2026–2027 Parent Resources
Homeschool Compliance & Funding Guide
The complete reference for homeschool families: state laws, testing requirements, scheduling flexibility, grade advancement rules, credit recognition, ESA funding programs, and extracurricular access — all 50 states.
Informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Verify all requirements directly with your state department of education before making educational decisions.
National Standardized Testing Guide
The three major nationally recognized assessments accepted in nearly every U.S. state
chctesting.com →
iowaassessments.com →
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CAT (6th Ed.) | Iowa (Form E) | Stanford 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Est. Cost (2026) | $25–$45 | $30–$55 | $25–$45 |
| Proctor Degree Required? | No | YES — Bachelor’s | No |
| Parent-Administered? | Yes (most states) | No | Yes (most states) |
| Online Available? | Yes | No | No |
| Untimed Option? | Limited | No | YES ⭐ |
| Grades Covered | K–12 | K–12 | K–12 |
| Best For | Simplicity | College credibility | IEP/504 & flex timing |
States That Reimburse / Fund Homeschooling
Active ESA, voucher, and scholarship programs for 2026–2027
| State | Program Name | Est. Award (2026-27) | Eligibility | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | CHOOSE Act | $2,000/student (homeschool) · $7,000 (private) | K-12 AL residents; max $4,000/family (homeschool). 2027-28: universal, no income req. | Apply → |
| Alaska | Correspondence Study Allotment | Up to $4,000 in allotted funds | Enrolled in approved correspondence program | Apply → |
| Arizona | Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) — Universal | ~$7,000/student | Universal — ALL K-12 AZ students; no income limit | Apply → |
| Arkansas | Children’s Educational Freedom Account (CEFA) | $6,864–$7,627/student | Universal K-12 under LEARNS Act | Apply → |
| Florida | Personalized Education Program (PEP) | ~$8,000/student/year | Universal — ALL K-12 FL homeschoolers; no income limit | Apply → |
| Florida | Family Empowerment Scholarship – Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | ~$10,000–$30,000/student | Ages 3-22 with documented disabilities; IEP or 504 required | Apply → |
| Florida | Hope Scholarship | ~$7,800/student | Students who experienced bullying/violence at public school | Apply → |
| Georgia | Georgia Promise Scholarship | ~$6,500/student | Students from low-performing schools; income-based priority | Apply → |
| Indiana | Indiana Education Scholarship Account (INESA) | Up to $20,000 (disability) / ~$8,000 (siblings) | Students with disabilities; siblings of ESA holders | Apply → |
| Iowa | Students First Education Savings Account | $8,148/student (2026-27) | Universal K-12; all income levels since 2024 | Apply → |
| Louisiana | LA GATOR Scholarship | ~$5,500–$7,000 (phased rollout) | Income-based phases 1-3 expanding through 2027 | Apply → |
| Mississippi | Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act | Varies by disability classification | Students with qualifying disabilities; IEP required | Apply → |
| Missouri | MOScholars (MO Empowerment Scholarship) | ~$4,400/student (50% of per-pupil funding) | Students in districts with certain performance ratings; income criteria | Apply → |
| Montana | Students with Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship | ~$6,800/student | Students with qualifying disabilities; IEP required | Apply → |
| Nevada | Nevada Choice Scholarship Program | Up to $10,094/student | Students switching from public school; income tiers | Apply → |
| New Hampshire | Education Freedom Account (EFA) | ~$4,600/student average | Households up to 350% of federal poverty level; must opt out of public school | Apply → |
| North Carolina | Opportunity Scholarship (Universal as of 2024) | ~$7,468/student | Universal — all K-12 students not enrolled in public school | Apply → |
| North Dakota | North Dakota ESA (enacted 2025) | Est. ~$5,000 (being finalized) | Income-based tiers; details being finalized for SY2026-27 | Apply → |
| Ohio | Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship | ~$27,000 max (disability level-based) | Students with IEPs; tiered by disability level | Apply → |
| Ohio | EdChoice Scholarship | $6,166 (K-8) / $8,408 (9-12) | Underperforming public schools OR income-based universal track | Apply → |
