--- title: Homeschooling kids who learn and think differently description: Since COVID, many more families are homeschooling. But how does homeschooling work? Read how state law regulates homeschooling and what to know about homeschooling kids with learning disabilities or learning differences. slug: the-pros-and-cons-of-homeschooling author: Gail Belsky reviewer: Andrew M.I. Lee, JD published: '2019-08-05T15:49:58.204Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/5seIbkotVnp5ckCL2bnRg2/a516f5d351d7cb5e132db27649ec720e/G1222035013.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-homeschooling lang: en --- # Homeschooling kids who learn and think differently Homeschooling is on the rise. If you know kids who are homeschooled, or if you’re thinking of teaching your own child at home, you may wonder how it works — especially for kids who learn and think differently. First, it’s important to know that homeschooling isn’t public school from home. It’s education that takes place outside of the public school system. (Kids still need to meet state standards, though.) Since COVID, many more families are homeschooling. In the first year of the pandemic, the number of families teaching from home jumped from 5.4 percent to 11 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Parents homeschool for different reasons. Some want a certain type of education for their child. Others do it for religious reasons. And many choose homeschooling because their child struggles in traditional school settings. Some kids who learn and think differently do well with homeschooling. But it’s important to know that public schools may or may not provide special education services to kids who are homeschooled.  ## Rules and requirements for homeschooling Homeschooling is regulated by state law and is allowed in all 50 states (as well as all U.S. territories). But each state has its own legal rules and requirements. Some have strict laws and require a lot of paperwork to homeschool. Others require much less.  Here are some of the requirements you might see: - **Notice:** Most, but not all, states require parents to notify the state or local school district if they’re going to homeschool. - **Parent qualifications:** Some states require parents to have a certain level of education, like a high school diploma, if they want to homeschool their child. - **Record keeping:** Some states require parents to keep records, like grades and attendance, and submit them. - **Instruction and core subjects:** Many states require parents to have homeschool classes for a minimum number of days or hours per year, or to teach their child core subjects, like reading and math. - **Tests:** Several states require homeschooled kids to take standardized tests or other assessments every few years. Find out about [homeschooling requirements](https://hslda.org/legal) for different states.  ## Homeschooling and school services Under federal law, all states (and school districts) must find and evaluate homeschooled kids who may need special education. But they can choose whether to require kids to attend public school to get those services. A few states offer traditional IEPs to homeschooled kids. An IEP entitles a child to services, just like in a public school. In other states, local school districts will typically offer a service plan. This is like an IEP but provides less.  Some states don’t require school districts to provide special education to homeschooled kids at all. If parents want services, they have to send their kids to public school. Other states let local districts decide whether to provide services to homeschoolers. Learn more about special education laws in your area through your state’s [Parent Training and Information Center](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/parent-training-centers-a-free-resource).  ## Social interaction with other kids A common concern about homeschooling is the effect it has on kids’ social skills. Many kids who learn and think differently have trouble with social interactions. Homeschooling may reduce the social anxiety some kids feel at school. But building social skills is an important part of school. That’s especially true for kids who have a hard time connecting socially. Homeschooling families need to find other ways for their child to spend time with peers. Community youth groups or sports programs are just two examples of how kids can connect and form friendships outside of school. Plus, some school districts let homeschoolers participate in the district’s extracurricular clubs and sports. Ask your district what its policy is. Learn [why some kids struggle socially](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/trouble-with-social-skills).  ## For parents: Deciding on homeschooling Deciding whether to homeschool can be hard. There’s a lot to consider as a parent, especially if your child learns and thinks differently. For example, can you pay for supports like assistive technology that the school might give for free? How will homeschooling affect your child socially? And does your child need special education services? It can help to talk to other local parents who homeschool and hear about their experiences. But what works for one family may not work for others. In the end, the decision comes down to what you think is best for your child. Read about [factors to consider while deciding on homeschooling](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/deciding-on-homeschooling-considerations). Hear from [a young adult with dyslexia who was homeschooled as a child](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/my-story-of-being-homeschooled-with-dyslexia-and-auditory-processing-disorder). --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [Deciding on homeschooling? 3 things to consider](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/deciding-on-homeschooling-considerations) - Thinking about homeschooling? Home education can be a good option for some kids who learn and think differently. But its important to be aware of what it means to not be in the public school system. For example, homeschooling often comes with added expenses. Things most schools provide for free may - [Public resources available to homeschoolers](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/public-resources-available-to-homeschoolers) - - Some states allow homeschoolers to participate in public school classes and extracurricular activities. - In other states, the decision is left up to individual school districts. - Check with your school district to find out what resources are available. Homeschooling can be a good option for - [When grandparents are caregivers or guardians of kids who learn and think differently](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/when-grandparents-are-caregivers-or-guardians-of-kids-who-learn-and-think-differently) - - Many grandparents are caregivers or guardians of kids who learn and think differently. - Grandparents can face unique challenges at home and also at their grandchilds school. - When grandparents find a support network for themselves, it can help their grandchild thrive. 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