What is the most homeschool friendly state?

Question

We are going to be moving and one of the things that are going to help decide which state we move to is based on this question. Which state or states are the most homeschool friendly, or city? We want a community large with homeschoolers. Please tell me a bit about your state and if you have any websites that would be nice too. Thanks

Answer 1

IL and KY have reasonable homeschool laws. I don't know much about other states.

Answer 2

You can view each states home school laws, and requirements at http://www.hslda.org

The states that come to mind that are very home school friendly are, Texas, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Utah, and Montana.

I believe that presently just about every state has state home school organizations that can get you in contact with local representatives, or home school groups that can help you out.

Not every city may have a large home school population, but it is growing so fast that it is almost impossible not to run into a home school group anywhere you go.

I believe, but don't quote me on this, and correct me if I am wrong; that Oklahoma, and Montana are the only two states that actually have the freedom to home school written into their State Constitution.

Most of us simply do not research other state requirements besides our own routinely, unless we plan on moving.

Answer 3

I've HS'ed in both KS and IL and besides TX, they are two of the "easiest" states to HS in.  In both, HS's are considered private, non-accredited schools.  So there is no oversight of the state board of ed.

As others have said, go to the HSLDA site and compare the laws.  Also check each state's HS information on a state HS association site.

Answer 4

Arkansas is wonderful for homeschooling. As far as I know, it's very easy to set up a system for it is, with little government interference.

Answer 5

Oklahoma is the only state that has home education written into it's constitution.  I was born, raised and home educated right here in Oklahoma. I'm now a college grad with my own profession.

Answer 6

Oklahoma! We're homeschooling here now, and there are no requirements, no registration, no testing.

We have huge homeschooling groups, and a large convention every summer.

http://www.oklahomahomeschool.com/ is a great website!

I live in a town that has a huge group of it's own, hundreds of families for our medium sized town. Lots of homeschool classes available through local museums and zoos, and through the support group.

Answer 7

mississippi...most lenient in the whole united states.

Answer 8

Here are two sites where you can find HS information for each state:

National Home Education Network (NHEN)

http://www.nhen.org/leginfo/state_list.a...

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp

I'm very impressed with Alaska's HS options!  But I don't live there.  LOL

You might try Yahoo Groups for HSing groups, and ask what the experiences are in each state?

In fact, NHEN does have support group listings, as well (mostly in-person/local, I believe).  That's at: http://www.nhen.org/support/groups/brows...

Good *luck* with your move.  :o)

Answer 9

New Jersey has fabulous, hands off homeschooling laws and an active community. We are also midway between NYC and Philly, so there are many cultural opportunities and a diverse population.  The down side is that the cost of living here is very high and housing alone is outrageously expensive. Taxes are also very high.

Good luck with your decision!

Answer 10

Texas laws our very great on homeschooling. Not too strict at all. I don't actually homeschool, but wish too.

Our laws are:

Option: 1



Legal Option:

Establish and operate a home school as a private school

Attendance:

None

Subjects:

Reading, spelling, grammar, math, good citizenship

Qualifications:

None

Notice:

None

Recordkeeping:

None

Testing:

None



And you can find other state laws at HSLDA as well.