How to Start Homeschooling in Wyoming

Are you considering making the switch to homeschooling? You’re not alone! Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide. 

Wyoming’s state homeschooling laws allow for plenty of customization. Maybe you’ve homeschooled before, or you’re wondering how to get started. Either way, we’ll cover everything you need to know to start your journey confidently.

Homeschooling in Wyoming at a Glance

Wyoming – The Equality State

Option	Homeschool Statute	Parochial or Church School
Required Age	7-16	7-16
Standardized Testing	Not required	Not required
Subjects	Reading, writing, mathematics, civics, history, literature, science	Subjects that conflict with religious beliefs are not required.
Time Requirements	None	None
Graduation Requirements	Determined by parent	Determined by the parochial or church school
Special Requirements	None	None
Financial Resources Available	No	No

First, we’ll go through the two different methods for homeschooling in Wyoming. The requirements for each vary, so you have the option to choose the best one for your family. 

Homeschooling under Wyoming’s Homeschool Statute

Homeschooling under the homeschool statute gives parents the most control over their child’s home education. Parents simply have to provide notice and teach the required subjects. 

Homeschool as a Parochial or Church School

If you would like to homeschool under the guidance of a religious institution, you can do so under a parochial or church school. To do this, you enroll your child in a faith-based school that allows them to learn from home. 

The school will provide you with a curriculum and materials and often assist with bookkeeping and testing as well. If you choose this route, you will need to follow the rules and policies for that particular school. 

Parent Qualifications

The homeschool laws in Wyoming don’t outline any qualifications for parents who wish to homeschool. 

Notice of Intent

In Wyoming, you will have to send a Notice of Intent once a year to your local school district. This letter should include a list of the curricula you will be using, the names of your children, and your address. This is important for the school district to verify that you are teaching the subjects required by Wyoming law.

Some districts may provide you with a template for the notice, or you may use your own. There is no deadline for this notice. However, we suggest sending it ahead of time before withdrawing your student from public school. It’s also a good idea to formally withdraw them in writing to prevent any truancy issues. 

Attendance

There are no attendance requirements for homeschoolers in the Equality State. Parents are able to take as much time as they need to cover the material. This allows for the most flexibility with scheduling.

Those who are homeschooling as a church school will need to follow the attendance policies, if any, that their organization provides.

Homeschool Curriculum

Wyoming law requires homeschooling parents to teach the following subjects: 

• Reading
• Writing
• Mathematics
• Civics
• History
• Literature
• Science

Parochial or church school homeschoolers are not required to teach subjects that conflict with their beliefs.

Testing

Homeschool students are exempt from state standardized testing. Many parents still use testing as a way to assess their student’s progress. 

Students can take nationally normed standardized tests, such as the IOWA and Stanford Achievement exams, which can be found here. Homeschoolers can participate in state testing through local public schools, with advance arrangements.

Record Keeping

The State of Wyoming does not require you to keep records of your homeschool time. However, there are some things that many parents find worth holding on to. A homeschool portfolio is a great option to keep important documents safe, such as: 

• Copies of your intent letters
• A list of courses taught
• Test scores
• Final grades earned
• Some of your student’s best work 

Keeping a homeschool portfolio is a great way for you and your child to track their progress throughout the year. It can also be a nice way to remember your time learning together. 

Graduation Requirements

In Wyoming, homeschooled students graduate when their parents decide they’re ready to. Parents have the ability to design their own graduation requirements and can include their child’s career aspirations in the curriculum as well. Homeschoolers receive their high school diploma from their parents upon completing their course requirements.

It can be difficult to know when your student is ready to graduate. Some parents look to the Content & Performance Standards from the Department of Education. This provides a guide for skill achievements by grade level.

Financial Resources

Unfortunately, there are no state-funded financial resources available for Wyoming homeschool families at this time. However, families homeschooling in Wyoming may qualify for some private scholarships and grants.

Other Tips & Resources

For more information about homeschooling in Wyoming, check out: 

• Homeschooling FAQ from the Wyoming Department of Education
• Wyoming 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 find the answers you need.