Info on state by state homeschooling realities

[AKfamily]

Does anyone know of a source for information comparing what it's like to homeschool in each state? I'm not looking for just the legalities but more of the realities - for example, in Alaska it is relevant that it is fully legally protected but also that lots of folks do homeschool and that if you choose to register with the state funded programs you get $ as well as access to teachers etc.

[Lisa1970]

Texas, you can do whatever you want. But, the public schools are hostile so if you ever want to return your children, they will likely give you a hard time. I mean, a hardtime that cannot be resolved. I have seen the public schoolers try to put 14 yr olds in 3rd grade, claiming that is where they left off, so they must go back and complete all those grades before going on. They never allow dual enrollment either, as in, homeschool and public activities and school at the same time. I think I would have liked to have that option. But in Texas, no testing, no registering, nothing. CPS cannot even enter your home without your permission. You can unschool with no problem.

[annettemarie]

HSLDA has a map that gives you an idea of high, medium, low, and no reporting states.
http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp
(Not endorsing, just linking to the map, LOL!)

I guess that's more legalities though.

To be honest, I would think starting with the law would be essential. I know here in PA we're a high reporting state, but it really depends on the individual district. My district is a PITA and constantly asks for more than they're legally entitled to, but they don't raise a fuss when they don't get it. They just like to make homeschooling look more difficult than it is. A friend of mine lives in a district where they don't even want your portfolio, just a letter from an evaluator. And another friend lives in a district where they flout the law and won't allow homeschoolers to participate in band and orchestra even though the law clearly states they must.

[Ruthla]

In NYS, there's a bunch of annoying paperwork to deal with: Letter of intent and Individualized Home Instruction Plan at the beginning of the year, 4 quarterly reports during the year, and then End of Year Evaluation (I've always gone with a standardized test) at the end of the year. So NY is considered a "high reporting state" but none of it affects my day to day interaction with my kids, I just have to spend some time on paperwork 5 times a year (about an hour at the beginning of the year, 10-15 minutes for the quarterly reports and the end of year report.The first year took me longer as I was figuring out what to do.) So the paperwork takes up about 2 hours of my time for the entire school year.

[AJP]

These questions seem to come up here a lot, people asking which states are best for HSing (aside from the legal aspects). I think it would be great to have a sticky or sub-forum for people to post state-specific experiences with HSing in terms of support and resources, cultural acceptance, etc. OP, if you're thinking of moving to another state, maybe you should start a thread asking about the specific state(s).

[Dakota's Mom]

New Jersey is super easy. No reporting, no assessment, no requirements, nothing. Do whatever you want. The homeschool groups that I have been involved with have been very open to different races, religions, and disabilities. There is no state funding available. And they are very resistant to providing services to homeschoolers. It varies by school district. Ours refused speech therapy. We didn't push it though. I've heard if you push it they will cave and offer it.

Kathi

[VillageMom6]

Thanks for the link to that map, Annettemarie. It's fascinating to see the differences from state to state.

I am delighted to live in a green state but I feel so angry for my homeschooling brethren who live in states with more regulations.

[bobandjess99]

I think the homeschooling state by state thing is really only good for legalities, as has been sort of stated. For example, in some states with higher regulation, the CLIMATE is actually much more friendly than in some places where the regulation is much less.
Like the Texas example that was given. It is a green state with little regulation. But a bad climate. Oregon, though, is in the seconds highest level of regulation, but has a wonderful, welcoming climate with lots of homeschoolers, support and friendliness. I think the OP is right that knowing the laws doesn't necesarily give you the full picture.

[SundayCrepes]

Originally Posted by bobandjess99

I think the homeschooling state by state thing is really only good for legalities, as has been sort of stated. For example, in some states with higher regulation, the CLIMATE is actually much more friendly than in some places where the regulation is much less.
Like the Texas example that was given. It is a green state with little regulation. But a bad climate. Oregon, though, is in the seconds highest level of regulation, but has a wonderful, welcoming climate with lots of homeschoolers, support and friendliness. I think the OP is right that knowing the laws doesn't necesarily give you the full picture.

Are you in Oregon? My husband would love to do seasonal work with summers spent there and winters spent here in Arizona. Obviously, if we do that, no one would question that we fall under Arizona legalities. However, I could see problems if we spent more than just summers there. Could you tell me more about what it's like to homeschool in Oregon? We're unschoolers. How does that effect testing, etc.

[calynde]

Anyone want to shed some light on the situation in Connecticut? thanks.

[earthworm]

I'm really interested in this as we don't know any other homeschooling families (yet!). I'm in Georgia if anyone wants to tell me how it is.

[alegna]

I think the realities in TX vary greatly from district to district. I know a number of students who have gone back and forth from homeschooling to public and private schools without any issue at all.

-Angela

[AnnR33]

Washington state is very easy! You have to "test or assess" at the end of the year but the parent can do the test or assessment and it doesn't go to anyone but you!

Iowa is moderate. The language sounds harsh when reading the rules but it's not as bad as it sounds. However, there are more and more "homeschool assistance programs" in this state which are helpful as far as resource libraries and enrichment classes but still run through the schools which I don't like. If you don't belong to one of these programs then you have to test or hire your own "supervising teacher" which I do not like. That test must be turned into the district and they could potentially say that your child was not "making progress" and say you had to send him/her to school I don't think it's ever happened but I don't like the possibility.