Solutions for Military Homeschoolers

Military families face unique educational challenges due to frequent relocations and inconsistent state homeschooling laws, which disrupt learning and strain family stability — impacting mission readiness. These families homeschool at nearly twice the civilian rate, and must navigate varying state requirements with each PCS move, from minimal oversight to strict standards. These burdens can force service members to choose between service and education. The fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act highlighted support gaps, and while more than 30 states offer homeschool access policies, expanding military-specific provisions could ease stress, improve retention and better support these families.

Twenty states allow homeschool students full access to interscholastic activities. An additional five states permit participation with local district approval, while five others require part-time or dual enrollment. In contrast, 21 states restrict access by requiring full-time enrollment or “bona fide” student status, effectively barring homeschoolers from participating.