| Oklahoma | Parental Choice Tax Credit | $5,000–$7,500 refundable tax credit | All K-12 not in public school; income tiers determine amount | Apply → |
| Pennsylvania | EITC/OSTC Scholarship (Tax Credit Model) | $1,000–$5,000 typical (varies by SGO) | Income-based; families up to 185% FPL + $15,000/student | Apply → |
| South Carolina | ESTF — 2026-27 Cap Reached (Waitlist Active) | $7,634/student | Income-based eligibility; launched SY2024-25; expanding | Apply → |
| Tennessee | Tennessee ESA Program (expanding 2025) | Est. ~$7,000/student | Memphis-Shelby, Nashville, Hamilton County & ASD zones; income ≤ 2x free lunch guidelines | Apply → |
| Texas | Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) | Up to $10,000/student for homeschoolers | Universal K-12; vendor applications active for 2026-27 | Apply → |
| Utah | Utah Fits All Scholarship | Up to $8,000/student | Universal — ALL K-12 Utah students; no income limit | Apply → |
| Virginia | Virginia EISTC Scholarship (Tax Credit Model) | $4,500–$8,000 (disability focus) | Students with disabilities; income criteria; scholarship org dependent | Apply → |
| West Virginia | Hope Scholarship Program | ~$4,600/student | Universal eligibility for 2026-27 — prior public school enrollment no longer required | Apply → |
| Wyoming | Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act | ~$7,000/student | Universal K-12; Pre-K eligible if household income meets FPL limits. WY Supreme Court lifted injunction — WDOE now distributing funds. | Apply → |
All 50 States — Complete Compliance, Flexibility & Funding Reference
Alphabetical. Each card covers testing, credit recognition, sports/dual enrollment access, scheduling flexibility, grade advancement rules, and ESA funding. Search or filter below.
- No mandatory standardized testing
- Annual notice of intent required
- Portfolio or evidence of progress permitted
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Diploma issued by parent or umbrella school
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law; district discretion
Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment at community colleges
Complete flexibility — start any month. You must meet 180 days before your school year is complete. No state-mandated start date.
Parents assign all grade levels. No external approval required. You may advance your child mid-year at any time based on mastery — no paperwork, no notification needed.
- No statewide mandatory testing for private homeschoolers
- Correspondence program participants follow district requirements
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No mandatory credit hour formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law; district discretion
Dual Enrollment: University of Alaska system dual enrollment
No mandated start date. Begin whenever works for your family. Your 180-day requirement runs from your personal school year start.
Parents assign grade levels entirely. Alaska has no external grade promotion requirements for homeschoolers. Independent homeschoolers have full autonomy.
Arizona
Arizona Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- Annual affidavit of intent required
- Core subjects: Reading, Grammar, Math, Social Studies, Science
- Parent-issued transcripts fully accepted
- No state credit formula
- Private diploma issued by parent
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law; district discretion
Dual Enrollment: Early College and community college dual enrollment widely available
Start any time of year. The annual affidavit is due each September but your instruction can begin any month — no fixed school year start.
Parents have complete authority over grade assignment. You can advance your child at any time based on mastery — no outside approval, no notification, no paperwork required.
Arkansas
Arkansas Dept. of Education ↗- Annual standardized test OR portfolio evaluation
- No minimum score threshold
- Results kept by parent
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Act 1280 permits dual credit for homeschooled students
Start any time. Your 178-day requirement counts from your personal school year start date. File your Notice of Intent when you begin.
Grade level is parent-assigned. Annual standardized testing creates a progress record, but results go to you — not the district. You may advance your child at any time between testing cycles.
