Homeschooling in Colorado
Homeschooling in Colorado offers families the flexibility to tailor education to their children’s needs within a structured legal framework. The state provides multiple options for home education, each with specific requirements to ensure educational standards are met.
Options for Homeschooling in Colorado
Option #1
Homeschool Under Colorado’s Homeschool Statute
Option #2
Homeschool with an Independent School
Option #3
Homeschool with a Certified Teacher
Option #1
Homeschool Under Colorado’s Homeschool Statute
Option #2
Homeschool with an Independent School
Option #3
Homeschool with a Certified Teacher
Breakdown of Homeschooling Options
Option #1: Homeschool Under Colorado’s Homeschool Statute
Requirements:
Notification: Parents must submit a written notification of intent to homeschool to a school district 14 days before beginning the program and annually thereafter.
Instruction Time: Provide at least 172 days of instruction, averaging four instructional contact hours per day.
Subjects: Instruction must include communication skills of reading, writing, and speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and regular courses on the U.S. Constitution.
Record Keeping: Maintain records of attendance, test and evaluation results, and immunization records.
Assessments: Students must be evaluated in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 through a nationally standardized achievement test or by a qualified person.
Option #2: Homeschool with an Independent School
Requirements:
Enrollment: Enroll the child in an independent or private school that allows for home-based education.
Compliance: Follow the policies and guidelines set by the independent school, which may handle administrative tasks such as record-keeping and assessments.
Option #3: Homeschool with a Certified Teacher
Requirements:
Instruction: A Colorado-certified teacher provides instruction to the child.
Compliance: Ensure that the educational program meets state requirements for subjects and instructional time.
Law-Related Quick Reference FAQs
Do parents/guardians need to file a form of intent to homeschool in Colorado?
Yes, under Option 1, parents must submit a written notification of intent to homeschool 14 days before beginning the program and annually thereafter.
Do parents/guardians need to officially withdraw their student from public school In Colorado?
Yes, to avoid truancy issues, parents should formally withdraw their child from public school when beginning a homeschool program.
Do parents/guardians need a certain level of education to homeschool their children in Colorado?
No specific educational qualifications are required for parents under Options 1 and 2.
What subjects are required to be taught by homeschoolers in Colorado?
Required subjects include reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and regular courses on the U.S. Constitution.
How many hours or days are required to equal a school year in Colorado?
A minimum of 172 days of instruction, averaging four instructional contact hours per day, is required.
Are assessments/testing required for homeschoolers in Colorado?
Yes, students must be evaluated in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 through standardized tests or evaluations by a qualified person.
Do reports from testing have to be submitted by homeschoolers in Colorado?
Yes, test or evaluation results must be submitted to the school district that received the notification of intent or to an independent or parochial school within Colorado.
Does the state of Colorado require a yearly portfolio for homeschoolers?
No, a yearly portfolio is not required, but maintaining records of attendance, test results, and immunizations is mandatory.
Immunization: Is compliance required for homeschoolers in Colorado?
Yes, immunization records must be maintained as part of the student’s records.
Is MAP Growth an approved test in Colorado?
While not specifically mandated, MAP Growth is a nationally standardized achievement test that can be used to assess student progress.
What level of regulation does Colorado have for homeschoolers?
Colorado is considered to have moderate regulation for homeschooling.
Are there special needs requirements for homeschooling children with disabilities in Colorado?
Parents can homeschool children with special needs. It’s advisable to consult with educational professionals to ensure appropriate accommodations and support.
Yes, under Option 1, parents must submit a written notification of intent to homeschool 14 days before beginning the program and annually thereafter.
Yes, to avoid truancy issues, parents should formally withdraw their child from public school when beginning a homeschool program.
No specific educational qualifications are required for parents under Options 1 and 2.
Required subjects include reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and regular courses on the U.S. Constitution.
A minimum of 172 days of instruction, averaging four instructional contact hours per day, is required.
Yes, students must be evaluated in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 through standardized tests or evaluations by a qualified person.
Yes, test or evaluation results must be submitted to the school district that received the notification of intent or to an independent or parochial school within Colorado.
No, a yearly portfolio is not required, but maintaining records of attendance, test results, and immunizations is mandatory.
Yes, immunization records must be maintained as part of the student’s records.
While not specifically mandated, MAP Growth is a nationally standardized achievement test that can be used to assess student progress.
Colorado is considered to have moderate regulation for homeschooling.
Parents can homeschool children with special needs. It’s advisable to consult with educational professionals to ensure appropriate accommodations and support.
Non-Law-Related Quick Reference FAQs
How can Colorado homeschoolers participate in sports/extracurriculars through a local school?
Colorado allows homeschool students to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities at their local public schools. Parents should contact the local school district for specific policies and procedures.
What Scholarships and Financial Aid are available for homeschoolers in Colorado?
Homeschooled students are eligible for scholarships and financial aid, including state-sponsored programs and private scholarships. Parents should ensure proper record-keeping, including transcripts and standardized test scores, to meet eligibility requirements.
How does Colorado include homeschoolers in Special Programs or Discounts?
Many museums, zoos, and educational centers in Colorado offer discounts or special programs for homeschool families. Examples include the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.
How many students are homeschooled in Colorado?
As of recent estimates, over 30,000 students are homeschooled in Colorado, reflecting a steady increase in families choosing alternative education pathways.
Homeschooling in Colorado is diverse, with families participating in co-ops, online education programs, and independent studies.
Colorado allows homeschool students to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities at their local public schools. Parents should contact the local school district for specific policies and procedures.
Homeschooled students are eligible for scholarships and financial aid, including state-sponsored programs and private scholarships. Parents should ensure proper record-keeping, including transcripts and standardized test scores, to meet eligibility requirements.
Many museums, zoos, and educational centers in Colorado offer discounts or special programs for homeschool families. Examples include the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.
As of recent estimates, over 30,000 students are homeschooled in Colorado, reflecting a steady increase in families choosing alternative education pathways.
Homeschooling in Colorado is diverse, with families participating in co-ops, online education programs, and independent studies.
Resources:
Colorado DOE Office of Special Education
Secular Homeschooling Resources
Summary
Homeschooling in Colorado provides flexibility and multiple educational pathways for families, supported by a clear legal framework and robust resources. Whether you’re seeking to customize our child’s education or exploring alternative learning environments, Colorado’s homeschooling options can accommodate diverse needs and preferences. Families can connect with a supportive community and leverage a wealth of resources to make homeschooling an enriching experience.
What now? Start with trustworthy data.
Measure your student’s achievement, gain actionable insights, then adjust your lesson plan to support their growth.
What now?
Start with trustworthy data.
Measure your student’s achievement, gain actionable insights, then adjust your lesson plan to support their growth.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws change frequently and may be applied differently by local districts. Please confirm current requirements with your state department of education, local school district, or a licensed attorney.