Homeschooling

The Texas legislature passed SB 284 in February 2026, modifying reporting requirements for homeschool families. Here's what you need to know.

The most common objection to homeschooling — that kids won't learn to socialize — turns out to be largely unsupported by evidence. Here's what the studies show.

With universal ESA eligibility now the norm in many states, the conversation shifts to improving program access and ensuring families can actually use the funds across a wide array of qualifying educational expenses.

More colleges are actively recruiting self-directed learners, but the path isn't always obvious. This guide explains portfolios, alternative transcripts, and which schools are most open.

Virtual academies, online co-ops, and hybrid programs have exploded since 2020. Here are the most reputable options at every grade level and price point.

Profoundly gifted children often struggle in standard classrooms — and many twice-exceptional kids (2e) face even greater challenges. Parents and researchers share what actually helps.

Pioneer of the homeschooling and unschooling movements whose books and newsletter Growing Without Schooling inspired a generation of families to opt out of conventional school.

Three-time New York City Teacher of the Year who resigned from teaching to become one of the most radical critics of compulsory schooling in America.

Homeschool pioneer and founder of Brave Writer, the widely-used writing and language arts program. Julie Bogart homeschooled her five children for 17 years and has become one of the most trusted voices in the homeschooling community through her books, podcast, and online teaching.

Author of Unschooled and education policy researcher, Kerry McDonald is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education and one of the most prominent writers making the evidence-based case for self-directed learning and alternatives to conventional schooling.

Historian, educator, and homeschooling advocate best known as the co-author of The Well-Trained Mind, the definitive guide to classical home education. Bauer holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from William & Mary and homeschooled her own four children through high school.

Natalie Minor Mack's TEDx talk on the real, measurable impact of homeschooling — drawing on both research and personal experience to address socialization concerns, academic outcomes, and how homeschooled graduates perform in college and careers.

A TEDx talk making the case for worldschooling — using travel, cultural immersion, and real-world experiences as the primary vehicle for children's education — with evidence that learning through living produces confident, adaptable, globally aware young people.

A deep-dive conversation on the explosive growth of microschools and pandemic pods — small learning communities of 5–15 students — exploring the diverse models emerging across the country and what they reveal about what families are hungry for beyond large traditional schools.

A practical, candid overview of eight popular homeschooling approaches — including Classical, Charlotte Mason, Eclectic, Unschooling, and more — with honest pros, cons, and guidance for families deciding which style fits their children and lifestyle.

A practical walkthrough for families interested in forming a homeschool cooperative, covering legal structures, dividing teaching responsibilities, finding a venue, building community agreements, managing conflict, and navigating the range of models from enrichment co-ops to full academic co-ops with credit-bearing courses.

A practical, beautifully filmed guide to Charlotte Mason's beloved nature journaling practice — from setting up a nature notebook to developing the habit of careful observation, sketching, and narration in the outdoors. Suitable for all ages and no artistic experience required.

The largest homeschool legal advocacy organization in the US, offering legal support, state-by-state law summaries, and policy advocacy for homeschooling families.

An online community of location-independent homeschooling families who travel and educate their children through real-world experiences. Includes meetup coordination, resources, and forums.

A non-profit research and data organization publishing peer-reviewed studies on homeschooling outcomes in academic, social-emotional, and civic domains. The go-to source for homeschool research data.

A comprehensive free learning platform covering math, science, history, and test prep for all ages. Widely used by homeschooling families and unschoolers as a self-paced, mastery-based supplement.

A community-based classical homeschool program operating in all 50 US states and 50+ countries. Families meet weekly in small class groups while parents serve as lead learners alongside their children.

A free web-based planner specifically designed for homeschooling families to schedule lessons, log hours, generate report cards, and track attendance — essential for states that require record-keeping.

Alabama allows homeschooling through a church/private school enrollment option or by working with an approved church school. There is no state notification requirement if operating under a church umbrella school.

Alaska offers several homeschool options including a 'home school' option requiring annual notification to the local school district, and correspondence/state programs. Requirements are minimal and Alaska is considered one of the more permissive states.

Arizona has simple, permissive homeschool laws. Parents must file an affidavit with the county school superintendent, but there are no required standardized tests, curriculum mandates, or teacher qualification requirements.

Arkansas requires annual written notice to the local school district before the school year begins. There are no required standardized tests, no curriculum mandates, and no teacher qualification requirements.

Connecticut requires no formal notification or registration to begin homeschooling. Parents must provide instruction equivalent to that in public schools in required subjects. Connecticut is considered a low-regulation state.

Delaware allows homeschooling with low regulatory requirements. Families operate under one of three options and must notify authorities, but there is no required standardized testing and no teacher qualification requirements.