Homeschooling in Kansas
If you’re wondering how to homeschool in Kansas, it’s a good idea to do your research first, as homeschool laws vary by state. Whether you’ve homeschooled before in another state, or you just decided to make the switch to homeschooling, you’re in the right place.
Homeschooling your children in Kansas gives you almost complete freedom and flexibility. As long as you follow the rules, your family will be set!
Homeschooling in Kansas at a Glance
Kansas – The Sunflower State
| Required Age | 7-18 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | None required |
| Time Requirements | 186 days for no less than 6 hours per day (1,116 hours) |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | None |
| Financial Resources Available | No |
Parent Qualifications
There are no qualifications outlined by Kansas law for home education instructors. The Board of Education simply requests that instructors be competent.
Notice of Intent
To homeschool in Kansas, you must first register as a Non-Accredited Private School. This needs to be done for your first year only. You’ll need to provide the name and address of your homeschool, as well as your name and contact information, to the Kansas Board of Education. You can complete this using the online form provided by the Board.
If your child is currently enrolled in a Kansas public school district, it’s best to withdraw them in writing. This is helpful to prevent any truancy issues.
Attendance
Parents should plan to teach for the same amount of time as public schools. The Kansas Department of Education outlines this as at least 186 days of not less than 6 hours per day, or 1,116 hours for grades 1-11.
Homeschool Curriculum
Parents are responsible for providing a homeschool curriculum. Parents are advised to refer to the Kansas Curricular Standards to understand what their child should know at each grade level.
If your child needs to return to public school at some point, it would be ideal for them to remain on track academically with other students their age. Parents are encouraged to teach at or above their child’s grade level, when applicable.
Since you have so much freedom over the curriculum you choose, you have the option to choose an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. The good news is, Miacademy’s online homeschool program is fully accredited by the ACS-WASC!
Testing
Kansas does request that you test your student periodically. However, there are no specifications on how or how often testing needs to happen.
Parents may opt for periodic testing for high school students or annual testing for elementary students. An alternate assessment, such as a portfolio review or project, can substitute for a standardized test. The purpose of periodic assessments is simply to ensure your child is learning the material and not falling behind.
Some nationally normed exams are available for purchase, such as the Iowa Assessment and Stanford Achievement exams. High school students are strongly encouraged to take the SAT and ACT for college readiness, as many schools still require them.
Record Keeping
Homeschool families in Kansas are not required to keep any records. However, keeping a homeschool portfolio is a great way to track your child’s progress. Portfolios can help you keep track of items such as:
- Attendance records
- Courses
- Final grades
- Test scores
- Completed projects
We suggest keeping at least 2 years’ worth of records in your homeschool portfolio. This can be especially useful when it comes time to make your student’s high school transcript.
Transcripts
If your student is college-bound, they will likely need a high school transcript for their application. A transcript includes a list of the courses taken, credit hours, and final grades your student earns from grades 9-12. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
Homeschoolers cannot receive a diploma from the State of Kansas, although the state does provide some recommended courses for high schoolers to complete before graduation:
- 4 units of English language arts
- 3 units of history and government
- 3 units of science
- 3 units of math
- 1 unit of physical education
- 1 unit of fine arts
- 6 units of electives
Again, these are not required but simply recommended by the state. Parents are able to decide when their homeschool student is ready to graduate and can design a graduation plan around their student’s needs and interests. Parents are also responsible for providing a homeschool diploma for their graduates.
For students who plan to go to college, taking the GED is a good way to ensure your college recognizes your high school education. Upon completion, the GED exam awards a high school equivalency diploma that is recognized in all 50 states. Students ages 18 and older are eligible to take the exam without any special requirements. For minors, there are additional registration processes that apply. For more information, visit the Kansas Board of Regents’ GED page.
Financial Resources
Unfortunately, there are no financial resources available for Kansas homeschool families at this time. However, we encourage you to search for private grants or scholarships that you may qualify for.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling and how to find other homeschool groups in Kansas, check out:
- Kansas Non-Accredited Private Schools from the Board of Education
- Homeschooling in Kansas Fact Sheet
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you with whatever you need.
Please keep in mind that the information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Kansas homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
What are the homeschool laws in Kansas?
To homeschool in Kansas, you are required by law to register your homeschool and provide instruction for at least 186 days.
How many days do you need to homeschool in Kansas?
You need to provide instruction for at least 186 days, for no less than 6 hours per day. This amounts to a total of 1,116 hours for students in grades 1-11.
Do your parents have to teach you in homeschool?
In Kansas, there are no qualifications for homeschool instructors. The Board of Education simply requests that you choose instructors who are competent.
Information accurate as of: 09/12/2023. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.