Mississippi Homeschool State Laws

Please note that laws and regulations may have changed since this update, and it’s always important to consult the most recent and official sources or legal counsel for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Here is a summary of homeschooling laws in Mississippi:

• Required Notice: Parents or guardians who wish to homeschool their children in Mississippi are required to submit a “Certificate of Enrollment” to the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). This form must be submitted within ten days of starting homeschooling.
• Qualifications: The parent or legal guardian must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Curriculum: There are no specific curriculum requirements for homeschooling in Mississippi. Parents have the freedom to choose and design their own curriculum, subject to any general state requirements such as teaching subjects like reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Instruction Time: Homeschooling families in Mississippi are not subject to specific instruction time requirements. However, it is generally recommended that parents provide an educational program that is substantially equivalent to that provided in public schools.
• Teacher Qualifications: There are no specific teacher qualifications for parents or legal guardians who homeschool their children in Mississippi.
• Assessment and Testing: Homeschooled students in Mississippi are not required to participate in standardized testing.
• Attendance and Reporting: Homeschooling parents are not required to report attendance records to the state, but they are required to maintain records of attendance, courses of study, and immunization records.
• Special Education: Homeschooled students in Mississippi have the right to participate in special education services provided by the local school district, subject to the eligibility criteria and processes established by the district.
• Dual Enrollment: In Mississippi, homeschooled students may have the opportunity to enroll in community colleges or universities while still completing their homeschool education. The specific policies and requirements for dual enrollment may vary by institution.

It’s important to emphasize that these are general guidelines, and it’s advisable to review the current homeschooling laws in Mississippi or consult with the Mississippi Department of Education or a legal professional to ensure compliance with any recent updates or changes in the law.

Updated October 2023