Learn about the HSLDA

HSLDA-What is the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and how can it help you?
The summer before I began homeschooling I took a three hour class that helped me learn how to manage my time as a homeschooler, how to transition to homeschooling from being a full-time Stay at home mom and even how to homeschool multiple ages. I had heard of HSLDA but really didn’t know much about them. Furthermore, spending $100 a year to join seemed a little steep. So when the opportunity came to ask questions about homeschooling I asked the woman if she had heard of them. “I wouldn’t homeschool without them.” She said.

I was surprised by the emphatic response and so I asked her to elaborate. Everything I heard from her I also found to be true. HSLDA is a wonderful organization that provides legal help for parents who are legally homeschooling their children. They also represent the needs of homeschoolers to state and national legislators [as well as around the world].

Legally Homeschool? Yes. Every state has different laws and different reporting requirements for homeschoolers. Failure to follow those laws can result in a simple request to comply all the way to the state removing a person’s children. It is important to know what the law states, what your obligations are and if there is pending legislation that presents a threat to your right to homeschool.

What I didn’t know about them, and have since learned, is that it is also a great resource for trends in homeschooling, ideas for activities, discounts on homeschool materials and encouragement for homeschoolers. Through their website and magazine homeschoolers can find out what is going on state by state. Homeschooled children can also participate in art contests, photography contests and other academic events specifically for homeschoolers.

I have found my membership to be a great comfort as well as a reservoir of refreshing. The staff is knowledgeable and when I’ve called to ask questions to be sure I’m complying with my state laws I’ve always received a prompt response. Conventions are great places to learn about new curriculums and local groups are wonderful ways to connect with homeschoolers but if you want to make sure you have the legal protection to homeschool there is nothing that I’ve found that can compare to with them.

What is the HSLDA and why do I need it