Questions about accreditation and state homeschooling laws are among our most common. They are complex issues and it's not easy to find clear and straight forward answers.

The clarification of myths and answers to typical questions found on this page will act as a guide in your search for the truth regarding the legality of homeschooling your child. The underlying truth of all of this is that if you follow each of the steps your state requires, your home and your homeschool will be given the same recognition as any other public school!

All Public Schools in the United States are accredited by the Federal Government.

Most American public schools (elementary, middle and high) are not accredited by any federally approved agency. They are "recognized" as legitimate by the departments of education of the states in which they are located.

Is The Trent Schools an accredited institution?

There is no accrediting agency recognized by states or by the
United States Department of Education that grants recognition to
homeschool programs. Not one! By applied definitions, no homeschool program can ever be classified as accredited.

So how can I legally homeschool?

Just as most American public schools are "recognized" as legitimate by the department of education of the states in which they are located, so can your home as a homeschool.

Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding homeschooling. Most states have homeschool friendly laws, while a few states attempt to make it difficult for families to begin. However, even in these locations, homeschooling is possible if you take all the right steps.

Your best protection against local barriers to homeschooling is to know your state's laws and regulations before you first contact your local school district (even this isn't required in all states). Many school districts will ask for information that isn’t even required by the state, so it’s a good idea to be knowledgeable.

We advise and strongly encourage every homeschooling family to check out The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). The HSLDA is an advocacy organization for homeschooling. It is the best place to go to check on your state's home-schooling laws and regulations.

Click on the following link to take you to the HSLDA: http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/default.asp

Once there, follow these steps:

1) Click on your state on the map or on the list and you will be taken to a page with recent news and events on homeschooling in your state.

2) Click on the LAWS link near the top of the page on the right side in the RESOURCES section and you will be taken to a page with specific information about your state's homeschooling laws.

3) Click on the LEGAL ANALYSIS of your state's homeschooling laws. This will open up a PDF file that has a comprehensive breakdown of your state's regulations and guidelines.

Make sure to print and carry this information with you whenever dealing with your local school district. The facts you find on the HSLDA website are correct, current and valid.

My homeschool was accredited by an online service.

There are many self-acclaimed and profit-making organizations that provide accreditation to homeschooling services, however, none of them is recognized by our federal government or by your state. Trent regards them as vanity agencies whose primary function may be to create an illusion of official approval and sanction. We, as most other reputable homeschooling institutions, choose not to participate.