How to Start Homeschooling in Mississippi
Are you thinking about making the switch to homeschooling? You’re in luck — the Magnolia State is a great place to begin your home education journey.
Homeschooling in Mississippi only has a few requirements you need to follow. Overall, the homeschooling laws are minimal and allow for plenty of customization. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to homeschool in MS!
Homeschooling in Mississippi at a Glance
Mississippi – The Magnolia State
| Required Age | 6-17 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | None required |
| Time Requirements | None |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | None |
| Financial Assistance Available | No |
Parent Qualifications
The homeschool laws in Mississippi do not define any qualifications for parents who want to homeschool.
Notice of Intent
The only thing that the State of Mississippi requires you to do is submit a certificate of enrollment. You can request this from your local school attendance officer. You’ll need to fill one out for each child aged 6-17, and complete the form in blue ink.
Your certificate of enrollment should include:
- Your child’s name and date of birth
- Your address and phone number
- A simple description of the education you plan to provide
These forms need to be turned in by September 15th of each year. If you start to homeschool in the middle of the year, you’ll need to submit the certificate of enrollment before withdrawing your child.
Attendance
There are no attendance requirements for homeschoolers in Mississippi. Parents can provide as many instruction hours and days as they feel are necessary.
Homeschool Curriculum
There are no curriculum regulations or required subjects for homeschool programs in Mississippi. It’s up to parents to provide their own homeschool curriculum. However, the state does recommend that parents check out the Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards (MCCRS).
The MCCRS provides clear guidelines for what students should be able to do and what they should know at each grade level. Following the MCCRS will also come in handy if your child needs to return to a public school district.
Accredited Homeschool Programs
If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum!
Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. The good news is, Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is fully accredited by the ACS-WASC! When you homeschool with our program, you can rest assured that your student will be getting a great educational experience.
Testing
Homeschool students in Mississippi are not required to participate in state testing. However, students who are planning to attend college should still take entrance exams, such as the SAT and ACT, as many colleges still require them.
Record Keeping
Mississippi homeschool laws do not require record keeping. However, the Department of Education does recommend that parents keep some records. A homeschool portfolio is a great way to keep important items safe and organized. Things to put in a portfolio include:
- Attendance records
- Test scores
- List of courses taken
- List of course materials used
- Some of your child’s best work
Transcripts
Students who plan to go to college will need a high school transcript to apply. Keeping a portfolio for grades 9-12 is a good way to ensure you can make a transcript. Transcripts often include all courses taken, credit hours, and final grades earned from freshman to senior year.
You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
In Mississippi, parents are able to decide when their student is ready to graduate. This presents a unique opportunity for high school students to take classes in areas of their career interests.
When a student graduates from homeschool, they often receive a homeschool diploma from their parents. Some students opt to take the GED, which is recognized as a high school diploma equivalency in all 50 states. Eligible students aged 18 and older (or with parent permission) can take the test.
Financial Resources
At this time, there are no state resources available for Mississippi homeschool families.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Mississippi, check out:
- Mississippi Home Educators Association for homeschool groups
- Home School page from the Mississippi Department of Education
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you find the answers you need.
Please keep in mind that the information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Mississippi homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
What are the requirements for homeschooling in Mississippi?
The law only requires a certificate of enrollment for homeschooled students. There are no laws dictating when, what, or how you teach. All you need to do after filing the certificate is find a curriculum and begin teaching.
Can you unschool in Mississippi?
Yes. Unschooling is legal in Mississippi as long as you file a certificate of enrollment.
Information accurate as of: 06/10/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.