Homeschooling in Mississippi.

Who must attend

Mississippi's compulsory attendance law covers children who turn 6 on or before September 1 and have not turned 17 on or before September 1. A legitimate home instruction program is one of the lawful ways to meet it.

Certificate of enrollment

Each year you home school, return a certificate of enrollment to the school attendance officer for the district where your child lives, on or before August 15. The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) provides the form.

What the form asks

Your child's name, address, phone number and date of birth; your name, address and phone number; your school district; a simple description of your child's education; and your signature and the date.

If you get a notice

If the attendance officer sends written notice that you're out of compliance, you have 10 days to comply.

What the state doesn't control

The law protects your right to choose your child's education. The state doesn't control the operation, curriculum, admissions or discipline of a home instruction program. No state testing is required.

Records to keep

Keep a copy of every certificate you file. Many families also keep a simple portfolio of work, which is a good habit but not required by law.

Starting during the school year

If your child was enrolled in public school, you can switch to home instruction later in the year by filing a certificate of enrollment with the attendance officer.

Older students

After your child passes compulsory age, a certificate is accepted only if they were already being home schooled before reaching that age.