California
California Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory testing for PSA-filed homeschools
- Annual Private School Affidavit must be filed
- Private tutor option requires credentialed teacher
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted under PSA
- UC/CSU may require additional verification
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law; district discretion
Dual Enrollment: Community college concurrent enrollment; some colleges restrict access
Complete flexibility. The PSA filing window is October 1-15 each year, but you may begin homeschooling at any point. The PSA just needs to be on file.
California homeschools operate as private schools. Parents set all grade levels with no external oversight of grade placement or advancement.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Colorado
Colorado Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory testing for most homeschoolers
- Annual notice of intent to local district required
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: HB 23-1003 — Homeschoolers may participate in public school activities
Dual Enrollment: Concurrent enrollment via ASCENT and other programs
Start any time of year. Colorado only requires 172 days — no fixed start date is mandated for homeschoolers.
Parents set all grade levels. No external promotion requirements. Advance your child through grades at whatever pace fits their mastery.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Connecticut
Connecticut State Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- Annual portfolio or progress evidence required
- Core subjects required
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No credit hour formula mandated
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Community college dual enrollment; not guaranteed
No start date restriction. Begin when you choose and meet your 180-day requirement on your own timeline.
Grade level is fully parent-controlled. Connecticut has no external review of grade placement for homeschoolers.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Delaware
Delaware Dept. of Education ↗- Annual assessment required
- State-approved test OR portfolio review with certified evaluator
- Grades 3, 5, 8 have specific assessment windows
- Parent-issued or evaluator-verified transcripts
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Delaware Technical Community College accepts homeschoolers
You choose your start date. Delaware only requires you meet 180 instructional days per year — when you begin is your decision.
Delaware parents assign grade levels. No external approval process for grade advancement of any kind.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Florida
Florida Dept. of Education ↗- Annual evaluation required — choose ONE: Portfolio review; Standardized test (CAT/Iowa/Stanford 10); Licensed psychologist evaluation; or Certified teacher evaluation
- No minimum score required
- Core subjects: Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, PE
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted statewide
- No credit hour mandate for parent diploma
- Diploma issued by parent; umbrella schools offer regionally recognized transcripts
Sports/Activities: YES — Fla. Stat. § 1006.15 (Tim Tebow Law). Homeschoolers may participate in public school extracurriculars and sports.
Dual Enrollment: YES — Florida Dual Enrollment Act. Eligible at community colleges and state universities. No tuition cost.
Complete flexibility. Start any month. Your 180-day / 4-hour-per-day clock runs from your own school year start date. Captain Homeschool tracks this automatically from the date you set at enrollment.
Florida parents are fully in charge of grade assignment. The annual portfolio evaluation confirms adequate progress — it does NOT require a specific grade level or test score. A qualified evaluator signs off on your portfolio, not on a grade threshold. You may advance your child at any time.
Georgia
Georgia Dept. of Education ↗- Annual standardized test required in grades 3, 6, 9
- Test results retained by parent; not submitted to state
- No minimum score threshold
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
- Annual declaration of intent required
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law; district discretion
Dual Enrollment: Move on When Ready Act allows dual enrollment
Start any time. Your Declaration of Intent sets your school year window. File it at the start of each school year.
Georgia parents assign all grade levels. The annual assessment is a progress check — not a grade promotion gate. You can advance your child at any time regardless of where you are in the testing cycle.
Hawaii
Hawaii Dept. of Education ↗- Annual assessment required
- Standardized test OR supervised documentation of progress
- Must cover core subjects
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: University of Hawaii community colleges permit concurrent enrollment
No mandated start date. Begin when your family is ready and complete your 180 days on your own schedule.
Grade level is entirely parent-controlled in Hawaii. No external grade promotion process exists for homeschoolers.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
- No mandatory standardized testing
- No annual filing requirement
- Core subjects required
- Parent-issued transcripts fully accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: Idaho Code § 33-203 — Homeschoolers may participate in public school athletics
Dual Enrollment: Advanced Opportunities program — dual credit at community colleges
Total flexibility. Start any time, any month, any season. Idaho has no notice requirement and no fixed school year.
