When it comes to understanding homeschool, do you know your homeschool laws? It’s important to educate yourself so that you know your legal rights.
Homeschooling parents have fought a long and hard battle to be able to teach their children at home. It has been a battle with court dates, stares from neighbors, and comments from family members and strangers that their children aren’t receiving an education that will prepare them for the real world.
Parents that choose to homeschool need to know their legal rights in the state where they live before they start homeschooling. Plus, it is a good idea to network with other homeschooling parents in the area to share information and resources.
Homeschool Laws: Know your legal rights!
Each state will have it’s own homeschooling laws. Depending on the state you live in, you could have to report your children’s standardized test scores to the state and/or notify the school district of your intent to homeschool.
For example, Texas is considered a low regulation state, but New York is considered a high regulation state. Some states have low regulations, and they don’t require parents to initiate contact with the local school district of their intent to home school.
The Homeschool Legal Defense Association is the most well-known organization providing legal information to homeschooling parents about their rights around the country. The Association’s website states that:
“When you are physically present in a state, even temporarily, you are subject to that state’s laws, and, in many cases, to the jurisdiction of its courts. This is true even if your legal residency is in another state and you are only living elsewhere temporarily (such as when active members of the military are completing a temporary assignment). Consequently, you could be required to comply with the home education law of the state in which you are temporarily located.”
As you research your homeschooling options, start with the HSLDA’s MyState website. It will provide you homeschooling network information for your local area as well as legal requirements for your particular state.
Teaching your children at home is a right that you have as a parent, but you should be aware of and follow your state’s homeschool laws.
Avoid jeopardizing your children’s rights to learn at home by talking with other homeschooling parents in your area and joining your state’s homeschooling associations to stay abreast of the latest homeschooling information and any changes to homeschooling law.
Requirements for homeschooling your child
By educating yourself and being prepared, you can avoid a ton of stresses later on down the road. It’s simple and easy to figure out the rules, you just need to make certain that you’re taking the time to do so.
Don’t make a mistake that could have easily been avoided. Ask the questions, find out the information and follow the homeschool laws as set in your state.
If you like this post, check out these as well:
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