The bachelor's degree requirement refers to specific educational qualifications needed to homeschool in some states. While most states don’t require a degree, a few do offer it as a path to qualify for homeschooling.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What’s the bachelor's degree requirement?
The bachelor's degree requirement is a rule found in a few state laws about homeschooling. No state says you must have a degree to homeschool, but some do list it as a way to qualify. For example, North Dakota requires parents to have a bachelor's degree or a teaching certificate, but they can skip this if they have religious reasons. Most states let any parent homeschool, showing that they trust parents to guide their kids' learning.
States with educational requirements
Ten states have some form of educational requirements for parents. States like Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina need parents to have at least a high school diploma or GED—no exceptions. Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington have similar needs but allow some waivers. North Dakota is stricter, needing a degree or teaching certificate, though this can be waived for religious reasons. Tennessee requires qualifications for high school teaching. In California, Kansas, and New York, parents just need to show they are 'competent' or 'capable' without specific standards.
Alternatives for parents without degrees
If you don’t meet your state’s educational requirements, don’t worry—there are options! Umbrella schools, also known as cover schools, enroll your child as a private student while you teach at home. This meets attendance laws without needing parent qualifications. Some states allow supervised homeschooling with a certified teacher. In Minnesota, you can take competency tests instead of needing a degree. Plus, North Dakota has religious exemptions. Online curricula with teacher support can also help you meet qualifications and provide quality education.
The bottom line
Your education background is less important than your commitment to your child's learning. With 40 states not requiring qualifications and many alternative paths in stricter states, homeschooling is open to almost all families. If your state has requirements, look into umbrella schools or supervision options first. Many families without college degrees successfully educate their kids using great curricula and support. The law strongly supports parental rights in education—what truly matters is your dedication and willingness to learn with your child.
