The 25 Best States for Homeschooling, According to Parents

Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

Homeschooling provides families with the opportunity to tailor their children's education to their unique needs and values. The homeschooling landscape varies from state to state, with some offering more flexibility and resources than others. Based on insights shared by parents, we've compiled a list of the 25 best states for homeschooling. Let's explore why parents appreciate homeschooling in these states, starting with the most popular state for homeschooling, sunny California.

1. California:

California tops the list with its numerous options, including joining a charter school or using a private school affidavit. Free dual enrollment at community colleges further enhances the homeschooling experience.

2. Michigan:

Parents appreciate Michigan for its lack of oversight and testing requirements, making it a homeschooling-friendly state.

3. Delaware:

Delaware's easy-to-meet regulations and commitment to protecting abortion and LGBTQ rights make it a welcoming state for homeschoolers.

4. Arizona:

With lenient regulations and the option to fill out an affidavit or apply for an Educational Scholarship Account (ESA), Arizona offers homeschooling freedom.

5. Wyoming:

Wyoming stands out for its opportunities for teenagers to take in-person elective classes and earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.

6. Texas:

Considered equivalent to private schooling, homeschooling in Texas entails fewer regulatory hurdles. Abundant resources and local school district programs are additional advantages.

7. Connecticut (CT):

Zero regulations in Connecticut allow homeschooling families to enjoy autonomy in shaping their children's education. The charm of New England also appeals to parents.

8. West Virginia:

Morgantown, West Virginia, earns praise for its supportive environment and opportunities for homeschoolers to engage in elective classes.

9. Tennessee:

Homeschoolers in Tennessee benefit from a vibrant community, including co-ops and classes, and proximity to cultural opportunities and the scenic mountains.

10. Massachusetts (MA):

While Massachusetts is known for its higher cost of living, the state offers ease of homeschooling, attracting families seeking educational autonomy.

11. Wisconsin:

Simplified reporting requirements and the ability to participate in district sports teams and take classes at public schools make homeschooling in Wisconsin appealing.

12. Illinois:

With few restrictions on homeschooling, Illinois offers families ample freedom to pursue their preferred educational approach and participate in activities.

13. Utah:

Homeschooling in Utah involves minimal oversight, allowing families to focus on their children's education without excessive reporting or testing requirements.

14. Florida:

Florida provides an easy homeschooling process, often requiring a portfolio evaluation or testing as an end-of-year assessment.

15. New Jersey (NJ):

NJ appeals to homeschoolers due to its lack of oversight, allowing families to chart their own educational course. However, the high cost of living may pose challenges.

16. Washington:

Flexible homeschooling laws in Washington enable access to community college courses and participation in public school activities.

17. Georgia:

While Georgia offers ease of homeschooling, parents have mentioned challenges with other aspects of living in the state.

18. North Carolina:

Homeschooling regulations in North Carolina are relatively straightforward, allowing families to customize their children's education with ease.

19. Maine:

Though homeschoolers in Maine have some reporting requirements, they appreciate the state's simplicity, non-invasive laws, and abundance of resources.

20. Iowa:

Parents in Iowa value the opportunity for their children to take classes and participate in extracurriculars at public schools, as well as the availability of Home School Assistance Programs.

21. Minnesota (MN):

With minimal regulations beyond submitting an intent to homeschool and optional standardized testing, Minnesota provides an environment conducive to homeschooling.

22. Colorado:

Colorado's homeschooling requirements include periodic state testing or evaluation by a certified teacher, providing families with the freedom to choose their curriculum.

23. South Dakota:

Homeschooling in South Dakota is characterized by flexibility and support, allowing families to tailor their children's education while enjoying a homeschool-friendly environment.

24. California:

Home to a diverse homeschooling community, California fosters independence through various homeschooling options, including private school affidavits and charter schools.

25. Tennessee:

Tennessee offers homeschoolers a rich array of extracurriculars, field trips, and sports activities, complementing the customizable nature of homeschooling.

Conclusion:

These 25 states stand out as homeschooling havens, offering families the freedom and resources to educate their children according to their values and preferences. While each state has its unique advantages and considerations, this ranking reflects the positive experiences and perspectives shared by homeschooling parents across the country. Remember to research and evaluate the specific regulations, local resources, and community support before making a decision that aligns with your family's homeschooling goals.

Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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