A homeschool affidavit is a legal document that parents sign to notify education authorities that they will educate their children at home. It varies by state and may require notarization.
Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024). 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 is a homeschool affidavit?
A homeschool affidavit is a legal document that parents sign. This document tells your state or local school authority that you plan to educate your children at home. It's different from a simple notice because it carries more legal power. If you sign it, you’re doing so under penalty of perjury. This affidavit shows you’re following your state’s homeschooling laws, supports your right to homeschool, and keeps your child from needing to attend public school. Not every state needs one, so check your local laws.
States that require homeschool affidavits
Some states need a homeschool affidavit. For example:
- Arizona: You must file a notarized Affidavit of Intent within 30 days of starting to homeschool.
- California: You need to submit a Private School Affidavit (PSA) every October.
- Pennsylvania: A notarized affidavit is required before starting and each year by August 1.
- Florida: This state needs a Home Education Affidavit notarized.
- Utah: As of 2025, just a one-time notice to your local school board is enough. Many states have no affidavit rules, so always check your specific state’s laws.
What to include in your affidavit
Each state has its own rules, but most homeschool affidavits include similar info. You’ll typically need:
- Your child's full name, age, date of birth, and grade level.
- Your own details like name, address, phone number, and sometimes your education background.
- A brief description of your curriculum or educational plan.
- A statement confirming you’ll meet the required instructional hours, which can vary by state (like Pennsylvania’s 180 days and 900-990 hours).
- Certification that you’ll keep the required records. Some states, like Pennsylvania, require a background check too. Don’t forget to sign and notarize it if needed.
Affidavit vs. notice of intent
People often confuse these terms, but they’re not the same. A notice of intent is just a letter telling authorities you plan to homeschool. It’s simpler, usually doesn’t need a notary, and is less formal. A homeschool affidavit, on the other hand, is a legal document. It’s sworn under penalty of perjury and typically needs notarization. This is important because an affidavit can have serious consequences if you provide false information. If you’re unsure about what your state needs, check the state’s Department of Education website or consult groups like HSLDA.
The bottom line
A homeschool affidavit is your formal way of telling the state you’re responsible for your child's education. Whether you need one depends on where you live—some states have strict rules while others don’t. If your state needs an affidavit, make sure you file it on time and keep copies. Missing deadlines or not filling it out correctly can cause issues with your local school district. Take time to research your state’s requirements before starting your homeschooling journey to avoid problems later on.
