How to Start Homeschooling in Mississippi

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Mississippi. Under Miss. Code Ann. 37-13-91, a child being educated in a legitimate home instruction program is excused from public school attendance. The law defines a legitimate home instruction program as one not set up to avoid the compulsory attendance law.

The same law says the state has no authority to control, manage, or supervise a private or home instruction program. You choose how your child learns.

A child is of compulsory school age in Mississippi if they turn 6 on or before September 1 of the calendar year and have not turned 17 on or before September 1.

Kindergarten is not required, with one exception: a child who turns 5 on or before September 1 and enrolls in a full-day public school kindergarten program is also of compulsory school age. If you are deciding between public kindergarten and starting at home, keep this in mind.

Here is how to get started.

Step 1: Get the certificate of enrollment. The Mississippi Department of Education prepares the Home School Certificate of Enrollment form and links it from its home school page.

Step 2: Fill it out. The form asks for your child's and your contact details, your school district, a simple description of the education your child is receiving, and your signature and date.

Step 3: Return it by August 15. Send it to the school attendance officer where your child lives. The Department says you may also email it to homeschool@mdek12.org.

Step 4: Keep a copy. Save a copy of the form and proof of when you sent it.

Step 5: Repeat each year. File a new certificate on or before August 15 every year.

You file one form: the certificate of enrollment. By law it asks only for:

• Your child's name, address, telephone number, and date of birth
• Your name, address, and telephone number as parent, guardian, or custodian
• The school district where your child lives
• A simple description of the type of education your child is receiving
• Your signature and the date signed

Return it to the school attendance officer where your child lives on or before August 15 of each year. School attendance officers are employed by the Mississippi Department of Education. If the attendance officer sends you written notice that you are out of compliance, the law gives you 10 days to comply.

Mississippi has two pathways under Miss. Code Ann. 37-13-91.

Pathway 1: Legitimate Home Instruction Program. You educate your child at home and return the certificate of enrollment each year by August 15. This is the pathway this guide describes.

Pathway 2: Non-Public School. Your child attends a nonpublic school. The school's principal or headmaster completes the certificate of enrollment and returns it to the school attendance officer by August 15.

For either pathway, the law sets no state rules for subjects, testing, instructional time, or teacher qualifications.

Set an August reminder. The certificate of enrollment is due on or before August 15 every year.

Keep a portfolio. The Department of Education recommends a portfolio for each child with samples of activities, assignments, projects, and assessments, plus a log of books and materials used. It is not required, but it is useful for college applications or a return to public school.

Start a transcript in 9th grade. Record course names, credits, and grades as you go so your high schooler has a clear record.

Look into the ESA for special needs. Mississippi's Education Scholarship Account program is for students who have had an active IEP within the past three years. Families sign an agreement to provide an organized educational program with measurable annual goals. Check with the Mississippi Department of Education for current terms before you apply.

Ask about sports and activities. If your child wants to join public school sports or activities, ask your local school district about eligibility.