education before commencing home education. Under the **Education A

Queensland

Easy-Moderate

Queensland requires all home-educating families to register with the Home Education Unit (HEU), a division of the Queensland Department of Education. Registrati

South Australia

South Australia requires all children of compulsory education age to be enrolled at a school. Parents who wish to home educate must first enrol their child at a

Tasmania

Tasmania requires all home-educating families to register with the Office of the Education Registrar (OER). Parents must submit a Home Education Summary and Pro

Victoria

Home education in Victoria is a regulated but accessible option for families. Parents must register with the **Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authori

Western Australia

Western Australia requires all home-educating families to formally register with the Department of Education. The legal framework is established under the **Sch

Oceania (Pacific)

(13)

Federated States of Micronesia

Home learning (homeschooling) is permitted in the Federated States of Micronesia upon application and approval by the Secretary of Education and State Boards of

Fiji

Homeschooling in Fiji is permitted under the proposed Education Bill 2025, which introduces compulsory education while allowing home schools with prior approval

Kiribati

Homeschooling in Kiribati lacks explicit regulation and falls into a grey area, with the 2013 Education Act permitting parents to request exemption certificates

Marshall Islands

Homeschooling is not explicitly regulated in the Marshall Islands and appears restricted by compulsory attendance requirements mandating enrollment in public sc

Nauru

Homeschooling in Nauru is not explicitly regulated and is effectively restricted due to strict enforcement of compulsory school attendance under the Education A

New Zealand

Home education is legal in New Zealand for children aged 6 to 16 upon obtaining a Certificate of Exemption from the Ministry of Education under Section 38 of th

Palau

Homeschooling in Palau is a grey area with no explicit regulations found in official sources. Title 22 of the Palau National Code requires parents to ensure chi

Papua New Guinea

Homeschooling in Papua New Guinea is a grey area with no explicit permissions or prohibitions in official legislation. The Education Act 1983 establishes compul

Samoa

Homeschooling in Samoa is not explicitly regulated or prohibited by official legislation, placing it in a grey area. The Education Act 2009 mandates compulsory

Solomon Islands

Homeschooling lacks explicit regulation in Solomon Islands and is not mentioned in the governing Education Act 2023 or prior acts, placing it in a grey area. Ed

Tonga

Home education in Tonga is permitted as an exemption from compulsory school attendance under the Education Act 2013 (revised 2020). The Chief Executive Officer

Tuvalu

Homeschooling in Tuvalu is a grey area with no explicit regulation or authorization process under the Education Act. Compulsory education mandates regular atten

Vanuatu

Homeschooling in Vanuatu is a grey area with no explicit regulation or prohibition in official laws. The Education Act No. 9 of 2014 imposes a parental duty to

East Asia

(8)

China

Banned

Homeschooling is illegal in China for nationals, as the Compulsory Education Law mandates nine years of education at government-approved schools. Parents must e

Hong Kong

Homeschooling in Hong Kong is not explicitly authorized but is handled case-by-case by the Education Bureau (EDB) under the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279). Pare

Japan

Homeschooling in Japan is not explicitly permitted or prohibited by law, creating a grey area where parents must ensure children receive compulsory education, t

Macau

Homeschooling is legal in Macau under Article 14 of Lei 9/2006 (Fundamental Law of Non-Tertiary Education), which explicitly facilitates home education through

Mongolia

Homeschooling in Mongolia is not explicitly regulated but permitted through informal education, external trainings, and distance programs as alternatives to for

North Korea

Banned

Homeschooling is banned in North Korea, where public education is strictly mandatory with no known exceptions for home education. The Common Education Law enfor

South Korea

South Korea's legal framework does not explicitly permit or prohibit homeschooling. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (Article 68) establishes compulso

Taiwan

Homeschooling is legal in Taiwan under the Law for Non-School Mode of Experimental Education for Senior Secondary Education and Below (enacted November 19, 2014

Southeast Asia

(11)

Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam enforces compulsory education for children aged 6–15 under the Compulsory Education Act (B.L.R.O. 6/2011, CAP. 210), which requires all childr

Cambodia

Cambodia's Constitution (Article 68) and Education Law 2007 establish a compulsory education requirement of 9 years for all citizens, beginning at age 6 (or 70

Indonesia

Homeschooling is legal in Indonesia as a form of informal education under Undang-Undang Nomor 20 Tahun 2003 tentang Sistem Pendidikan Nasional (UU Sisdiknas). I

Laos

Homeschooling in Laos is not explicitly regulated or prohibited by the Education Law (amended 2015 and 2024), placing it in a grey area. Compulsory education ap

Malaysia

Homeschooling in Malaysia is legal with prior authorization from the Ministry of Education under the Education Act 1996 (Act 550), but primary education is comp

Myanmar

Homeschooling in Myanmar is not explicitly regulated or prohibited under the National Education Law (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No. 41/2014) or subsequent private e

Philippines

Homeschooling is legal in the Philippines as an Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) offered by public or private DepEd-recognized schools. It is governed by DepEd O

Singapore

Homeschooling is permitted for Singapore citizens only with prior exemption from the Ministry of Education (MOE) under the Compulsory Education Act 2000. Citize

Thailand

Homeschooling, known as การจัดการศึกษาโดยครอบครัว (education by the family), is legal in Thailand under Ministerial Regulation No. 3 BE 2547 (2004) and the Nati

Timor-Leste

Homeschooling in Timor-Leste lacks explicit regulation and falls under a grey area, requiring families to pursue accreditation or licensing for private educatio

Vietnam

Homeschooling is not explicitly regulated or recognized in Vietnam, operating in a grey area where families may supplement traditional schooling at home but can