A notification-only state requires parents to submit formal notice that they intend to homeschool but imposes few or no additional requirements like testing, curriculum approval, or assessments.
What Is a Notification-Only State?
Notification-only states occupy the lighter end of homeschool regulation. Parents must formally notify educational authorities—typically the local school district or state department of education—that they're homeschooling, but that's largely where government oversight ends. There's no required curriculum approval, no mandated testing, no portfolio reviews. The notification creates an official record that homeschooling is occurring, protecting families from truancy concerns while preserving substantial freedom in how education happens. In these states, acceptance of your notice is automatic—you're informing the government, not requesting permission.
Key Takeaways
- Parents file notice but face few additional requirements
- No curriculum approval, testing, or assessment mandates in pure notification-only states
- Acceptance is automatic—no waiting for permission (except MA and RI)
- 14 states require one-time notification; 25 require annual renewal
- Provides legal protection while preserving educational freedom
The Regulation Spectrum
One-Time vs. Annual Notification
An important distinction exists between one-time and annual notification states. In one-time states like Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina, you file paperwork once when you begin homeschooling—it remains valid until you choose to stop or re-enroll in public school. Annual notification states like Georgia, Virginia, and California require renewed paperwork each year, typically before the school year begins. Annual filing adds recurring administrative work but isn't more restrictive in terms of what you're allowed to do educationally.
What Notification Typically Includes
Most notification-only states ask for basic information: parent and student names, address, grade level, and sometimes a simple statement of subjects to be taught. Some states request a copy of the birth certificate. The key characteristic is that you're providing information, not seeking approval. Contrast this with high-regulation states like New York, which requires an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), quarterly reports, and annual assessments—that's oversight, not mere notification.
Benefits and Considerations
Notification-only status offers meaningful advantages: curriculum freedom to teach what and how you choose, no testing pressure or teaching-to-the-test dynamics, privacy regarding educational methods, flexibility to adapt throughout the year, and minimal paperwork. The main consideration is documentation discipline. Without external requirements, some families neglect record-keeping—then struggle to create transcripts for college applications or verify progress if moving to a higher-regulation state. Wise families maintain records voluntarily even when not required.
The Bottom Line
Notification-only states balance legal compliance with educational freedom. Filing notice takes minutes and creates important legal protection—your child is officially receiving education, not skipping school. Beyond that initial paperwork, you're largely free to educate as you see fit. Use resources from HSLDA or your state homeschool association to understand your specific state's requirements. And even though it's not required, maintain attendance records and work samples. You'll be glad you did when transcript time arrives.
