Does empirical evidence or ideology most influence homeschooling policy? It depends. Where empirical research and social experience abound, regulations seem less restrictive but where there is less data or experience policies seem more restrictive and ideologically driven. By comparing Europe and the United States with a look at South Africa, Canada and Brazil, I test this hypothesis. The article calls for policy makers to use empirical research not ideology to inform policy. The article suggests that as homeschooling gains social acceptance, more empirical research is conducted, and policymakers appear more inclined to adopt less restrictive policy.