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Short answer: Life Academy is a real, parent-directed online K–12 homeschool curriculum run by a real person in Clearwater, Florida. It is not accredited, and you don't need accreditation to homeschool legally in any state.
Accreditation is a review of institutions (schools and colleges). State homeschool laws regulate the family's homeschool: some states ask for a notice of intent, some for a portfolio or a test, some for nothing at all. HSLDA notes that no state requires homeschoolers to use an accredited program (HSLDA homeschooling FAQ; HSLDA state laws). Colleges admit homeschoolers with parent transcripts and test scores, and Department of Defense policy treats homeschool graduates who completed under state law as Tier 1 recruits. More on that on our accreditation page.
Find your state below, then read the details. Life Academy works as the curriculum under every state's homeschool option. In states where you join an umbrella, cover or accountability school, that school may set its own extra rules.
| State | Regulation | Main homeschool option(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Low | Church (cover) school enrollment, private tutor (certified teacher), or the private-school option; see HSLDA for current details |
| Alaska | None | Independent home school (no notice), or a public correspondence/homeschool program with an allotment |
| Arizona | Low | Homeschool affidavit with the county school superintendent; or Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) |
| Arkansas | Low | Notice of intent to the superintendent (online); Education Freedom Account (EFA) |
| California | Low | File a Private School Affidavit (PSA) as your own private school; private tutor (credentialed); independent-study charter or PSP |
| Colorado | Moderate | Home-based education notice; umbrella (independent) school; certified-teacher tutor |
| Connecticut | Low | Home instruction (notice of intent recommended, not required by statute) |
| Delaware | Low | Single-family or multi-family homeschool registered with the DOE |
| District of Columbia | Moderate | Home instruction notice to OSSE |
| Florida | Moderate | Home education program (notice to county superintendent); private school (umbrella); or a scholarship (PEP/FES via Step Up For Students) |
| Georgia | Moderate | Home study program (Declaration of Intent to GaDOE); Georgia Promise Scholarship (eligible students) |
| Hawaii | Moderate | Home schooling (notice to the principal) |
| Idaho | None | Homeschool (no notice); Parental Choice Tax Credit |
| Illinois | None | Homeschool as a private school |
| Indiana | None | Homeschool as a nonaccredited, nonpublic school |
| Iowa | Low | Independent private instruction (IPI); competent private instruction (CPI) with or without a supervising teacher |
| Kansas | Low | Non-accredited private school registration |
| Kentucky | Low | Home school as a private school |
| Louisiana | Moderate | State-approved home study program; or registered private school (not seeking approval); LA GATOR scholarship (eligible students) |
| Maine | Moderate | Home instruction notice; or a recognized nonapproved private school |
| Maryland | Moderate | Portfolio review by the district; or an umbrella (church-exempt) school |
| Massachusetts | High | Home education plan approved by the local school committee |
| Michigan | None | Home education (no notice) |
| Minnesota | Moderate | Home school notice to the superintendent |
| Mississippi | Low | Home instruction (certificate of enrollment) |
| Missouri | None | Home school (no notice; optional declaration) |
| Montana | Low | Home school notice to the county superintendent |
| Nebraska | Low | Exempt school election (Rule 13) |
| Nevada | Low | Homeschool notice of intent |
| New Hampshire | Moderate | Home education notice to a participating agency; Education Freedom Account (EFA) |
| New Jersey | None | Homeschool (no notice) |
| New Mexico | Low | Home school notice to the PED |
| New York | High | Home instruction under Section 100.10 |
| North Carolina | Moderate | Home school as a nonpublic school (notice to DNPE) |
| North Dakota | Moderate | Home education statement of intent |
| Ohio | Low | Home education notification to the superintendent (2023 law) |
| Oklahoma | None | Home education (constitutionally protected) |
| Oregon | Low | Homeschool notice to the ESD |
| Pennsylvania | High | Home education program (affidavit); private tutor; religious day school/umbrella |
| Rhode Island | High | Home instruction approved by the local school committee |
| South Carolina | Moderate | Option 1 (district approval), Option 2 (SCAIHS), or Option 3 (accountability association) |
| South Dakota | Low | Notification of alternative instruction |
| Tennessee | Moderate | Independent home school (notice to district); church-related umbrella school |
| Texas | None | Homeschool as a private school |
| Utah | Low | Home school affidavit with the district |
| Vermont | High | Home study enrollment notice to the Agency of Education |
| Virginia | Moderate | Home instruction notice; religious exemption; certified tutor |
| Washington | Moderate | Home-based instruction declaration |
| West Virginia | Moderate | Home instruction notice; Hope Scholarship (ESA) |
| Wisconsin | Low | Home-based private educational program (PI-1206 online) |
| Wyoming | Low | Home-based educational program |
Homeschool options: Church (cover) school enrollment, private tutor (certified teacher), or the private-school option; see HSLDA for current details
What the law asks: Most families enroll in a church (cover) school, which sets its own record rules, or file a private-school notice with the district.
