How to homeschool in Colorado

Options for homeschooling

: 3

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: Yes

ESA Option

: No

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Colorado homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in Colorado is a fantastic opportunity to take control of your child’s education! With a little effort to follow the state’s laws and requirements, you can create a personalized learning experience that fits your family perfectly. There are three homeschooling options:

Independent homeschooling - File a Notice of Intent (NOI) annually with a school district.
Umbrella schools - Homeschool under a private or religious school.
Certified teacher homeschooling - Parents with a valid teaching certificate can homeschool without an NOI.

Children aged 6 to 17 must meet Colorado’s compulsory education requirements. This means homeschool programs should align with state standards and cover key subjects to ensure a well-rounded education.

Notification required: Parents must file a Notice of Intent to homeschool with the local school district 14 days before starting.
Parent education requirements: No formal teaching licensure or degrees are required for parents to homeschool.
Required subjects: Instruction must include reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and the Constitution of the United States.

For more details, refer to the Colorado Department of Education's homeschooling resources: Colorado DOE Homeschooling Resources.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to start homeschooling with Time4Learning in Colorado

Time4Learning offers a comprehensive online curriculum that can support Colorado homeschooling families in meeting the state's educational requirements.

Research Colorado homeschooling laws. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the state's homeschooling requirements, including mandatory subjects and notification procedures.
Notify the school district. Submit a written notice of intent to homeschool with your local school district at least 14 days before starting.
Choose a curriculum. Select a curriculum that complies with the state's educational guidelines and suits your child’s learning needs. Time4Learning is a popular choice among homeschooling families for its comprehensive, flexible, and self-paced online lessons that cover all major subjects while meeting state standards.
Track attendance and records. Keep a detailed record of days spent homeschooling and track your child's progress in mandatory subjects. Time4Learning simplifies this process with automated progress tracking and detailed reports that make record-keeping easy.
Plan for assessments. Arrange for standardized tests or evaluations as required by Colorado law to assess your child’s academic growth. Time4Learning provides resources and practice tests to help students prepare for assessments.

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Colorado's high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschooling families in Colorado set their own graduation requirements. Unlike public school students, homeschoolers do not have state-mandated credit requirements. This means parents determine:

The number of credits required to graduate
What subjects students need to study

When students complete their coursework, parents may issue a homeschool diploma. This diploma is legally recognized in Colorado and can include transcripts detailing the student’s academic achievements.

To ensure your homeschooler stays on track for graduation, it’s helpful to follow Colorado Department of Education guidelines for credit distribution in public high schools:

Language arts (4 credits)
Math (3 credits)
Science (3 credits)
Social studies (3 credits)
Electives (5+ credits)

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Standardized test requirements for Colorado homeschoolers

Colorado requires homeschoolers to participate in periodic evaluations to measure academic progress. Parents can choose between submitting results from:

A standardized achievement test (such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills or the Stanford Achievement Test)
A professional academic evaluation conducted by a licensed teacher or qualified evaluator

These evaluations are required at grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Families must submit testing or evaluation results to the school district where the NOI was filed.

Time4Learning’s curriculum aligns with standardized testing benchmarks, making it a useful tool in preparing for these evaluations.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Colorado

Homeschooled students in Colorado have excellent opportunities when applying for colleges, as homeschooling is widely recognized and respected in higher education. Here are some tips for a smooth application process:

Develop a strong transcript - Clearly document all courses, grades, and hours completed during high school, following traditional grade-level organization.
Write a homeschool portfolio - This is a great opportunity for homeschoolers to show off their unique learning. Include samples of work, books read, passion projects, extracurricular activities, volunteer or internship experiences, etc.
Ace standardized tests - While not always required, high SAT or ACT scores can strengthen a homeschooler’s application.
Secure recommendation letters - Ask a tutor, mentor, or extracurricular director to write a letter highlighting your strengths.
Prepare for interviews - Showcase your educational experience and unique perspective as a homeschooled student.

Parents and students should consult admissions requirements for specific colleges to ensure all necessary materials are submitted.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Colorado

Colorado currently does not offer an Education Savings Account (ESA) program tailored for homeschooling families. Unlike some states that use ESAs to provide public funds for alternative education options, including homeschooling, Colorado has yet to adopt such an initiative. Families considering homeschooling in Colorado should familiarize themselves with the state's homeschooling laws and available resources to explore funding possibilities. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always consult official state education websites or recent legislative updates.