Idaho is one of the most hands-off states. Parents set grades entirely with zero external oversight of grade advancement. Promote your child whenever mastery is demonstrated.
No active ESA or school choice program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Illinois
Illinois State Board of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- No annual notice required
- Curriculum must be in English and equivalent to public school
- Parent-issued transcripts fully accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law; district discretion
Dual Enrollment: Community college dual enrollment at district discretion
Start any time. Meet your 176 days on whatever calendar works for your family. No notice required.
Parents have complete grade assignment authority in Illinois. No external process for grade advancement of any kind.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Indiana
Indiana Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing for non-accredited homeschools
- No annual filing requirement
- Must provide equivalent instruction in core subjects
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Dual credit via Ivy Tech and Vincennes University
Complete flexibility. No start date requirement, no notice, no filing. Begin whenever your family is ready.
Indiana parents set all grade levels. No external promotion requirements. One of the simplest compliance situations in the country.
- Annual assessment required in grades K-12
- Standardized test OR licensed evaluator portfolio review
- CPI vs. HSAP options differ in oversight level
- Parent-issued or evaluator-verified transcripts
- CPI: parent controls credits
Sports/Activities: Iowa Code § 280.13A — Homeschoolers may participate in public school extracurriculars
Dual Enrollment: Senior Year Plus Act enables dual enrollment for homeschoolers
Start any time. Iowa’s 148-day requirement is one of the most achievable in the country. Your requirement counts from your personal school year start.
Iowa parents control grade level assignment. Annual competency assessment is a progress check — not a grade advancement gate. You can advance your child at any time based on mastery.
- No mandatory standardized testing
- No annual notice required
- Curriculum must be substantially equivalent
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment available at community colleges
Start any time. Your 186-day clock runs from your personal school year start. No notice required.
Grade assignment is entirely parent-controlled. Despite having the highest day requirement nationally (186 days), Kansas is completely hands-off on grade placement and advancement.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Kentucky
Kentucky Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- No annual filing requirement
- Homeschool operates as a private school
- Parent-issued transcripts fully accepted
- Private school diploma issued by parent
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Kentucky community colleges permit dual enrollment
Start any time. No fixed school year dates for homeschoolers in Kentucky. No notice required.
Kentucky parents have complete authority over grade levels. No external process of any kind for grade advancement.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Louisiana
Louisiana Dept. of Education ↗- Annual standardized test required
- Approved tests: Iowa Assessments, Stanford 10, CAT, SAT/ACT
- Must show satisfactory progress
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted with annual renewal
- Annual home study certificate filed with LDOE
Sports/Activities: Louisiana law allows participation in public school activities in attendance zone
Dual Enrollment: Jump Start Dual Enrollment for high school homeschoolers
Start any time. Your BESE registration defines your school year. File when you begin.
Parents assign grade levels in Louisiana. No external grade promotion oversight for homeschoolers.
- Annual assessment required
- Standardized test OR certified evaluator review
- Results kept by parent
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Local superintendent may request review
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Maine community colleges permit dual enrollment
Start any time. File your enrollment notice when you begin and each year thereafter. Your 175-day requirement runs from your school year start.
Maine parents control grade assignment. Annual assessment is a progress check — you can advance your child at any time between assessments.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Maryland
Maryland State Dept. of Education ↗- Annual portfolio review by local supervisor OR umbrella school
- No mandatory standardized test
- Core subjects required
- Parent-issued or umbrella school transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: Access case-by-case at superintendent discretion
Dual Enrollment: Community college dual enrollment available for homeschoolers 16+
Start any time. Your school year is defined by your enrollment dates with your local superintendent.
Maryland parents assign all grade levels. The annual portfolio review confirms academic progress — it does not impose a grade level threshold or require a minimum score.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts DESE ↗- Annual assessment per local school committee — requirements VARY BY DISTRICT
- Portfolio, standardized test, or evaluator review accepted in most districts
- Prior approval of curriculum required by local school committee
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership
Technically flexible, but you MUST receive superintendent approval before starting. Submit your curriculum proposal well before your intended start date — some districts take weeks to respond.
