While I was looking into the Homeschool Laws and Requirements for the State of Mississippi, I discovered that Mississippi is considered a Homeschool Friendly State and wondered what that meant and what other states fall into that category.

A state that is considered to be a Homeschool Friendly State is a state that has little to no regulations. Their Homeschool Law and Regulations are more laid back than other states. Homeschool Friendly States do not require parents or legal guardians to participate in home visits, standardized testing, or professional evaluations and provide test scores.

It is legal to homeschool in all 50 states, but each state sets ups their own laws and regulations. So before you start homeschooling or if you are currently homeschooling, make sure to check your state’s laws and regulations each year. Make sure to check below to see if you state is a Homeschool Friendly State.

No notice required 

Low regulation

Moderate regulation

High regulation

Which States are considered Homeschool Friendly States?

According to the HSLDA the following states are considered Homeschool Friendly States or best states for homeschooling:

• Alabama – Low Regulations
• Alaska – No Notice
• Arizona – Low Regulations
• Arkansas – Low Regulations
• California – Low Regulations
• Connecticut – No Notice
• Delaware – Low Regulations
• Georgia – Low Regulations
• Idaho – No Notice
• Illinois – No Notice
• Indiana – No Notice
• Iowa – No Notice
• Kansas – Low Regulations
• Kentucky – Low Regulations
• Michigan – No Notice
• Mississippi – Low Regulations
• Missouri – No Notice
• Montana – Low Regulations
• Nebraska – Low Regulations
• Nevada – Low Regulations
• New Jersey – No Notice
• New Mexico – Low Regulations
• Oklahoma – No Notice
• Texas – No Notice
• Utah – Low Regulations
• Wisconsin – Low Regulations
• Wyoming – Low Regulations

Which States are not considered Homeschool Friendly States?

According to the HSLDA the following states are not considered Homeschool Friendly States:

• Colorado – Moderate Regulation
• Florida – Moderate Regulation
• Hawaii – Moderate Regulation
• Louisiana – Moderate Regulation
• Maine – Moderate Regulation
• Maryland – Moderate Regulation
• Massachusetts – High Regulation
• Minnesota – Moderate Regulation
• New Hampshire – Moderate Regulation
• New York – High Regulations
• North Carolina – Moderate Regulation
• North Dakota – Moderate Regulation
• Ohio – Moderate Regulation
• Oregon – Moderate Regulation
• Pennsylvania – High Regulation
• Rhode Island – High Regulation
• South Carolina – Moderate Regulation
• South Dakota – Moderate Regulation
• Tennessee – Moderate Regulation
• Vermont – High Regulation
• Virginia – Moderate Regulation
• Washington – Moderate Regulation
• West Virginia – Moderate Regulation

I had help from several homeschool moms from different States help me with the following 5 questions.

1. Are your homeschool laws strict or laid back?

1. Jessica is a homeschooling mom from Florida and she said her homeschool laws are laid back.
2. Leilani is a homeschooling mom from Florida and she said her homeschool laws are relaxed.
3. Sarah is a homeschooling mom from Mississippi and she said her homeschool laws are very laid back.
4. Charlene is a homeschooling mom from Utah and she said her homeschool laws are very laid back.
5. I am a homeschooling mom from Mississippi and our homeschool laws are very laid back.
6. Nina is a homeschooling mom from Illinois and she said her homeschool laws are laid back.

2. What are are some of your homeschool requirements?

1. Jessica said her homeschool requirements are a portfolio review or testing and she does a portfolio.
2. Leilani said her homeschool requirements are to have an Annual Evaluation by a Certified Teacher.
3. Sarah said her homeschool requirements are to fill out a homeschool form by Sept 15 and that is it for the year.
4. Charlene said her homeschool requirements are to send a signed affidavit by the time the child starts first grade, 6 years old.
5. My homeschool requirements are to fill out a Certification of Enrollment form every year by Sept. 15 to the local public school’s Attendance Officer.
6. Nina said her homeschool requirement is to teach the core subjects at least.

3. What State do you homeschool in?

1. Jessica is from Florida.
2. Leilani is from Florida.
3. Sarah is from Mississippi.
4. Charlene is from Utah.
5. I am from Mississippi.
6. Nina is from Illinois.

4. Why do you homeschool?

1. Jessica said she decided to homeschool for family unity, faith, the school system is failing and for child lead learning.
2. Leilani said she decided to homeschool for faith reason and the school system is failing.
3. Sarah said she decided to homeschool because she dislikes the school systems in the county she is in and the ones around her are not any better. Sarah is a homeschool graduate, loves the freedom, and she knows what her children are being taught.
4. Charlene said she decided to homeschool because of the flexibility. She loves having the flexibility to travel, go on field trips or just sleep in.
5. I decided to homeschool because I believe what is best for my children, faith, and I know what my children are learning.
6. Nina said she decided to homeschool because she has some special needs children, but she would anyway because she loves the together time.

5. What type of homeschool are you?

1. Jessica uses a laid back and eclectic type of homeschool.
2. Leilani uses an eclectic type of homeschool.
3. Sarah uses a very no structured approach until this year when she started using an online program. She still gives the littles the no structured approach.
4. Charlene uses a Life Schoolers or Homeschool Dabblers approach to homeschooling.
5. I use a mixture of classical homeschooling, unit studies, and Charlotte Mason Homeschooling.
6. Nina uses a little Charlotte Mason, a little eclectic and year round homeschooling.

Mississippi Homeschool Laws

Easy and Homeschool Friendly Mississippi Homeschool Laws