Relax! No matter what your friends and family members may have said, home education is legal in the United States. Each state has different homeschooling laws. Some states have very few homeschooling requirements, and others have extensive regulations that must be followed.

Here are some definitions that will help you understand the homeschool laws in your state:

• Attendance - the minimum number of days or hours that a student must be taught.
  
• Compulsory Attendance Age - the ages at which a child must receive formal education.
  
• Notice - information that must be sent to the state providing notice of your decision to homeschool.
  
• Qualifications - requirements that must be met by a teaching parent, tutor or other instructor.
  
• Records - information that must be kept or reported to the state.
  
• Subjects - areas of knowledge in which a student must receive instruction.
  
• Testing - examinations to determine a child's level of academic performance.
  

According to the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, homeschoolers perform just as well in states with very few legal restrictions as they do in states with many legal requirements. Government oversight of homeschoolers has no effect on academic outcomes.

If your child was previously in public school, you may need to submit a letter of withdrawal from to your local principal or superintendent.

State homeschooling organizations and local homeschool support groups are great resources for helping you understand and comply with your state's homeschooling laws. To find out the homeschool laws for your state, visit the Homeschool Legal Defense Association.

Here is some additional information about homeschooling laws.

Carletta Sanders is a homeschool mom of 3. For homeschooling ideas and information delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for her homeschool newsletter.