How Life Academy fits: Use Life Academy as the curriculum; give your cover school the attendance and course records it asks for.
Caveat: A cover school may have its own curriculum or reporting rules.
Sources: HSLDA Alabama law summary · Our Alabama homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Independent home school (no notice), or a public correspondence/homeschool program with an allotment
What the law asks: Independent: no notice, testing or teacher qualifications. Correspondence programs need an ILP and progress reports.
How Life Academy fits: Use it independently, or list it in your correspondence program's Individual Learning Plan and ask about allotment reimbursement.
Caveat: Correspondence programs have their own vendor and approval rules for allotment spending.
Sources: HSLDA Alaska law summary · Our Alaska homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Homeschool affidavit with the county school superintendent; or Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)
What the law asks: File an affidavit of intent within 30 days of starting. No testing or subject reporting.
How Life Academy fits: Fits the affidavit route directly. ESA families can pay for Life Academy tutoring through ClassWallet.
Caveat: ESA students sign a contract and are not filing a homeschool affidavit; follow ADE's ESA handbook.
Sources: HSLDA Arizona law summary · Our Arizona homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Notice of intent to the superintendent (online); Education Freedom Account (EFA)
What the law asks: File notice of intent each year (online); no testing required under current law.
How Life Academy fits: Fits the notice route; Life Academy records cover your own documentation.
Caveat: EFA participants follow ADE program rules.
Sources: HSLDA Arkansas law summary · Our Arkansas homeschool guide
Homeschool options: File a Private School Affidavit (PSA) as your own private school; private tutor (credentialed); independent-study charter or PSP
What the law asks: PSA filed Oct 1–15 each year (or on starting). Instruction in English in the required subjects; keep attendance and course lists.
How Life Academy fits: Use Life Academy as the course of study for your PSA school, or ask your charter/PSP to approve it.
Caveat: Charter schools must approve curriculum and generally can't fund sectarian materials.
Sources: HSLDA California law summary · Our California homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home-based education notice; umbrella (independent) school; certified-teacher tutor
What the law asks: Notice of intent 14 days before starting; 172 days averaging 4 hours; evaluation or standardized test in grades 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy covers required subjects; keep its records for your test or evaluator.
Caveat: Testing/evaluation results go to the district or an independent school as the law requires.
Sources: HSLDA Colorado law summary · Our Colorado homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home instruction (notice of intent recommended, not required by statute)
What the law asks: Instruction in required subjects. The state's voluntary procedure suggests a notice of intent and an annual portfolio review.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy's weekly records make a portfolio review easy if you choose one.
Caveat: The voluntary review isn't required by law.
Sources: HSLDA Connecticut law summary · Our Connecticut homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Single-family or multi-family homeschool registered with the DOE
What the law asks: Register online and report enrollment and attendance (180 days) to the DOE annually.
How Life Academy fits: Use Life Academy as the curriculum; log attendance days.
Caveat: None beyond registration.
Sources: HSLDA Delaware law summary · Our Delaware homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home instruction notice to OSSE
What the law asks: Notice of intent 15 business days before starting; regular, thorough instruction in required subjects; keep a portfolio for 1 year (OSSE may review).
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy weekly lessons and records form a ready portfolio.
Caveat: OSSE can request a portfolio review.
Sources: HSLDA District of Columbia law summary · OSSE home schooling
Homeschool options: Home education program (notice to county superintendent); private school (umbrella); or a scholarship (PEP/FES via Step Up For Students)
What the law asks: Notice within 30 days; keep a portfolio; annual evaluation (test, certified-teacher review, or other approved method).
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy records form the portfolio. Families on a Step Up scholarship should check the current purchasing rules.
Caveat: Umbrella (private) schools set their own rules.
Sources: HSLDA Florida law summary · Our Florida homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home study program (Declaration of Intent to GaDOE); Georgia Promise Scholarship (eligible students)
What the law asks: Declaration of intent within 30 days and by Sept 1 each year; 180 days of 4.5 hours; standardized test every 3 years from grade 3; annual progress report kept at home.
