HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) is a nonprofit advocacy organization providing legal defense, legislative advocacy, and educational resources to over 100,000 member homeschool families.
What is HSLDA?
HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) is the nation's largest homeschool advocacy organization, founded in 1983 by Michael Farris and headquartered in Purcellville, Virginia. With over 100,000 member families, HSLDA provides legal defense, legislative advocacy, and educational resources to homeschoolers nationwide. The organization was founded when homeschooling wasn't specifically legal in most states and parents faced harassment or prosecution. Through legal action and legislative lobbying, HSLDA played a pivotal role in legalizing homeschooling throughout the United States. While HSLDA describes itself as a Christian organization, they don't make religious beliefs a condition of membership.
Key Takeaways
- Founded in 1983; instrumental in legalizing homeschooling across all 50 states
- Provides 24/7 attorney access with no additional charges for legal consultations
- Monitors legislation in all 50 state legislatures and coordinates advocacy
- Membership costs $150/year, $15/month, or $1,500 lifetime
- One membership covers entire family including all children
Core Services
Legal Defense: 24/7 attorney access via emergency answering service, included in membership with no additional charges. HSLDA pays all attorney fees, expert witness costs, and court expenses if you're contacted by school officials or face homeschool-related legal issues. Legislative Advocacy: Monitors legislation in all 50 states, coordinates grassroots lobbying through member networks, and maintains comprehensive state-by-state homeschool law information at hslda.org/legal. Educational Resources: Exclusive webinars, master classes, articles, state-specific legal forms, quarterly magazine, and weekly updates on homeschool-related news.
Membership Options
Additional Benefits
Members receive discounts on curricula, school supplies, travel, and colleges through the member discount program. The member card serves as a homeschool teacher ID for teacher discounts at stores, museums, and historical sites. HSLDA also offers special needs/struggling learner consultations, HSLDA Online Academy courses, and financial aid for families experiencing hardship. Related organizations include Patrick Henry College (founded specifically for Christian homeschooled students) and Generation Joshua (youth political involvement program).
The Bottom Line
HSLDA provides peace of mind for homeschool families through legal protection and advocacy. While not every family will need legal defense, the 24/7 attorney access, comprehensive state law resources, and ongoing legislative monitoring offer significant value. The organization has a proven track record since 1983 protecting and expanding homeschool freedom. Membership is open to all families regardless of religious affiliation. If legal protection and advocacy support matter to you, HSLDA remains the most established option in the homeschool community.
