Colorado Homeschool Law
Important Information
LOOKING to learn more about the Colorado homeschool Law?
The following is a summary with important resources available for your family:
More to come!
Do you know of any other Colorado homeschool law resources we should add? Email us!
Colorado Homeschooling: The Practical Overview
Colorado is generally considered a homeschool-friendly state, though there are a few legal requirements families must follow. One important thing to understand is that Colorado is a notification state, not an approval state. This means you do not need permission to homeschool. Instead, families simply notify a school district of their intent to homeschool (through one of the three options listed below).
Homeschooling in Colorado also gives families significant educational flexibility. You are not required to follow public school pacing or teaching methods. Parents can individualize education for each child by:
Moving faster or slower through material
Customizing curriculum and learning approaches
Combining grade levels when appropriate
Using alternative or unconventional educational methods
Compared to many other states, Colorado’s homeschool laws are considered moderately regulated. The state has more requirements than places like Texas, but far fewer restrictions than highly regulated states such as New York or Pennsylvania.
Colorado’s compulsory attendance law applies to children ages 6 (by August 1) through 17. During those years, children must be enrolled in a public school, private school, independent school, or home-based education program that complies with Colorado law.
Colorado school districts cannot conduct random homeschool audits or routinely collect your records. Families are required to maintain records themselves and only provide them under specific legal circumstances outlined in Colorado law.
Disclaimer: This page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Families are encouraged to review current Colorado law and consult official resources or legal counsel if needed.
Homeschooling Can Look Different for Every Family
One of the greatest strengths of homeschooling is flexibility. Homeschooling does not need to look like public school at home. Some families follow a traditional curriculum and schedule, while others use: unit studies, Charlotte Mason methods, classical education, unschooling, hybrid learning, outdoor education, faith-based curriculum, or eclectic approaches. Colorado law allows families significant freedom to customize learning in a way that best supports each child.
Quick Start Checklist
✔ Choose your homeschool legal option
✔ Submit your Notice of Intent — NOI (if applicable)
✔ Choose curriculum and learning resources
✔ Create a simple attendance and recordkeeping system
✔ Learn about assessment requirements
✔ Connect with local homeschool community and support groups
3 legal ways to homeschool in Colorado
Many families are surprised to learn that Colorado offers three different legal pathways for homeschooling. The best option depends on your family’s goals, desired level of independence, and recordkeeping preferences.
1. Home-Based Education Law
Description: Parents homeschool independently under Colorado’s homeschool statute
Common Benefits: Flexibility and parent-directed education
Things to Consider: Requires annual Notice of Intent, assessments, and record keeping with a school district
This Home-Based Education Program option is the most common option and the one most people mean when they say they homeschool in Colorado. Requirements include: filing a Notice of Intent (NOI); teaching required subjects; keeping records; and completing periodic testing/evaluations.
If choosing this option, you must notify a Colorado school district at least 14 days before starting homeschool and every year after that. You can file with any district in Colorado, not necessarily your local one. The notice includes: Child’s name and age; Address; and Planned attendance hours.
2. Independent (“Umbrella”) School
Description: Families enroll with a private or independent school that supports homeschooling while students continue learning primarily at home.
Students enroll in a private or independent school while learning at home under that school’s policies which oftentimes provides more freedom and privacy than the NOI option.
Your child is technically enrolled in a private/independent school while learning at home under parental guidance. You are NOT REQUIRED to file a Notice of Intent with a school district. This option can reduce some direct reporting requirements because the school handles oversight.
NOTE: Families using an Independent School option are considered private school students rather than homeschool students under Colorado’s Home-Based Education Law.
Common Benefits: Greater privacy, no Notice of Intent (NOI) filing with school district, possible transcript or diploma support, and community opportunities depending on the school.
Greater privacy, no Notice of Intent (NOI) filing with a school district, direct reporting to the independent school, and often additional community and/or faith-based support.
Things to Consider: Each umbrella school has its own policies, requirements, fees, and level of oversight.
Each independent school sets its own policies, requirements, and fees
Recommended Independent / Umbrella Schools:
3. Certified Teacher Option
Description: A licensed Colorado teacher supervises the homeschool program. A licensed teacher supervises instruction and evaluates progress. This option is less common.
Common Benefits: Minimal state reporting requirements
Things to Consider: Requires ongoing involvement from a certified teacher
What Records Should I Keep?
Colorado law requires homeschool families operating under a Notice of Intent to permanently maintain: attendance records, assessment results, and immunization records or exemption documentation.
Many homeschool families also choose to keep: portfolios or samples of student work, reading lists, curriculum records, report cards or grade summaries, and high school transcripts.
Keeping organized records can be especially helpful during high school years, college applications, military enrollment, or if your family moves to another state.
The good news is that recordkeeping does not need to be complicated. Many families use a simple planner, spreadsheet, binder, or digital folder system to stay organized throughout the year.
Insert text
text
Quick Compliance Checklist
Each year, enroll in independent (“umbrella”) school or file Notice of Intent with a school district
Teach the required subjects
Colorado requires instruction in: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Math, History, Civics, Literature, Science, and U.S. Constitution
Parents choose curriculum — No required textbooks; learning does not have to look like public school; freedom in teaching style, schedule, and educational philosophy
Keep attendance + records
The state also requires: 172 instructional days (averaging 4 hours per day)
Colorado requires parents to maintain: Attendance records, Immunization or exemption records, Test/evaluation results. We also recommend you keep: Portfolios, Samples of work, Reading lists, Course descriptions, and High school transcripts.
Test/evaluate in odd grades
Students must be assessed in: 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th grades
Families can choose: a nationally standardized achievement test or an evaluation by a qualified professional. Qualified evaluators can include: licensed teachers; private school teachers; and licensed psychologists
Many homeschool families prefer evaluations over standardized testing due to more flexibility and context
Save good records for high school
INTENTIONALLY DESIGNED HOMESCHOOLING
When your child’s homeschool experience is intentionally designed to closely align with your family’s needs and aspirations, the overall experience feels more joy-filled, purposeful, and meaningful. You go from surviving … to thriving together!
We are committed to helping your family live your lives to the fullest and in the most meaningful way, especially as you navigate your family’s homeschooling journey!
What are you waiting for? Let’s do this together!
become a member: Enroll here
As an “a la carte” resource center, giving you ultimate flexibility when building your homeschool, True North Homeschool™ fits well with an umbrella school and other existing enrichment and coop options. Enrolling with True North Homeschool™ is like a monthly membership / subscription that gives your family full and priority access to all of our learning opportunities! We have limited spots available for our classes and events, so enrolling with us increases your chances of getting the exact dates and times your family prefers.
Become a Member*:
Get FULL ACCESS to all of the Core Services that True North Homeschool™ provides
Get ACCESS to our Membership Area where you can easily access our discounted, free, members only learning experiences, etc.
Receive FIRST PRIORITY for every learning opportunity available (educational tracks, field trips**, etc.) that you will be able to pick and choose, designing your “True North” Homeschool
SAVE MORE MONEY through our new Discount Program (air travel, lodging, car rental entertainment, shopping, etc.)
Get ACCESS to our new online, self-paced job search and career coaching program for homeschool parents
Get HSLDA DISCOUNT ($15 OFF) on annual membership
Get MORE CONNECTED to our close knit True North Community (families across Colorado) who are all on this exciting homeschooling journey together
* Cancel anytime.
** These are separate from the Adventure Pass options
For only $4.99 per month per family:
