Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Mississippi

Here is exactly what Mississippi requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
Regular instruction
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Not required

Mississippi homeschool requirements

  • Notification: File a certificate of enrollment with your county school attendance officer by September 15 each year.
  • Required subjects: No specific subject list is mandated; families typically cover language arts, math, science, and social studies.
  • Teacher requirement: No teacher certification is required to teach your own children.
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: No standardized testing is required by the state.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification.

Getting started in Mississippi

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum for the subjects you’ll teach.
  4. Check your eligibility for Empowerment Scholarship Account, and start keeping receipts for anything you buy for school.
  5. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Mississippi

Mississippi homeschool families may be eligible for Empowerment Scholarship Account. Programs like this reimburse or directly fund approved purchases - curriculum, tutoring, testing, and often therapies - against categories the program sets, and every claim has to be documented with receipts. Application windows and award amounts change year to year, so check the official program page before you plan around them.

  • Empowerment Scholarship Account - Administered by Mississippi Department of Education. Typically covers private school tuition & required fees, curriculum & instructional materials, tutoring services, therapies & special education services, educational technology, testing & assessment. Every claim needs a receipt, and some categories need approval before you buy. Official information: https://www.mdek12.org/osa/empowermentscholarship

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Mississippi?
File a certificate of enrollment with your county school attendance officer by September 15 each year.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No - there is no teacher-certification requirement.
Is standardized testing required?
No - Mississippi does not mandate standardized testing.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi runs Empowerment Scholarship Account. Eligibility, award amounts, and application windows are set by the program and change year to year, so confirm the current rules on the official page before you rely on them.
What subjects must I teach in Mississippi?
Mississippi does not set a required subject list. Most families cover language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and add subjects to suit the child.
How many days or hours of instruction does Mississippi require?
Mississippi does not set a specific hours or days requirement for homeschoolers. Keeping a simple record of instruction is still worthwhile if your circumstances change.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Mississippi instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

Start free →

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Mississippi department of education or county superintendent.