How Life Academy fits: Covers reading, language arts, math, social studies and science as required.
Caveat: Georgia Promise has its own eligibility and spending rules.
Sources: HSLDA Georgia law summary · Our Georgia homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home schooling (notice to the principal)
What the law asks: Notice before starting; annual progress report (test, portfolio, or certified-teacher evaluation); state tests in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10.
How Life Academy fits: Use Life Academy's records for the annual progress report.
Caveat: Check current reporting forms with your school.
Sources: HSLDA Hawaii law summary · Our Hawaii homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Homeschool (no notice); Parental Choice Tax Credit
What the law asks: No notice or testing. Instruction 'comparable' to public school in core subjects.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly. Life Academy receipts list provider, item, amount and date for the Parental Choice Tax Credit.
Caveat: The tax credit is awarded by application; no one is guaranteed funds.
Sources: HSLDA Idaho law summary · Our Idaho homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Homeschool as a private school
What the law asks: No notice required (voluntary registration). Instruction in English in required subjects.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly as your private-school curriculum.
Caveat: Bills to add registration have been proposed; watch HSLDA for changes.
Sources: HSLDA Illinois law summary · Our Illinois homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Homeschool as a nonaccredited, nonpublic school
What the law asks: 180 days of instruction; attendance records. Reporting enrollment only if the state asks.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly; keep attendance.
Caveat: Indiana ESA (INESA) is for students with disabilities.
Sources: HSLDA Indiana law summary · Our Indiana homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Independent private instruction (IPI); competent private instruction (CPI) with or without a supervising teacher
What the law asks: IPI: no notice or testing required. CPI options have reporting choices.
How Life Academy fits: Fits IPI directly; under CPI, give your supervising teacher Life Academy records.
Caveat: Iowa's Students First ESA is for accredited nonpublic schools, not homeschool.
Sources: HSLDA Iowa law summary · Our Iowa homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Non-accredited private school registration
What the law asks: Register the school name and address with the State Board; 'competent' instructor; a period comparable to public school.
How Life Academy fits: Use Life Academy as your private school's curriculum.
Caveat: None beyond registration.
Sources: HSLDA Kansas law summary · Our Kansas homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home school as a private school
What the law asks: Notice to the local board within 2 weeks of the school year; attendance and scholarship reports; instruction in required subjects.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy's records double as scholarship (progress) reports.
Caveat: Keep records in case the district requests them.
Sources: HSLDA Kentucky law summary · Our Kentucky homeschool guide
Homeschool options: State-approved home study program; or registered private school (not seeking approval); LA GATOR scholarship (eligible students)
What the law asks: Home study: apply within 15 days of starting, renew yearly with proof of progress (test, packet, or teacher statement).
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy work samples support the renewal packet.
Caveat: GATOR has its own rules.
Sources: HSLDA Louisiana law summary · Our Louisiana homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home instruction notice; or a recognized nonapproved private school
What the law asks: Notice within 10 days of starting; annual assessment (test, teacher/approved-person review of portfolio, or local test).
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy records support a portfolio review.
Caveat: Assessment results go to the district by Sept 1.
Sources: HSLDA Maine law summary · Our Maine homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Portfolio review by the district; or an umbrella (church-exempt) school
What the law asks: Notice 15 days before starting; regular, thorough instruction; portfolio reviews up to 3 times a year (district) or per umbrella rules.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy's weekly work and records are portfolio-ready.
Caveat: Umbrella schools may require specific records.
Sources: HSLDA Maryland law summary · Our Maryland homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home education plan approved by the local school committee
What the law asks: Get prior approval of an education plan; districts may ask for curriculum and assessment methods.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy's grade scope and weekly topics make an approval plan easy to write.
Caveat: District approval is required before starting.
Sources: HSLDA Massachusetts law summary · Our Massachusetts homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home education (no notice)
What the law asks: Instruction in required subjects (reading, spelling, math, science, history, civics, literature, writing, grammar).
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly.
Caveat: Keep records in case of questions.
Sources: HSLDA Michigan law summary · Our Michigan homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home school notice to the superintendent
What the law asks: Initial report by Oct 1 (then letter of intent yearly); annual nationally normed test (results kept at home).
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy covers required subjects; you arrange the annual test.
Caveat: Teacher-qualification and quarterly reporting rules can apply in some cases.
