Most states legally require notification of your plans to home-school your student, with the exceptions of Idaho, Texas, Alaska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Connecticut and New Jersey. The rest of the states have varying requirements for homeschooling parents. Virginia, for instance, requires notification, as well as certain criteria. Parents homeschooling their children must either have at least a high school degree, provide a curriculum of study, be teachers of qualifications approved by the Board of Education, or otherwise provide evidence that they are capable of providing an adequate education.
Many states demand a summary of the student's curriculum of study, which must be comparable to that of local high schools. Typically, these programs include four years of English, two to four years of math, two to four years of science, two to four years of history, two to four years of a foreign language, and electives in areas of the child's interest, such as music, art and economics. In certain states, such as South Carolina, students are required to have access to a library and receive a minimum number of hours of education, 180 days out of the year. Finally, states may require the local school system to allow home-schooled students access to their resources, such as AP classes.
Many states require not only that parents submit evidence of student progress, but also that students participate in standardized tests. South Carolina homeschooling parents must produce reports, submitted semiannually to the school district, as evidence of regular instruction. The report consists of a record of subjects taught and activities, a portfolio of the child's work and a record of academic evaluations. Home-schooled students in South Carolina must participate in the annual statewide testing program and the Basic Skills Assessment Program.
A parent acting as an education provider must issue a diploma indicating that her child completed a certified course of education. The diploma should state that it is a high school diploma, as well as stating the name of the child and including language indicating that he completed his secondary school requirements. Sign and date it. Keep in mind that while colleges treat public and private high school diplomas as if they are accredited, they will not treat your child's diploma in the same way. Therefore, consider having your child take courses at a local college, to prove his readiness for college.