Homeschooling in Connecticut: How To Homeschool While Following State Laws

by Rita Onyx

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.

There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.

Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in Connecticut. Know the Connecticut homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.

Quick Facts:

• There is one way to homeschool which is under the Homeschool Statute

• Children between 5-17 of age must be in school

• You DO NOT have to notify your local school district of your intentions to homeschool

• There are NO teacher qualifications

• There ARE state mandated subjects

• There are NO required assessments or testing

• There are NO immunization requirements

How to Homeschool Under the Statute:

• You DO NOT have to notify the local superintendent, county, or state of your intent to homeschool

• Include the following required subjects:

1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Spelling
4. English grammar
5. Geography
6. Math
7. U.S. history
8. Citizenship

• If you still want to you should do it within 10 days of starting homeschooling and then yearly

• Include in your notice of intent: name of instructor, subjects, and methods of assessment

• If you send in a notice of intent you may be asked to attend an annual portfolio review meeting to “determine if instruction in the required courses has been given.”

Helpful links:

https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Homeschooling/Homeschooling-in-Connecticut

https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/connecticut.html

Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education

• Connecticut State Department of Education
  165 Capitol Ave.
  Hartford, CT 06106
  Phone: 860-713-6543
  Toll-Free: (800) 465-4014
  Fax: (860) 713-7001
  Website: http://www.sde.ct.gov/

• U.S. Department of Education, Connecticut

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.