Sources: HSLDA Minnesota law summary · Our Minnesota homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home instruction (certificate of enrollment)
What the law asks: Certificate of enrollment by Sept 15; no testing.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly.
Caveat: None.
Sources: HSLDA Mississippi law summary · Our Mississippi homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home school (no notice; optional declaration)
What the law asks: 1,000 hours a year (600 in core subjects); keep a plan book, portfolio and evaluations.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy logs and work samples meet the record-keeping requirement.
Caveat: MOScholars has separate rules.
Sources: HSLDA Missouri law summary · Our Missouri homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home school notice to the county superintendent
What the law asks: Notice each year; 720 hours (grades K–3 half-days count), 1,080 for grades 4–12; attendance and immunization records.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly; keep attendance.
Caveat: Montana's special-needs ESA is in litigation.
Sources: HSLDA Montana law summary · Our Montana homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Exempt school election (Rule 13)
What the law asks: Annual filing with the Commissioner by July 15 (or 30 days before starting); required subjects; 1,032 hours (elementary) / 1,080 (high school).
How Life Academy fits: Fits as your exempt-school curriculum.
Caveat: None.
Sources: HSLDA Nebraska law summary · Our Nebraska homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Homeschool notice of intent
What the law asks: One-time notice within 10 days of starting; an educational plan describing subjects.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy's grade map serves as the educational plan.
Caveat: None.
Sources: HSLDA Nevada law summary · Our Nevada homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home education notice to a participating agency; Education Freedom Account (EFA)
What the law asks: Notice within 5 business days of starting; portfolio kept 2 years; annual evaluation (test, certified teacher review, or other).
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy records support the portfolio and evaluation.
Caveat: EFA students follow the program's rules.
Sources: HSLDA New Hampshire law summary · Our New Hampshire homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Homeschool (no notice)
What the law asks: Equivalent instruction.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly.
Caveat: Districts may ask for proof of equivalent instruction.
Sources: HSLDA New Jersey law summary · Our New Jersey homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home school notice to the PED
What the law asks: Notice within 30 days of starting and by April 1 each year after; parent has a high school diploma or equivalent; immunization records.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly.
Caveat: None.
Sources: HSLDA New Mexico law summary · Our New Mexico homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home instruction under Section 100.10
What the law asks: Notice of intent by July 1; IHIP (individualized home instruction plan); quarterly reports; annual assessment.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy's weekly topics fill the IHIP and quarterly reports.
Caveat: Most demanding paperwork in the country; keep copies of everything.
Sources: HSLDA New York law summary · Our New York homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home school as a nonpublic school (notice to DNPE)
What the law asks: Notice of intent; parent has a high school diploma; attendance and immunization records; annual nationally standardized test (kept 1 year).
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly; you arrange the annual test.
Caveat: ESA+ and Opportunity Scholarship have their own rules.
Sources: HSLDA North Carolina law summary · Our North Carolina homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home education statement of intent
What the law asks: Statement of intent; parent qualification; state-mandated subjects; assessment with exceptions (HSLDA). Rules changed in 2023, so confirm on HSLDA.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly.
Caveat: 2023 law changes reduced some requirements; confirm current rules.
Sources: HSLDA North Dakota law summary · Our North Dakota homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home education notification to the superintendent (2023 law)
What the law asks: Notification within 5 days of starting (and yearly). No assessment requirement under current law.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly.
Caveat: Older guidance about annual assessments is out of date.
Sources: HSLDA Ohio law summary · Our Ohio homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home education (constitutionally protected)
What the law asks: No notice; instruction for 180 days in required subjects. Parental Choice Tax Credit available for homeschool expenses.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly; Life Academy receipts support the homeschool tax credit.
Caveat: Tax credit funds are limited.
Sources: HSLDA Oklahoma law summary · Our Oklahoma homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Homeschool notice to the ESD
What the law asks: One-time notice within 10 days of starting or withdrawing; testing in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly; you arrange the tests.
Caveat: Some testing rules have exceptions.
Sources: HSLDA Oregon law summary · Our Oregon homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home education program (affidavit); private tutor; religious day school/umbrella
What the law asks: Affidavit by Aug 1 with an outline of objectives; portfolio; annual evaluator review; tests in grades 3, 5 and 8.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy's weekly topics fill the objectives outline and portfolio.
Caveat: The evaluator signs off each year.
