Q:

Can anyone homeschool in Mississippi?

A:

Yes. Any parent is permitted by law to teach his or her own children in a home instruction program. The state has a minimal amount of regulation that families must follow to legally home school. A legitimate home instruction program is defined as one that is not “operated for the purpose of avoiding or circumventing the compulsory attendance law.

Q:

What kind of paperwork does Mississippi require?

A:

By September 15 of each year, parents are required to submit a certificate of enrollment for each child age 6-17 by September 1. (If you have children older or younger, you are not required to submit a certificate for them.) The certificate card – available from your city or county school attendance officer – should include names, address, and telephone number of parents and children, dates of birth of children, and a “simple description of the type of education the children are receiving.” You are not required by law to give your child’s Social Security number. The card must be returned to the school attendance officer.

In the event the child has been enrolled in a public school he must file a Certificate of Enrollment with the local attendance within 15 calendar days after the first day of the school year for the school district where the child resides. If the decision to homeschool the child is made during the school year, they may at that time enroll the child in a legitimate home instruction program and send the certificate of enrollment to the school attendance officer, even though they missed the September deadline.Parents, guardians, or custodians of a child who are found in violation of this law are given 10 days after receiving a written notice to comply with the law. 

Q:

Does HEARTS provide a homeschool curriclum for my child?

A:

No, HEARTS does not provide a homeschool curriculum for your child.  HEARTS is a support group that provide opportunities such as activities and encouragement.  Visit our links page to find some suggestions on curricula.