Cursive in US schools
When Common Core arrived in 2011 and 41 states adopted it, cursive was no longer part of the standards. Since 2016 many states have added it back. A March 2026 count by Popular Science puts the number of states requiring it at 25.
These requirements change often and sources count differently, so check your own state's standards before relying on the list.
States reported to require cursive
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa (board rule)
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Questions
Which states require cursive in school?
One recent count from PopSci (March 2026) lists 25: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia. Iowa's requirement comes from the state board of education rather than a law.
Why do the counts differ between sources?
Some sources count only statutes, others include state standards and board rules, and several states have passed laws since 2024. Treat any list as a starting point and check your state department of education.
Did Common Core remove cursive?
Common Core, adopted by 41 states in 2011, did not include cursive handwriting, and many states dropped it from their curriculum. Since 2016 a number of states have brought it back.
What if my state does not require it?
Cursive is usually still taught at the district or school level. You can also practise at home with the stroke-by-stroke lessons and printable sheets on this site.
Learn the cursive alphabet Print alphabet charts
Sources: Popular Science, The 25 states still requiring kids to learn cursive, March 2026; Wikipedia, Cursive handwriting instruction in the United States.