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Want to homeschool in Mississippi? Great choice! In my experience helping families navigate homeschool laws across all 50 states, the Magnolia State is one of the easiest states to homeschool in. The rules are simple. You have total freedom.
After more than a decade of tracking homeschool legislation, I can tell you Mississippi’s approach is refreshing. Just file one form each year. That’s it. No curriculum rules. No testing. No teacher requirements. Mississippi trusts parents to educate their kids.
This guide covers everything you need to start. Let’s walk through the steps together.
Why Homeschool in Mississippi?
Mississippi is one of the best states for homeschooling. The laws are minimal. The freedom is maximum. Here’s why families love it:
- Minimal paperwork – Just one form per year
- No curriculum rules – Teach what you want, how you want
- No testing required – Skip standardized tests if you prefer
- No record keeping rules – Keep records for yourself, not the state
- Sports access – Homeschoolers can play public school sports
- Strong community – Active homeschool groups across the state
- Low cost of living – Stretch your curriculum budget further
Mississippi respects parent rights. The state trusts you to educate your children. No government oversight. No home visits. No approval process.
Compare this to states like New York or Pennsylvania. Those states require testing, curriculum approval, and quarterly reports. Mississippi asks for none of that.
Mississippi Homeschool Laws at a Glance
Mississippi keeps homeschool rules simple. Here’s a quick look at what the state requires:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Recognized as legitimate school option |
| Notification | File Certificate of Enrollment annually |
| Subjects Required | None specified by law |
| Testing/Assessment | Not required |
| Record Keeping | Not required by law |
| Compulsory Age | 6-17 years old |
| Required Days | None specified |
Step-by-Step: Starting Homeschool in Mississippi
Step 1: Know the Basic Rules
Kids ages 6-17 must be in school in Mississippi. Homeschool counts as school. You just need to file one form each year.
That form is called a Certificate of Enrollment. It tells the state you are homeschooling. You do not need permission. You just file it and you’re good to go.
There are no other rules. Teach what you want. Use any books. Test or don’t test. It’s up to you.
Step 2: File Your Certificate of Enrollment
File your form by September 15 each year. If you start mid-year, file before you begin teaching. Send it to your local school district.
What to include on the form:
- A name for your homeschool (you pick it)
- Your children’s names and ages
- Your name and address
- A brief note about what you’ll teach
This is not a request. It’s a notice. The district cannot say no. Filing this form makes you legal.
Some districts have their own form. Others accept a simple letter. Call your district office to ask what they prefer.
Step 3: Pick Your Curriculum
Mississippi has no curriculum rules at all. Teach what you want. Use what works. Here are your options:
- Buy a boxed curriculum (all subjects in one package)
- Mix books from different publishers
- Use free online resources
- Do unit studies or project-based learning
- Create your own approach from scratch
Most families teach reading, writing, math, science, and history. These subjects help kids succeed in college or careers. But Mississippi does not require them.
Start simple. You can always add more later. Many new homeschool families try to do too much at first.
Step 4: Start Teaching
Once you file your form, you can start right away. No waiting period. No approval needed.
Mississippi does not require you to keep records. But keeping some records is smart. They help you track progress. They make life easier when your child applies to college.
Simple records to keep:
- A basic log of school days
- Samples of your child’s work
- A list of books and curricula used
- Notes about field trips and activities
A simple binder or folder works great. Update it monthly so it stays manageable.
Required Subjects in Mississippi
Good news: there are none! Mississippi does not tell you what to teach. You have complete freedom.
Most families cover these core subjects anyway:
- Reading and Writing – The foundation for all learning
- Math – Basic skills through algebra and beyond
- Science – How the world works
- History – US and world history
- Health and PE – Keeping kids active and healthy
These subjects prepare kids for college and careers. If your child wants to go to college, check what that school requires. Plan your high school courses around those needs.
Testing and Assessment Requirements
Mississippi has no testing rules. You decide how to check your child’s progress. Many families skip formal tests altogether.
Some parents like to test anyway. Tests can help you:
- See how your child compares to others
- Find areas that need more work
- Practice for college entrance exams
- Feel confident your teaching is working
If you want to test, here are good options:
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
- Stanford Achievement Test
- California Achievement Test (CAT)
You can order these online. Give the test at home. No proctor needed.
Record Keeping Requirements
The only required paperwork is your annual Certificate of Enrollment. That’s it. Mississippi trusts you to handle the rest.
But smart record keeping helps you. Here’s what to save:
- A copy of your filed Certificate
- A simple attendance log
- Your curriculum list each year
- Work samples from each subject
- Report cards or progress notes
- Awards and achievements
- Volunteer hours
These records matter most in high school. You’ll need them to make transcripts for college applications. Start the habit early so it’s easy later.
