How to Start Homeschooling in Vermont
Are you wondering how to homeschool in Vermont? It’s a good idea to do your research first, as homeschool laws vary by state. If you’ve homeschooled before, or you just decided to make the switch to homeschooling, you’re in luck!
The Vermont Agency of Education refers to homeschooling as “home study.” The state acknowledges the importance of having options for education and grants parents ample freedom over their child’s education.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about homeschooling in Vermont!
Homeschooling in Vermont at a Glance
Vermont – The Green Mountain State
| Required Age | 6-16 |
| Standardized Testing | Annual assessments required |
| Subjects | Government/history/citizenship, math, natural science, literature, reading/writing |
| Time Requirements | 175 days |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | None |
| Financial Resources Available | No |
Parent Qualifications
The State of Vermont does not list any specific qualifications for homeschool instructors.
Notice of Intent
For each year you homeschool, you will need to send a written enrollment notice to the Secretary of Education for each student. This needs to be submitted at least 10 days before homeschooling begins. You can submit your notice online and view paper forms here.
Within 10 days of receipt, the Agency of Education will send an acknowledgement letter back to you. This letter serves as a verification of enrollment in home study.
If this is your first year homeschooling, you’ll also need to provide proof of previous enrollment with a report card or attendance report from a Vermont public school. If your student has never been enrolled in a Vermont public school, you’ll need to include an Independent Professional Evidence form, IEP, or 504 plan as well.
Attendance
Parents are required to provide a minimum of 175 days of instruction per year. These days do not have to follow the traditional school schedule, allowing parents to teach when it’s most convenient for their families.
If you are homeschooling a child with a disability, you can be exempted from the 175 day rule. To do this, you will need to submit documentation of the disability and note alternative accommodations with your written enrollment notice.
Homeschool Curriculum
The State of Vermont requires a Minimum Course of Study (MCOS) for home study students. For students ages 13 and older, the homeschool curriculum needs to include:
- Reading/writing
- Math
- Natural science
- Literature
- Government/history/citizenship
Students under 13 should also study comprehensive health, fine arts, and physical education in addition to the subjects listed above.
You no longer need to submit the MCOS to the state. However, it can still be helpful to document your MCOS and keep it on hand, especially when it comes time to prepare your student’s transcripts.
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
Home study families are required to complete annual End of Year Assessments (EOYA). This can be done one of several ways:
- A standardized test
- A teacher portfolio evaluation
- A parent portfolio report
- Completion of the GED exam
- Report cards or grades from an online homeschool program
Students can take a standardized test provided by the local school district or take a test administered by a testing service with appropriate proctoring.
Parents who choose the portfolio review will need to set up an appointment with an evaluator. Anyone who holds a valid Vermont teaching certificate can complete the portfolio evaluation. The evaluation is to assess that the student is making progress in the home study program.
Parents can also report on their child’s progress but will need to provide at least 4 dated samples of their child’s work. The parent report should include a summary of what the child learned that year and include details about courses and instruction as necessary.
If a student is enrolled in an online academy, school, or homeschool program, any report cards or grades earned that show progress can count as proof of assessment. The same is true if the student completes their GED.
Parents do not need to send EOYA records to the Agency of Education. However, they are required to keep these records on hand. You can keep these safe and organized in a homeschool portfolio.
Record Keeping
The only records that home study families are required by law to keep are EOYAs. A homeschool portfolio is a great way to keep important paperwork safe and organized. Along with EOYAs, other good things to include are:
- Attendance records
- Enrollment verification letters
- Course materials used
- Proof that MCOS is being met
- Dated samples of your child’s best work
Keeping a detailed portfolio is critical if you choose annual teacher evaluations. It’s best practice to keep any homeschool records for at least two years.
Transcripts
If your student applies to college, they’re likely to need a high school transcript. It’s essential to keep track of all courses, credit hours, and final grades earned from grades 9-12 for this transcript. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool curriculum that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
Home study high schoolers graduate when their parents decide they’re ready to. Upon high school coursework completion, parents can also provide their student with a home study diploma.
Many Vermont home study students will take the GED exam to get their high school equivalency diploma. The GED is recognized by all 50 states. Eligible students ages 18 and older (or with parent permission as a minor) can take the test. For more information about the GED, visit the Vermont Agency of Education website.
Financial Resources
There are currently no financial resources available for home study families in Vermont.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Vermont, check out:
- Vermont Agency of Education’s Home Study page
- Homeschool Groups from the Homeschool Mom
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 any questions you may have.
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Vermont 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 do I need to do to homeschool my child in Vermont?
VT homeschool laws require you to file a written enrollment notice, teach the required subjects for 175 days per year, and participate in annual assessments.
What is the new law for homeschooling in Vermont?
Parents are no longer required to submit a Minimum Course of Study, evidence of last year’s academic achievement (if students were homeschooled the previous year), or contact information of the instructors.
Information accurate as of: 07/22/2024. 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.