Mississippi is one of the easiest states in the country to homeschool in. Seriously. If you’ve been putting off the decision because you’re worried about red tape, this article is going to surprise you.
Here’s what you’ll learn: the one thing you actually have to do, what you don’t have to do, and how to set your child up for success along the way.
What Is Homeschooling in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, homeschooling is legally called a “legitimate home instruction program.” That’s just a fancy way of saying you’re educating your child at home instead of sending them to public or private school.
The law is found in Mississippi Code §37-13-91. It says any parent or legal guardian can homeschool their child. No special background needed. No teaching degree required. Pretty straightforward.
The only catch? Your program must be genuine. It can’t be set up just to get around compulsory attendance rules. But as long as you’re actually teaching your child, you’re good.
Who Has to Follow Mississippi Homeschool Laws?
Wondering if this applies to your family? Here’s the rule.
Compulsory attendance in Mississippi covers children ages 6 through 17. That means if your child falls in that age range, they must be in public school, private school, or a home instruction program.
There’s one small detail worth knowing. If your child turns 6 after September 1, you don’t have to register them until the following school year. So the birthday cutoff matters.
Once your child turns 18, the compulsory attendance law no longer applies. You’re free to continue homeschooling, but you’re not legally required to file any paperwork.
The One Requirement: Certificate of Enrollment
Okay, this is the big one. Pay attention here.
Every year, you must submit a Certificate of Enrollment to your local School Attendance Officer (SAO). That’s it. That is literally the only legal requirement to homeschool in Mississippi.
You need to file this form for each child between ages 6 and 17. The deadline is September 15 of each school year. You must sign the form in blue ink. Yes, blue ink specifically. The form asks for basic info: names, addresses, dates of birth, and a simple description of the type of education your children are receiving.
You don’t have to give your child’s Social Security number. That’s optional.
If you decide to pull your child from public school during the school year, file the Certificate of Enrollment right away. Don’t wait until September. Submit it before or at the same time you withdraw your child. This protects you from truancy accusations.
If you miss the September 15 deadline, don’t panic. Parents who are notified of a violation get 10 days to fix it. Just file the form as soon as possible.
No Teaching Credentials Needed
Most people are shocked by this one. You don’t need a teaching license. You don’t need a college degree. Mississippi has zero educational requirements for parents who want to homeschool.
You know your child best. The state trusts you to make the call.
This is one of the reasons Mississippi is known as one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country.
No Required Subjects
Here’s where it gets really interesting.
Mississippi does not tell you what to teach. There is no list of required subjects. No mandated curriculum. No approval process for the materials you choose.
Classical education? Great. Charlotte Mason approach? Go for it. Online programs? Totally fine. Unschooling? Also legal, as long as you file the Certificate of Enrollment.
The state does recommend that parents look at the Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards (MCCRS). These are the guidelines public schools follow. They’re a helpful reference if you want to make sure your child could return to public school smoothly someday. But following them is completely optional.
No Testing Required
You’re not alone if you assumed Mississippi required standardized tests. Most people think all states do. They don’t.
Mississippi has no standardized testing requirement for homeschool students. No state assessments. No scores to submit. None of it.
You decide how to measure your child’s progress. You set the pace. You choose the method.
That said, many homeschool families in Mississippi voluntarily use tests like the Iowa Test of Basic Skills or the Stanford Achievement Test. These help parents track progress and prepare kids for college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT down the road. Smart move, even if it’s not required.
No Required School Days or Hours
There is no required number of school days. There are no required instructional hours per day.
You set your own schedule. Year-round school? Fine. Four-day weeks? Also fine. Summer learning? Up to you.
The law references 180 instructional days for public schools, but that number doesn’t apply to homeschoolers. You run your program the way that works best for your family.
Recordkeeping: Not Required, But Recommended
Hold on, this part is important.
Mississippi law does not require you to keep records. But honestly, keeping good records is one of the smartest things you can do as a homeschool parent.
Here’s why. If your child ever returns to public school, records help with proper grade placement. If there’s ever a legal question about your child’s education, documentation protects you. And if your child is heading to college, they will need a high school transcript showing courses, credit hours, and grades from grades 9 through 12.
Recommended items to keep in a portfolio: work samples, reading lists, curriculum descriptions, attendance logs, and any test results. You can also create your own transcripts or enroll in an online program that provides them for you.
You set graduation requirements in Mississippi. You issue the diploma. A homeschool diploma carries the same legal weight as a diploma from a private school.