Massachusetts is the most complex state. Because curriculum must be approved by the local superintendent, grade level is implicitly reviewed. Most districts approve routine proposals. You can request grade advancement as part of your annual curriculum update. Consult ahem.org for support.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Michigan
Michigan Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- No annual notice required
- Must teach in English; core subjects required
- Parent-issued transcripts fully accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: Michigan Public Act 345 (2016) — Homeschoolers may participate in public school extracurriculars
Dual Enrollment: Michigan Dual Enrollment Act (PA 160)
Start any time. Your 900-hour requirement runs on your own calendar. No notice required.
Michigan parents have complete grade assignment authority. No external oversight of grade placement of any kind.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Minnesota
Minnesota Dept. of Education ↗- Annual standardized test OR annual reporting of subjects taught
- Testing in grades 3-8 and 10 required OR portfolio option
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual reporting required
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) — homeschoolers fully eligible; FREE college courses
Start any time. File your annual enrollment notice at the beginning of your school year.
Minnesota parents assign grade levels. Annual standardized testing creates a progress record but does not gate grade advancement — you can advance your child at any time.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Mississippi
Mississippi Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- Annual certification of enrollment required
- Core subjects required
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Mississippi community colleges permit dual enrollment at 15+
Start any time. Complete your 180 days on your own schedule.
Parents assign all grade levels in Mississippi. No external grade promotion oversight for homeschoolers.
Missouri
Missouri DESE ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- No annual notice required
- Core subjects required
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Portfolio and records kept by parent for 4 years
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Dual credit available through community colleges
Total flexibility. Your 1,000-hour clock runs from your family’s chosen school year start. No notice required.
Missouri parents have complete grade assignment authority. No external oversight of any kind for grade placement or advancement.
- No mandatory standardized testing
- Annual notice of intent to local superintendent required
- Core subjects must be covered
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: Montana Code § 20-1-220 — Homeschoolers may participate in public school extracurriculars
Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment via Montana University System
Total flexibility. Start any time, school year-round if you want. Montana has no minimum days or hours requirement.
Montana is among the least regulated states. Grade level is entirely parent-controlled with zero external process of any kind.
Nebraska
Nebraska Dept. of Education ↗- Annual standardized test required
- Approved tests: Iowa Assessments, Stanford 10, CAT, ITBS
- Results kept by parent; no minimum score threshold
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual notice to state required
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Nebraska community college dual enrollment
Start any time. Your Notice of Intent defines your school year. No minimum days or hours required.
Nebraska parents set all grade levels. No external grade promotion requirements of any kind.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Nevada
Nevada Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- Annual notice of intent required
- Core subjects required
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: NRS 392.074 — Homeschoolers may participate in public school activities
Dual Enrollment: Nevada System of Higher Education dual enrollment
Start any time. No fixed start date requirement for Nevada homeschoolers. File your Notice of Intent when you begin.
Parents assign grade levels in Nevada. No external oversight of grade placement or advancement.
New Hampshire
NH Dept. of Education ↗- Annual assessment required: Standardized test OR portfolio OR licensed evaluator OR licensed psychologist
- Results retained by parent; not filed with state
- No minimum score threshold
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Running Start program — early college enrollment
Start any time. File your Notice of Intent when you begin homeschooling and annually thereafter.
New Hampshire parents control grade levels. Annual portfolio evaluation is a progress review — not a grade promotion gate. You can advance your child at any time.
New Jersey
NJ Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- No annual notice required to state
- Instruction must be equivalent to public school
- Parent-issued transcripts fully accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: County college dual enrollment available
Total flexibility. Start any time and complete your 180 days on your own calendar. No notice, no filing required.
