Homeschooling, minus the guesswork.

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. Each state writes its own rules, though, so what you need to do depends on where you live.

It depends on your state. Broadly, states fall into a few groups:

• No notice. A handful of states don't ask you to notify anyone at all.
• Notice only. Many states ask for a written notice, often called a letter or notice of intent, sent to your local school district or the state department of education.
• Notice plus more. Some states also ask for things like a list of subjects, attendance records, standardized test scores or a yearly portfolio review.

Rules change, so check your own state's current requirements before you start (see Where do I find my state's rules?).

It's a short written notice telling your school district or state education department that you're going to homeschool. In states that ask for one, it usually includes:

• Your child's name and age (sometimes grade)
• Your name and address
• The date you're starting
• Sometimes the subjects you'll cover or who will be teaching

Some states give you a form; others accept a simple letter. Many want it within a set number of days of starting, and some want it again every year. Keep a copy, and send it in a way you can prove, such as email or certified mail.

Don't just stop sending them. In states that require notice, file it first, then withdraw your child from their school in writing. If they simply stop attending, the school may count them as absent, and that can start truancy letters. Ask the school for a copy of their records while you're there.

In almost every state, no. A few states ask that the teaching parent have a high school diploma or equivalent, or offer another way to qualify. You don't need to be a certified teacher to homeschool your own children.

Some states list required subjects (often reading, writing, math, science and social studies) and a minimum number of days or hours a year. Others set no subjects or schedule at all. Beyond what your state requires, you choose: the curriculum, the pace and the schedule.

Only in some states. Where assessment is required, families can often choose between a standardized test, a review of the child's work by a qualified teacher, or another evaluation, usually at certain grades or once a year.

Even where your state asks for nothing, good records protect you and help later. Keep:

• Your letter of intent and any replies
• Attendance or a simple log of school days
• What you used: books, courses and classes
• Samples of your child's work through the year
• Grades and any test results

These make it much easier to write a transcript, move to another state, or return to school.

There's no single right answer. Families mix complete boxed curricula, online courses, library books, co-ops, community classes and small-group classes with other families. Many start with one or two core subjects and add the rest as they find their rhythm.

Most homeschooled kids learn alongside others. Co-ops, sports leagues, library programs, scouting, music and art lessons, and small-group classes all give regular time with other children. Some states also let homeschoolers join public school sports or classes; ask your district.

In most states the parent keeps the high school records and can issue the diploma and transcript. Colleges admit homeschooled students regularly. Keep course descriptions, grades and credits as you go, and consider SAT or ACT scores, community college or dual-enrollment classes to round out an application. Check each college's homeschool admissions page.

Yes. The school decides grade placement and which credits it accepts, and it may ask for records or a placement test, which is where the records above help.

Public schools have a duty to find and evaluate children who may need special education, homeschooled children included. Whether services are offered to homeschoolers varies by state and district, so ask your district what it provides.

Start with your state department of education's website and search for "home education" or "home instruction". The Home School Legal Defense Association keeps a summary of every state's laws at hslda.org/legal, and many states have a statewide homeschool association that can walk you through the steps.