Sources: HSLDA Pennsylvania law summary · Our Pennsylvania homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home instruction approved by the local school committee
What the law asks: District approval; attendance register; subjects as required; districts may set assessment rules.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy's scope supports the approval request.
Caveat: Requirements vary by district.
Sources: HSLDA Rhode Island law summary · Our Rhode Island homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Option 1 (district approval), Option 2 (SCAIHS), or Option 3 (accountability association)
What the law asks: Most families join an accountability association (Option 3), which sets record rules; 180 days; required subjects.
How Life Academy fits: Use Life Academy as the curriculum; give your association its records.
Caveat: Associations may charge dues and have their own rules.
Sources: HSLDA South Carolina law summary · Our South Carolina homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Notification of alternative instruction
What the law asks: Notice within 30 days; no testing required under current law.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly.
Caveat: None.
Sources: HSLDA South Dakota law summary · Our South Dakota homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Independent home school (notice to district); church-related umbrella school
What the law asks: Notice yearly; 4 hours/day, 180 days; tests in grades 5, 7 and 9 for independent homeschools.
How Life Academy fits: Fits both routes; umbrella schools set records.
Caveat: Parent education requirements apply.
Sources: HSLDA Tennessee law summary · Our Tennessee homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Homeschool as a private school
What the law asks: No notice. Bona fide written curriculum in reading, spelling, grammar, math and good citizenship.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy is a written curriculum covering those subjects.
Caveat: TEFA (Education Freedom Accounts) has its own vendor list.
Sources: HSLDA Texas law summary · Our Texas homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home school affidavit with the district
What the law asks: One-time affidavit; no testing required.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly.
Caveat: Utah Fits All has separate rules.
Sources: HSLDA Utah law summary · Our Utah homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home study enrollment notice to the Agency of Education
What the law asks: Notice with a curriculum outline; annual assessment (teacher review, test, or portfolio).
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy's grade scope fills the curriculum outline.
Caveat: Assessment due each year.
Sources: HSLDA Vermont law summary · Our Vermont homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home instruction notice; religious exemption; certified tutor
What the law asks: Notice by Aug 15; evidence of progress by Aug 1 (test or evaluation).
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy records support the evaluation.
Caveat: Religious exemption families have different rules.
Sources: HSLDA Virginia law summary · Our Virginia homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home-based instruction declaration
What the law asks: Declaration of intent by Sept 15; parent qualification (e.g., 45 college credits or a course); annual test or assessment kept at home.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly; covers required subjects.
Caveat: Parent-partnership (ALE) programs are public school, not homeschool.
Sources: HSLDA Washington law summary · Our Washington homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home instruction notice; Hope Scholarship (ESA)
What the law asks: Notice 2 weeks before starting; annual assessment kept at home.
How Life Academy fits: Fits directly. Hope Scholarship families should check the vendor marketplace.
Caveat: Hope applications after Nov 30 get 25% funding.
Sources: HSLDA West Virginia law summary · Our West Virginia homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home-based private educational program (PI-1206 online)
What the law asks: File PI-1206 by Oct 15 each year; 875 hours; sequential curriculum.
How Life Academy fits: Life Academy is a sequential K–12 curriculum.
Caveat: None.
Sources: HSLDA Wisconsin law summary · Our Wisconsin homeschool guide
Homeschool options: Home-based educational program
What the law asks: Annual curriculum submittal to the local board; sequentially progressive curriculum.
How Life Academy fits: Submit Life Academy's grade map as the curriculum.
Caveat: Wyoming ESA has separate rules.
Sources: HSLDA Wyoming law summary · Our Wyoming homeschool guide
No. Life Academy is a parent-directed online K-12 curriculum and tutoring provider, not an accredited school. We say that up front.
No. No state requires homeschoolers to use an accredited curriculum. In most states the homeschool itself (run by the parent) is the legal school, and the parent chooses the curriculum.
Under your state's homeschool law, the parent keeps the records and, where required, files the notice, portfolio or test results. Life Academy gives you weekly lessons and records that make that easy.
David Clifford: 8 years of combined teaching and tutoring experience since 2018, B.A.S. in Supervision & Management from Pasco-Hernando State College (2023). Not a certified teacher. Live tutoring is with David, a real person, online.
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Life Academy · 1891 N Highland Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755 · hello@lifeacademyhomeschool.org. This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; confirm your state's current rules with HSLDA or your state education department before filing. Last reviewed October 2026.