New Jersey parents have complete grade assignment authority. One of the most hands-off states despite requiring 180 days — no external oversight whatsoever.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
New Mexico
New Mexico Public Education Dept. ↗- Annual standardized test required
- Test must be nationally normed
- Results retained by parent; no minimum score required
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual notice of intent required
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment at New Mexico higher education institutions
Start any time. File your Notification of Homeschool when you begin. No minimum days or hours mandated.
New Mexico parents assign all grade levels. Annual testing creates a progress record but does not gate grade advancement.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
New York
NY State Education Dept. ↗- Annual assessment required: Standardized test OR narrative evaluation
- Quarterly reports submitted to local school district
- Annual Individual Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) required
- Grades 4, 6, 8: standardized test required
- IHIP documents planned instruction; parent issues transcript
- Local district oversees compliance annually
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: College Now and Pathways in Technology dual enrollment
Your school year must align with your IHIP dates, which renews each September. Starting mid-year requires filing an amended IHIP with your district.
New York is the most document-intensive state. You file a grade level on your IHIP annually, and quarterly reports must align. You CAN advance your child — update your IHIP. This involves paperwork but is not a true barrier. Most families navigate it with homeschool association support (nyhomeschool.com).
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
North Carolina
NC Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) ↗- Annual nationally standardized test required
- No specific test mandated; no minimum score
- Results retained by parent for 1 year
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual notice of operation required to DNPE
Sports/Activities: NC S.B. 116 (2013) — Homeschoolers may participate in public school athletics
Dual Enrollment: Career and College Promise (CCP) — verify homeschool eligibility
Start any time. Your registration with DNPE defines your school year dates.
North Carolina parents set grade levels. Annual testing creates a progress record — you can advance your child at any time between assessments.
North Dakota
ND Dept. of Public Instruction ↗- Annual standardized test OR assessment by certified teacher
- Grades 4, 6, 8, 10 require assessment
- No minimum score threshold
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual notice to local superintendent required
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: ND University System dual enrollment
Start any time. File your notice at the beginning of your school year.
North Dakota parents control grade assignment. Annual standardized testing is a progress check — not a grade advancement gate of any kind.
- Annual assessment: Standardized test OR certified teacher portfolio review
- Results submitted to local superintendent
- No minimum score; must show ‘adequate progress’
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual notice to superintendent required
Sports/Activities: Ohio Revised Code § 3313.5311 — Public school access for homeschoolers
Dual Enrollment: Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) — homeschoolers 16+
File your Annual Notice by August 1 each year. You can begin instruction on any date — only the notice deadline is fixed.
Ohio parents assign grade levels. Annual assessment results are submitted to the superintendent but this does NOT give the superintendent authority to reject your grade placement decisions. You can advance your child at any time.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- No annual notice required
- Homeschool operates as private school
- Parent-issued transcripts fully accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: Oklahoma Tim Tebow Act — Homeschoolers may participate in public school extracurriculars
Dual Enrollment: Concurrent enrollment at career tech and community colleges
Total flexibility. Start any time. No notice, no filing, no fixed school year requirement.
Oklahoma parents have complete grade assignment authority. No external process of any kind for grade advancement.
Oregon
Oregon Dept. of Education ↗- Annual standardized test required starting at grade 3
- Testing in grades 3, 5, 8, 10
- Results submitted to ESD; no minimum score
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual notice to local ESD required
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law; district discretion
Dual Enrollment: Oregon Statewide Dual Credit and Running Start programs
Start any time. Register with your local Education Service District. Your registration defines your school year.
Oregon parents assign grade levels. No external grade promotion oversight for homeschoolers.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Pennsylvania
PA Dept. of Education ↗- Annual portfolio required with licensed evaluator sign-off
- Grades 3, 5, 8: standardized test OR evaluation
- Portfolio submitted to local superintendent
- Parent-issued transcripts with portfolio documentation
- Annual affidavit filed with superintendent
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: PA community college dual enrollment; varies by county
Start any time. Your affidavit sets your school year dates. File an amended affidavit if your schedule changes significantly.
