How to homeschool in Connecticut

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: No

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: No

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Connecticut homeschooling laws and options

Connecticut provides parents the option to homeschool their children as a lawful alternative to public or private schooling. Under state law, children between the ages of 5 and 18 are subject to compulsory education requirements. Homeschooling families must ensure they meet these legal standards while maintaining the freedom to tailor their children’s education to their unique needs.

Below is a brief overview of the key requirements for homeschooling in Connecticut:

Required Notification: While there is no requirement to formally notify the state of your decision to homeschool, it is recommended to file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with your local school district. This ensures compliance with the state’s suggested procedures and provides a clear record of your decision to homeschool.
Parent Education Requirements: There are no specific educational requirements for parents to homeschool their children in Connecticut.
Subjects Required: Families are expected to teach basic subjects, including reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, along with U.S. history and citizenship.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official Connecticut State Department of Education website. This resource provides additional guidance on homeschooling laws and policies.

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 homeschool with Time4Learning in Connecticut

Homeschool with Time4Learning in Connecticut

Time4Learning is a popular choice for homeschooling families in Connecticut, and it’s easy to see why. This online curriculum supports parents by including subjects required under state law:

Research Connecticut homeschooling laws. Learn the state’s requirements, including subjects to teach and educational guidelines to follow.
Submit a notice of intent. Visit the Connecticut DOE page on homeschooling for detailed instructions on submitting your official notice.
Choose a comprehensive curriculum. Time4Learning offers an online, flexible program covering all required subjects like reading, math, science, and history, with tools to track progress.
Create a schedule that works for your family. Use Time4Learning’s self-paced program to build a routine that fits your lifestyle and ensures consistent learning.
Keep records and assess progress. While Connecticut doesn’t require tests, Time4Learning provides automated reports and tools to help you easily track your child’s progress.

By utilizing Time4Learning's resources, parents can streamline the process of meeting Connecticut's homeschooling requirements while providing a high-quality education for their children.

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Connecticut's high school graduation and diploma requirements

While Connecticut law doesn’t regulate specific graduation requirements for homeschoolers, families typically set their own criteria for earning a high school diploma. Many families use goals aligned with those of traditional high schools to ensure their students stay on track for post-secondary goals:

Recommended credits include English, math, science, social studies, and optional electives.
Instead of a state-issued diploma, homeschooled students receive a parent-issued diploma once they meet the family's graduation requirements. As a Time4Learning member, you’ll be able to download a diploma template from our parent portal.
Homeschool parents may create their own student transcripts, and include any information they deem pertinent to colleges, military, and/or future workplace organizations. As a Time4Learning member, you’ll be able to download a transcript template from our parent portal to get started!

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Standardized test requirements for Connecticut homeschoolers

Connecticut does not require homeschoolers to participate in standardized testing. However, many parents choose to include standardized tests voluntarily to measure their children’s progress. Families who opt for testing can use exams such as:

MAP Growth Tests for adaptive assessments in math and reading.
ACT or SAT Tests for college-bound high schoolers.

Check with potential colleges, scholarships, or organizations for any standardized testing requirements specific to their qualifications.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Connecticut

Applying to college as a homeschooler in Connecticut is entirely feasible and increasingly common. Colleges and universities actively welcome homeschooled students who demonstrate academic preparedness and resilience. Here’s what you’ll need:

A detailed transcript listing completed courses, grades, and credits. As a Time4Learning member, you’ll be able to download a transcript template from our parent portal to get started!
Letters of recommendation from co-op educators, tutors, or community leaders.
High SAT, ACT, or other standardized test scores to demonstrate proficiency.
A well-crafted portfolio showcasing extracurricular achievements, community service, and personal growth. This is an excellent chance to highlight your student's well-roundedness! They can stand out by showcasing details about their volunteer work, passion projects, and dual enrollment. As a Time4Learning member, you can easily print weekly progress reports and organize them in a 3-ring binder.
Academic writing samples or essays reflecting your student’s skills.

Many homeschoolers also take advantage of dual enrollment programs at local colleges to earn college credits before graduation, which enhances their applications.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Connecticut

Connecticut does not offer an official education savings account (ESA) program to support homeschooling families. However, parents can explore alternative financial aid options to reduce the costs associated with curriculum, materials, and extracurricular activities: