{"id":4359,"date":"2023-09-26T18:32:01","date_gmt":"2023-09-26T18:32:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staging.miacademy.co\/?page_id=4359"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:27:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:27:10","slug":"homeschooling-in-colorado","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miacademy.co\/homeschool-curriculum\/by-state\/homeschooling-in-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Homeschool Legally in Colorado (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


Colorado\u2019s homeschooling laws are moderately strict. Parents still have flexibility but also a bit of structure to build off of. There are three different options for homeschooling in Colorado. If you\u2019ve homeschooled before, or you\u2019re wondering how to get started<\/a>, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know to start your CO homeschool journey with confidence!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Colorado – The Centennial State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Option<\/strong><\/td>Homeschool Statute<\/strong><\/td>Independent School<\/strong><\/td>Certified Teacher<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Required Age<\/td>6-16<\/td>6-16<\/td>6-16<\/td><\/tr>
Standardized Testing<\/td>Assessment reporting required<\/td>Assessment reporting required<\/td>Not required<\/td><\/tr>
Subjects<\/td>Reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, science, literature, the U.S. Constitution<\/td>Reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, science, literature, the U.S. Constitution<\/td>Reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, science, literature, the U.S. Constitution<\/td><\/tr>
Time Requirements<\/td>Four hours daily for 172 days<\/td>172 days<\/td>None<\/td><\/tr>
Graduation Requirements<\/td>Determined by the parent<\/td>Determined by the school<\/td>Determined by the instructor<\/td><\/tr>
Special Requirements<\/td>N\/A<\/td>No notice required<\/td>No notice, testing, or record keeping required<\/td><\/tr>
Financial Resources Available<\/td>No<\/td>No<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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First, we\u2019ll begin by going over all three options available for homeschooling. It\u2019s important to consider the needs of both you and your child when choosing a way to homeschool. Also, please be aware that requirements can vary, depending on what you choose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 1: Notice of Intent\/ Homeschool Statute<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling under the homeschool statute means that you are accepting full responsibility for your child\u2019s education. You will need to provide a curriculum, teach for the required amount of time, teach the required subjects, and test your students as necessary. This is the most hands-on method of homeschooling available in Colorado and is also the one with the most requirements. However, if you don\u2019t want to enroll in an independent school or hire a private teacher, this option may be for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 2: Independent School<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An independent school doesn’t receive government funds and is overseen by a board of trustees, like a private school. For homeschoolers, this can include an accredited online academy. If a child attends an independent school from home, they’re considered a nonpublic school student. These schools often provide curriculum, materials, testing, and reporting services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cover or umbrella schools, depending on their services, can be similar to independent schools but aren\u2019t regulated by Colorado law. They primarily offer record keeping and reporting services for a fee, including attendance, course information, and test results. Some also provide diplomas, mentoring, field trips, social opportunities, curricula, or testing services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 3: Homeschooling with a Certified Teacher<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have a Colorado teaching license, or you hire an instructor who has one, you do not need to submit notice or any assessments. You are also exempt from record keeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

To homeschool a child in Colorado, you need to be their legal parent or guardian. If you are not, you can still qualify as long as their parent or guardian gives you permission. If you choose the certified teacher method, the instructor must have a valid Colorado teaching license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Families who homeschool under the Homeschool Statute must provide a Notice of Intent at least 14 days before homeschooling begins. This should be a simple letter that includes your child\u2019s name, birthdate, address, the name of the instructor, and certify that you will teach for the required amount of time. If it is a testing year, you should also include where you plan to submit your test results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This letter should go to your local school district superintendent, as nonpublic education is not in the Colorado Department of Education\u2019s jurisdiction. Licensed instructors do not need to provide a Notice of Intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Homeschool students must attend lessons for an average of four hours per day, for a minimum of 172 days. This requirement does not apply to homeschool instructors with a teaching license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Wide-angle<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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

Homeschool laws in Colorado require students to learn the following subjects: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Reading<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Writing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Speaking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Math<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. History<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Civics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Science<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Literature<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. The U.S. Constitution<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    You\u2019ll need to provide your own curriculum, as one will not be provided for you. Ideally, your child\u2019s yearly academic progress should be comparable to their peers in conventional schools. For a better understanding of academic skills by grade level, you can visit the Colorado Academic Standards<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n