An equivalency requirement is a state law provision requiring homeschool education to be "equivalent" or "substantially equivalent" to public school instruction—though what this actually means varies dramatically and is often left deliberately vague.
What is an Equivalency Requirement?
When state laws say homeschool instruction must be "equivalent" to public school, they're establishing a legal standard without necessarily defining it precisely. Some states mean you should cover similar subjects. Others focus on instructional hours. A few require detailed demonstration of equivalency through testing or portfolios. The phrase appears in compulsory education laws across many states—New Jersey, Connecticut, North Carolina, Virginia, and others—but enforcement and interpretation vary wildly. Understanding what your state actually requires (versus what the language implies) is essential.
Key Takeaways
- Many states use "equivalent instruction" language with minimal enforcement
- High-regulation states define equivalency through specific subject and testing requirements
- Low-regulation states have equivalency language but leave interpretation to parents
- "Equivalent" rarely means identical—focus on comparable quality, not matching curricula
- Record-keeping and documentation protect you if questions arise
States With Equivalency Language
States mentioning "equivalent" or "substantially equivalent" instruction include New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Virginia, North Carolina, Washington, Kansas, and Georgia. However, the practical implications differ enormously. New Jersey and Connecticut have equivalency language but minimal oversight—parents interpret the standard themselves. High-regulation states like New York use "substantial equivalence" with specific subject requirements and mandatory assessments. Same terminology, vastly different experiences.
What "Equivalent" Usually Means
In practice, equivalency typically covers three areas: subjects taught should roughly parallel public school offerings (reading, math, science, social studies); total instructional time should be comparable (often 180 days or similar hours); and the education should be adequate for the child's grade level. States rarely require you to match public school curricula exactly—the focus is on comparable quality and coverage rather than identical content. You have significant flexibility in materials and methods.
Demonstrating Equivalency
How you prove equivalency depends on your state. High-regulation states may require annual standardized testing, portfolio reviews by certified teachers, or detailed curriculum submissions. Low-regulation states may require nothing beyond your initial notice of intent. Best practices regardless of state: maintain attendance records, keep samples of student work, document the subjects covered, and retain any assessment results. This documentation protects you if questions ever arise.
The New York Exception
New York stands alone in using "substantial equivalency letters"—documents issued by local superintendents certifying that a homeschool graduate completed a program equivalent to four-year high school education. Many NY colleges and state programs require these letters, but superintendents have discretion to refuse. This creates inconsistent outcomes for homeschool families depending on their local district's attitudes. It's an ongoing advocacy issue.
The Bottom Line
Equivalency requirements sound more restrictive than they typically are in practice. Most states with this language leave significant room for parental judgment, and enforcement is minimal outside the handful of high-regulation states. The key is understanding what your specific state actually requires—not what the language implies to someone unfamiliar with homeschool law. When in doubt, maintain good records and cover the core subjects at an age-appropriate level.
