CURRENT GRADE: F

There is no education freedom in the state. School choice legislation was passed but the state supreme court ruled it unconstitutional. Legislators are working on changes to the constitution so education freedom can be pursued.

Homeschooling requires government intrusion and should be modified.

Compulsory attendance is required between ages 6-18.

Education Options

  • None-not allowed under the state constitution.

Homeschooling Laws

Here are state laws on the topic of homeschooling:

  • An annual letter of intent to homeschool must be submitted to the district superintendent.
  • Establish a “bona fide” school the child will attend, including a name for the school.
  • Record and maintain scholarship reports of each student’s progress in all subjects taught at the same intervals as the local public schools.
  • Record of courses taken and grades received is required.
  • Attendance records must be kept and available upon inquiry.
  • Term must not be a shorter period than that of a public school.
  • Subjects taught should include reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, mathematics, science, and civics.
  • Individual school districts decide if homeschool students can participate in extracurricular activities.

Religious Exemptions:

    • There are no religious exemption laws for compulsory education.

    The First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Many argue that a religious conviction to provide a home-based education is constitutionally protected and a state religious exemption law is not a requirement to be able to homeschool on religious grounds.

    It should be noted that the U.S. Supreme Court in Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) established that “Under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, a state law requiring that children attend school past eighth grade violates the parents’ constitutional right to direct the religious upbringing of their children.” (The case involved a challenge of a 16-year-old student to be exempt, so the scope was limited)