Mississippi Homeschool Resources
State Organizations
- HSLDA Mississippi Page – Legal requirements and support
- Mississippi Department of Education – Official state agency
- Mississippi Homeschoolers Facebook Group – Community networking and support
Regional Support Groups
Homeschool groups exist across Mississippi. Here are the main regions:
- Jackson Area – Many co-ops and support groups
- Gulf Coast – Biloxi, Gulfport, Hattiesburg
- North Mississippi – Tupelo, Oxford area
- Central Mississippi – Meridian and the east
Search Facebook for local homeschool groups. Most areas have at least one. These groups offer field trips, play dates, and advice from experienced parents.
Co-ops and Enrichment
Co-ops are groups where families share teaching. Parents take turns leading classes. Kids learn together and make friends.
Mississippi co-ops offer:
- Weekly group classes in hard subjects
- Sports teams and PE programs
- Art, music, and drama
- 4-H clubs statewide
- Dual enrollment at community colleges
Co-ops cost money. Fees vary from $50 to several hundred per semester. But the social and academic benefits are worth it for many families.
Dual Enrollment Opportunities
High school students can take college classes. This saves money and gives students a head start. Mississippi community colleges welcome homeschoolers.
Popular options for dual enrollment:
- Hinds Community College – Largest in the state, multiple locations
- East Mississippi Community College – Online and in-person classes
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – Coastal region
- Northwest Mississippi Community College – Northern region
- Itawamba Community College – Northeast Mississippi
Students usually start dual enrollment at age 16. Some colleges accept younger students with high test scores. Call admissions to learn their requirements.
Benefits of dual enrollment:
- Earn college credits while in high school
- Get used to college before enrolling full-time
- Save thousands on tuition costs
- Strengthen college applications
- Access labs and equipment homeschools lack
Special Situations
Withdrawing from Public School
Taking your child out of public school? Here are the steps:
- File your Certificate of Enrollment with the district
- Write a letter to the school saying you’re withdrawing
- Ask for copies of your child’s records
- Start homeschooling
You can withdraw any time. Mid-year is fine. Once your certificate is filed, you’re legal. The school cannot stop you.
High School and Graduation
You set your own graduation rules. You create your own diploma. Mississippi does not give diplomas to homeschoolers.
High school tips:
- Research college requirements early
- Make a four-year plan
- Keep detailed records for transcripts
- Have your child take the ACT or SAT
- Track sports, clubs, and volunteer work
- Get recommendation letters from coaches or mentors
- Design and print your own diploma
Mississippi colleges accept homeschool graduates. Most want ACT or SAT scores plus your transcript. Contact admissions early to learn what they need.
Special Needs
Homeschooling works great for kids with special needs. You control the pace. You pick the methods. You adjust based on what works.
Benefits for special needs families:
- Go as fast or slow as your child needs
- Use curriculum made for different learning styles
- Hire private therapists and tutors
- Join special needs homeschool groups
- Set goals that make sense for your child
You can’t access public school special ed services. But many families find homeschool freedom is better than IEP meetings and paperwork.
Resources for special needs homeschoolers in Mississippi:
- SPED Homeschool – National organization with Mississippi connections
- Local therapy centers that work with homeschool schedules
- Facebook groups for Mississippi special needs homeschoolers
- Mississippi Autism Society for autism resources
Many therapists and specialists prefer working with homeschool families. Flexible schedules mean appointments during off-peak hours. This often means shorter wait times too.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I file my Certificate of Enrollment?
File by September 15 each year. If you start mid-year, file before you begin teaching. Send it to your local school district. You must file every year.
Do I need special qualifications to homeschool?
No. You don’t need a degree. You don’t need a teaching certificate. Any parent can homeschool in Mississippi. There are no requirements.
Can homeschoolers play public school sports?
Yes! Mississippi has the Equal Opportunity for Students Act. This law lets homeschoolers join public school sports and activities. Contact your local school to sign up.
Do colleges accept homeschool transcripts?
Yes. Mississippi colleges accept parent-made transcripts. Most want ACT or SAT scores too. Some ask for course descriptions. Call admissions to learn what they need.
How do I get a diploma?
You make your own diploma. Decide your graduation requirements. Track completed courses. Then design and print a diploma certificate. There’s no state diploma for homeschoolers.
Start Your Mississippi Homeschool Journey Today
Ready to start? Here’s your action plan:
- File your Certificate of Enrollment with the district
- Pick a curriculum that fits your family
- Set up your learning space
- Join a local homeschool group
- Start teaching!
Mississippi makes homeschooling easy. One form per year. Complete freedom. You’ve got this!
Related State Guides
Curious about nearby states? Check out our guides:
- How to Homeschool in Alabama – Multiple homeschool options available
- How to Homeschool in Louisiana – Home study program with simple requirements
- How to Homeschool in Tennessee – Low regulation state with optional umbrella schools
- How to Homeschool in Arkansas – Simple annual notice required
Each state has different rules. Compare them to find the best fit for your family.
Official Resources
- Mississippi Department of Education – Official state requirements
- HSLDA Mississippi – Legal guidance and support
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