Pennsylvania is document-intensive. Your annual portfolio is evaluated by a certified evaluator who signs off on progress for your recorded grade level. You can advance your child by updating the grade on your next affidavit. Contact CHAP (chaponline.com) for evaluator referrals.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Dept. of Education ↗- Annual assessment per local school committee — highly variable by district
- Portfolio, standardized test, or evaluator review accepted in most districts
- Prior approval by local school committee required
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted after approval
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: CCRI and URI concurrent enrollment
You MUST receive school committee approval before starting. Submit your Home Instruction Plan well in advance of your intended start date.
Rhode Island is unique — local school committees have more direct involvement than any other state. Grade level is part of your approved plan. Work directly with your district to update grade placement when advancing your child.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
South Carolina
SC Dept. of Education ↗- Annual standardized test required under Option 1
- Option 2 (SCL3): Association oversight; no mandatory test
- Option 3: Accountability-based school; annual assessment
- No minimum score for any option
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted (all options)
- Attendance records required
Sports/Activities: S.C. Code § 59-63-75 — Homeschoolers may access public school activities
Dual Enrollment: SC Accelerate program — dual enrollment at technical colleges
Start any time. Register at the beginning of your school year through one of the three registration options.
South Carolina parents assign grade levels. Annual testing is a progress check — not a grade gate. You can advance your child at any time.
South Dakota
SD Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- Annual notice required to local school district
- Core subjects must be covered
- Parent-issued transcripts fully accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: SDCL § 13-27-3 — Homeschoolers may enroll in public school courses
Dual Enrollment: South Dakota technical institutes and university dual enrollment
Start any time. File your annual notice at the beginning of your school year.
South Dakota parents control grade assignment. Annual testing is a progress record only — you can advance your child at any time.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Tennessee
Tennessee Dept. of Education ↗- Annual standardized test required in grades 5, 7, 9
- Results retained by parent or church-related school
- No minimum score threshold
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual registration with local school board required
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law as of 2026; bills introduced
Dual Enrollment: Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant available
Start any time. Your filing with the local superintendent or church-related school defines your school year.
Tennessee parents set grade levels. Annual standardized testing provides a progress record but does not gate grade advancement.
Texas
Texas Education Agency ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- No annual notice required to TEA
- Written curriculum required: Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Math, Good Citizenship
- Must be taught in a bona fide manner
- Parent-issued transcripts fully accepted
- No state credit formula
- Diploma issued by parent
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law; district discretion
Dual Enrollment: Dual credit programs widely available at community colleges
Total and complete flexibility. Start, stop, pause, accelerate — entirely your choice in every respect. No notice, no filing, no fixed calendar.
Texas has ZERO state oversight of homeschooling. Parents have complete and total authority over grade assignment. You can advance your child to any grade at any time for any reason — no paperwork, no notification, no approval required. Texas is the most parent-friendly homeschool law in the country.
- No mandatory standardized testing
- Annual notice of intent required
- Core subjects must be covered
- Parent-issued transcripts fully accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: Utah Code § 53G-6-701 — Homeschoolers may participate in public school extracurriculars
Dual Enrollment: USHE Concurrent Enrollment available
Start any time. File your annual Notice of Intent at the beginning of your school year. No minimum days or hours required.
Utah parents have complete grade assignment authority. No external oversight of any kind for grade placement or advancement.
Vermont
Vermont Agency of Education ↗- Annual assessment: standardized test, portfolio, OR licensed educator evaluation
- Results reported to local superintendent
- No minimum score threshold
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual enrollment notice required
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Vermont State University concurrent enrollment
Start any time. File your enrollment notice when you begin and annually thereafter.
Vermont parents control grade assignment. Annual assessment is a progress check — you can advance your child at any time.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Virginia
Virginia Dept. of Education ↗- Annual assessment: standardized test OR certified evaluator portfolio review
- Results retained by parent; submitted to division superintendent
- Must demonstrate academic progress
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual notice of intent required
Sports/Activities: Virginia Code § 22.1-340 — Homeschoolers may participate in public school extracurricular activities
Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment via VA community colleges (VCCS)
File your annual notice by August 15 each year. You can begin actual instruction on any date — the filing deadline is the only fixed date.
