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 | Requires annual curricula submission | N/A |
| 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, submit their planned curriculum to the local public school, 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
The law requires homeschool statute families to submit their curricula to the local public school district annually. This is for the school to verify that you are meeting the subject requirements. 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.
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. The good news is, Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is fully accredited by the ACS-WASC!
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.
Transcripts
High school transcripts are often necessary for college applications. It’s important to keep a list of all the courses, credit hours, final grades, and test scores from grades 9-12. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
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.
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 Wyoming 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
How do I legally homeschool in Wyoming?
To homeschool in Wyoming, you’ll need to submit your curricula to the local school board and teach the required subjects. Parochial or church school homeschoolers will need to file a Notice of Intent and follow their school rules.
Is unschooling legal in Wyoming?
Wyoming’s homeschool laws are fairly lenient and allow parents to explore many different homeschool styles. Simply provide the local school district with your curricula, and teach the required subjects.
Information accurate as of: 06/21/2024. 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.