3 steps homeschool parents can take in 2025 to safeguard their rights
When it comes to protecting educational freedoms, parents may not always realize the most important advances take place locally – within states, communities, or sometimes even families.
“We…

When it comes to protecting educational freedoms, parents may not always realize the most important advances take place locally – within states, communities, or sometimes even families.
“We don’t have a national one-size-fits-all approach,” explains Kevin Boden, an attorney who works for the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).
“We really look at it state by state and say, for a particular state with this political makeup, with this homeschool law that’s existed there, with the case law that developed – what do we think is best for that state?”
Because these laws vary across states, it’s crucial for homeschool families to get involved now in their specific residence to maintain their existing rights for later generations, Boden argued.
“When I talk to folks new to homeschool, they don’t know that these freedoms were won through many legislative battles and court battles. If you’re going to consider what the future of homeschool freedom looks like, ask yourself, what are you doing to help protect the rights of your children and grandchildren to homeschool if they so choose?”
‘Greatest testament to homeschooling’
The first step for parents involves putting their children’s education first, Boden advises.
“The greatest testament to homeschooling, and really any institution, is the results that people see,” he said, noting this outshines other actions such as political engagement and advocacy.
“When your neighbors and those in your community see you, they say, ‘Wow, that’s you. These kids really are great kids.’ And of course, it’s just good for society when that happens.”
Homeschooling well takes even greater priority as other types of alternative educational options continue to gain momentum nationwide, according to Boden.
“The homeschool movement over the last 40 years has provided the soil in which all of these other models can really flourish and grow, because the laws are already on the books,” he said.
“The tent of homeschooling was fairly defined (before the COVID-19 pandemic), and it’s just become a much more crowded tent. And that’s not necessarily negative.”
The second step, joining state or regional homeschool associations, has the added benefit of building community networks and resources.
“Many states have some wonderful organizations,” Boden said, noting the examples of Homeschool South Dakota and FAIRSD in the Mount Rushmore State. “Both of those are active in this legislative session.”
Often these groups will email members if they see any legislation they consider problematic for homeschoolers.
“When HSLDA or other organizations send out alerts to say, hey, we think this bill is negative towards homeschooling, would you please consider contacting your representative?” Boden said. “Politicians are politicians, and they’re voted in and out – and constituent voices matter.”
The final step involves Capitol Days, or predetermined dates where homeschoolers will gather at their state capitols to meet legislators.
“Show up and let your representative know that you care,” Boden said, noting South Dakota has a Capitol Day scheduled for Jan. 23. “We encourage families to get to know their representatives and to be engaged with them – to not be afraid of, or foreign to, the political process.”
The Homeschool Freedom website lists the following Capitol Days in these states:
- Indiana – Jan. 23
- Kansas and New Mexico – Feb. 6
- Idaho – Feb. 12
- Minnesota – Feb. 13
- Arizona – Feb. 20
- Iowa – Feb. 24
- Texas – March 11, April 24, and May 7
- Maryland – March 13
- North Dakota – March 18
- Maine – April 9
- Louisiana – May 14
Finally, make sure to communicate your convictions politely in an era of increasing political polarization, according to Boden.
“Have a principled stand and understand that not everybody may have that principled stand, and we’ll probably both refine our positions for the better if we can engage in a good dialogue,” he said. “You probably hold different views now than you did 10 years ago – I know I do – and that’s part of the growth process.”