Virginia parents set grade levels. Annual assessment results are submitted to the superintendent but this does NOT affect your grade assignment authority. You can advance your child at any time.
Washington
Washington OSPI ↗- Annual assessment required in grades 4, 8, 10
- Standardized test OR portfolio by certified evaluator
- Results retained by parent; not submitted to state
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual declaration of intent required
- Instructor must have BA in education OR superintendent approval OR be certified evaluator
Sports/Activities: RCW 28A.150.350 — Homeschoolers may participate in public school extracurriculars
Dual Enrollment: Running Start — homeschoolers fully eligible; FREE community college tuition
Start any time. File your annual Declaration of Intent at the beginning of your school year.
Washington parents set grade levels. Annual assessment results stay with you — no grade promotion gating of any kind.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
West Virginia
WV Dept. of Education ↗- Annual standardized test OR portfolio review
- Approved tests: CAT, Stanford 10, Iowa, SAT/ACT
- No minimum score; must show progress
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- Annual notice to county superintendent required
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Dual credit via WV community colleges
Start any time. File your annual notice at the beginning of your school year.
West Virginia parents set grade levels. Annual assessment confirms progress — not a grade promotion gate. Results submitted to superintendent.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- Annual notice to DPI required (PI-1206 form)
- Must provide sequentially progressive curriculum
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Transcripted Credit program and Youth Options — dual enrollment at tech colleges
Start any time. File your annual PI-1206 form with the Wisconsin DPI by October 15 for the current school year.
Wisconsin parents have complete grade assignment authority. No external oversight of grade placement whatsoever.
No active ESA or voucher program as of 2026. Monitor edchoice.org for updates.
Wyoming
Wyoming Dept. of Education ↗- No mandatory standardized testing
- Annual notice required to local school district
- Core subjects must be addressed
- Parent-issued transcripts accepted
- No state credit formula
Sports/Activities: No Tim Tebow law
Dual Enrollment: Wyoming community college dual enrollment
Total flexibility. Start any time, any month. File your annual curriculum notice with your local district.
Wyoming is among the least regulated states. Grade level is entirely parent-controlled with zero external oversight of any kind.
Key National Resources
Organizations, platforms, and tools for homeschool families
| Organization | Purpose | Website |
|---|---|---|
| EdChoice | Track all 50 state school choice programs in real time | edchoice.org |
| HSLDA | Legal defense, compliance tracking, legislative advocacy | hslda.org |
| NHERI | Policy research, homeschool statistics, legal summaries | nheri.org |
| MySchoolChoice | State-by-state school choice navigation tool | myschoolchoice.com |
| Step Up For Students (FL) | Florida PEP, FES-UA, Hope Scholarship | stepupforstudents.org |
| ClassWallet | ESA payment platform: AZ, AR, ID | classwallet.com |
| Odyssey Education | ESA payment platform: GA, IA, UT, WY | odysseyedfoundation.com |
| Hope Scholarship WV | West Virginia Hope Scholarship (TheoPay) | hopescholarshipwv.com |
| Texas TEFA Portal | Texas Education Freedom Account vendor & family registration | educationfreedom.texas.gov |
| Seton Testing Services | CAT & Stanford 10 ordering for homeschoolers | setontesting.com |
| Riverside Insights | Iowa Assessments (Form E) ordering | riverpub.com |
| Bayside School Services | Stanford 10 ordering for homeschoolers | baysideschoolservices.com |
| Captain Homeschool | AI-powered K-12 homeschool management platform | captainhomeschool.com |
Captain Homeschool tracks your state’s compliance requirements automatically..
© 2026 Captain Homeschool | captainhomeschool.com | Chart A Course for Success
This guide is for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Verify all requirements with official state sources.