Home School Laws

By Marcie Ciampi

The first thing you want to do before you start home schooling is to find out the home school laws of your state. Home schooling is legal in all 50 American States and in several other countries. But laws vary from state to state.

The Home School Laws at Homeschool Legal Defense Association can educate you about the laws of your state.

In addition to researching your state's laws, if your child is currently enrolled in a public school, you may want to call the school district office within your city limits to find out their rules and procedures for home schooling a child. Record the person's name you spoke with as well as the date, time, and what you were told.

In the United States, if your child has special needs review the Education for All Handicapped Children Act- referred to as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

A few U.S. states, including California, have charter schools that assist in paying for homeschooling.

There are options, if you have what you feel is an emergency situation at school, and want your child to stay home.

These are only short term solutions to give you the few days you may need to research your state's home school laws or decide if home schooling is your best option for you and your family,

and only suggestions based on my own experience, and the procedures of you school district and school will be different than mine.

Please check your school district policies before following through with this advice and look into your state's home school laws right away.

There may be a number of options available:

Option 1: Request to take your child out on an "independent study plan" (names will vary from state to state) where your child completes his public school work at home and the public school teacher meets with you to go over the student work.

Option 2: Write a letter to the principal and your child's teacher addressing your educational concerns and request an emergency meeting to discuss your concerns. Use a positive tone, list facts, avoid blaming and accusations. (Always without fail put everything in writing and make copies)

Option 3: Establish valid reasons why you believe your child cannot attend school full-time and request in writing to have your child put on a modified schedule, such as leaving at lunch everyday.

Option 4: Go on vacation. Ask for a student study packet. The child completes the work and turns it in at the end of the week/vacation.

Option 5: Go to another local school district and find out the procedure to enroll your child at another school outside of your city district.

Option 6: Look into enrolling your child in a private school. Some states have tuition-free "Charter" Schools.

Again, these are only suggestions based on my own experience.

It is in the best interest of everyone involved to be as open and honest as possible.

Although it may not seem like it at times, I believe most educators have the child's best interest at heart.

Remember, you don't have to be secretive. No one can stop you from home schooling, if you decide that is what is best for your child and you follow the laws of your state. People might try to persuade you or make contrary opinions, but ultimately you have control over your child's education.

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