{"id":4316,"date":"2023-09-12T17:00:21","date_gmt":"2023-09-12T17:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staging.miacademy.co\/?page_id=4316"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:27:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:27:26","slug":"homeschooling-in-delaware","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miacademy.co\/homeschool-curriculum\/by-state\/homeschooling-in-delaware\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Homeschool Legally in Delaware (2026 Update)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you thinking about making the switch to homeschooling<\/a>? You\u2019re not alone! Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


Delaware\u2019s homeschooling laws<\/a> are simple to follow. Parents only need to report enrollment and attendance in the First State. If you\u2019ve homeschooled before, or you\u2019re wondering how to get started<\/a>, we\u2019ll cover everything about homeschooling in Delaware!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling in Delaware at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Delaware – The First State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Option<\/strong><\/td>Single Family Homeschool<\/strong><\/td>Multi-Family Homeschool<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Required Age<\/td>5-16<\/td>5-16<\/td><\/tr>
Standardized Testing<\/td>Not required<\/td>Not required<\/td><\/tr>
Subjects<\/td>None required<\/td>None required<\/td><\/tr>
Time Requirements<\/td>None<\/td>None<\/td><\/tr>
Graduation Requirements<\/td>Determined by parent<\/td>Determined by instructor<\/td><\/tr>
Special Requirements<\/td>Parent is responsible for reporting enrollment and attendance<\/td>An appointed liaison is responsible for reporting enrollment and attendance for all students in the homeschool<\/td><\/tr>
Financial Resources Available<\/td>No<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First, we\u2019ll begin by going over the options available for homeschooling in DE. The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) currently recognizes three types of nonpublic schools: single-family homeschools, multi-family homeschools, and private schools. We will discuss both single-family and multi-family homeschools in depth for this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 1: Single-Family Homeschool <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When parents provide the majority of instruction at the family\u2019s home, and the students are related to each other as siblings, it is a single-family homeschool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A benefit to a single-family homeschool is that you do not have to appoint a state liaison, as the parent will be the liaison by default. With smaller class sizes, single-family homeschools can enjoy a more tailored and personalized approach for each student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 2: Multi-Family Homeschool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The DDOE considers it a multi-family homeschool if instruction takes place mostly outside of the family home, and not all children are related as siblings. This can be in the form of co-ops and homeschool groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A benefit of multi-family homeschools is that they can help reduce some of the parental workload. Instead of teaching every day, parents can take turns hosting or instructing classes. Multi-family homeschools also provide students with more opportunities to make new friends and participate in group activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multi-family homeschools tend to have larger class sizes than single-family schools. While this can make it more difficult to ensure every student\u2019s needs are met, it also means there are more adults and peers available to support each child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parent Qualifications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The State of Delaware doesn\u2019t require any qualifications for homeschool instructors at this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice of Intent<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All nonpublic schools are required to report enrollment to the DDOE. To do this, you\u2019ll first need to register your homeschool with the DDOE and enroll your student. This needs to be done before you withdraw your child from public school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are in a single-family homeschool, the parent is responsible for this reporting. The enrollment report is due no later than September 30 each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To apply for the nonpublic school application, you\u2019ll need to follow the steps below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Apply for an EdAccess account<\/a>. After receiving the confirmation email, set up the two-factor authentication<\/a>. This authentication will happen every time you log in to your account. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Log into the Nonpublic School (NPS) Application via EdAccess<\/a>. Once you open the application, you\u2019ll need to fill in demographic information about your school and assign yourself as the parent of the students you\u2019ve enrolled. After you save and submit, the application status will be Pending.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Print your Acknowledgement Letter. This letter serves as proof your homeschool is registered and your students are enrolled. Public schools will reject your withdrawal request if you do not provide this letter. If your student has never been enrolled in a Delaware public school, simply keep the letter for your records.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If you need further assistance with your EdAccess enrollment, you can visit the DDOE\u2019s Nonpublic School Registration page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you are in a multi-family homeschool, the appointed state liaison is responsible for reporting enrollment. The liaison must add your student to the enrollment form and provide you with a copy of the acknowledgement letter. Each multi-family homeschool is different, so be sure to get in contact with the liaison for next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you decide to close your nonpublic school, be sure to submit notice for that as well. You can do this in the Support Request Form in the EdAccess portal. After you notify the DDOE of your homeschool closure, be sure to print the Letter of Acknowledgment for the closure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you decide to start homeschooling in Delaware after the initial enrollment window, you can find out more about enrolling in person by calling 302-241-2820 to set up an appointment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another important note is that homeschooling does not exempt your child from any existing truancy case. If your child has an open case, the DDOE can reject your application. It\u2019s best to ensure your child stays compliant with compulsory attendance laws up until withdrawal to avoid truancy issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Attendance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There is no requirement for the days or hours of instruction for families homeschooling in Delaware. Parents can teach for however long it takes to cover the material. This allows for both flexibility and freedom when it comes to scheduling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, you do need to take daily attendance for each day you provide instruction. All Delaware nonpublic schools need to report enrollment at the beginning of the year (see the Notice of Intent section) and submit attendance at the end of the year. The attendance report is due by July 31st. You can file this report in your EdAccess account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Homeschool Curriculum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The DDOE does not provide, approve, or monitor any curricula for homeschool students. That means parents have full control over what their child studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Parents are responsible for providing all lesson plans, subjects, and instructional materials. You can use a homeschool curriculum<\/a> you find online, or you can create your own curriculum. <\/p>\n\n\n