Special Circumstances: The ESA Program
Mississippi offers an Education Scholarship Account (ESA) for students with special needs. This program is called the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act and was passed in 2015.
If your child has had an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) within the last five years, they may qualify. The ESA provides funding you can use for private school tuition, specialized tutoring, textbooks, and therapy. The amount is typically in the range of $7,000 to $10,000 per year, though exact figures can vary.
Here’s the important part: if your child receives ESA funds, you don’t file the standard Certificate of Enrollment. Instead, you report through the ESA program’s own requirements, which include quarterly expense reports and an annual program description.
Contact the Mississippi Department of Education for current ESA eligibility and funding details.
What About Public School Sports?
This one has been a hot topic in Mississippi. Lots of families ask about it.
Right now, Mississippi does not have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschool students access to public school extracurricular activities. Access depends on the individual school district. Some districts allow it. Others don’t. It varies widely.
In early 2025, the Mississippi House of Representatives passed House Bill 1617, known as the Tim Tebow Act, by a vote of 76 to 26. The bill would have allowed homeschool students to participate in sports and other activities through the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA). Students would have needed to meet the same academic standards as public school athletes and pay the same activity fees.
Unfortunately, the Tim Tebow Act died in the Senate Education Committee during the 2025 session. It did not become law. Advocates say they will try again in future sessions.
For now, if your child wants to play public school sports, contact your local school district directly to ask about their policy.
How to Start Homeschooling in Mississippi
Sound complicated? It’s actually not.
Here are the steps to get started. First, decide to homeschool. No one needs to approve your decision. Second, locate your local School Attendance Officer. You can find their contact information on the Mississippi Department of Education website.
Third, download and complete the Home School Certificate of Enrollment form. Fill it out in blue ink. Fourth, mail or deliver it to your SAO by September 15. If you’re withdrawing your child from public school mid-year, file immediately. Fifth, choose your curriculum and start teaching.
That’s really it. Five steps. One form. You’re a homeschool family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission from anyone to start homeschooling in Mississippi?
No. You do not need approval from the school district or the state. Just file the Certificate of Enrollment with your local School Attendance Officer.
What happens if I miss the September 15 deadline?
You’ll be notified of the violation and given 10 days to comply. File the form as soon as possible to avoid any truancy issues.
Can I homeschool if I never graduated high school?
Yes. Mississippi has no educational requirements for homeschool parents. There is no minimum education level required.
Does my homeschool need to be accredited?
No. Accreditation is not required. Some families choose accredited programs for added credibility or to make college applications easier, but it’s entirely optional.
Can my homeschooled child get a GED or diploma?
You as the parent issue the diploma when your child completes their home instruction program. If your child wants a GED instead, they can take the GED test independently. Contact the Mississippi Department of Education for GED testing locations.
What if my child wants to return to public school?
Contact your local school district. Having records and a portfolio will help with proper grade placement. The Mississippi Department of Education recommends parents keep work samples and curriculum records for exactly this reason.
Is unschooling legal in Mississippi?
Yes. Unschooling is legal as long as you file the Certificate of Enrollment each year. The state does not dictate your teaching method.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the truth about homeschooling in Mississippi. It’s one of the simplest setups in the entire country. One form. One deadline. No testing, no required subjects, no teaching credentials.
Most people are surprised by how little red tape there is. You’re not alone in thinking it would be harder. The good news is, it isn’t.
Stay current on any new legislation, especially around school sports access. That landscape is still changing. And when in doubt, check in with your local School Attendance Officer or a homeschool organization like the Mississippi Home Educators Association (MHEA). They know the details cold.
You’ve got this.
References
- Mississippi Code Ann. §37-13-91 – Compulsory School Attendance Law: https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/section-37-13-91/
- Mississippi Department of Education – Home School Page: https://mdek12.org/ocsa/home-school/
- Mississippi Home Educators Association (MHEA) – Mississippi Law FAQ: https://www.mhea.net/mississippi-law
- Mississippi Today – House Passes Tim Tebow Act (February 2025): https://mississippitoday.org/2025/02/11/house-passes-tim-tebow-act-to-allow-homeschoolers-to-play-sports/
- Hattiesburg Patriot – What Passed and What Died in the 2025 Session: https://hattiesburgpatriot.com/area-news/mississippi-legislature-what-passed-what-died-and-whats-still-lingering-from-the-2025-session/
