Colorado law allows parents (or guardians) to homeschool their children without a teaching license.

Parents of students ages 6 to 16 must provide written notification to the local school district at least 14 days before beginning a homeschool program. Parents are not required to begin the homeschool program until the child is 7 years old, but because compulsory attendance begins at age 6, written notice of the intent to homeschool is required for children who turn 6 on or after August 1 of the school year.

Parents who homeschool are responsible for the education of each student, including purchase of books, supplies, and tests. Students must be tested using a nationally norm-referenced test in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.

Homeschooling families must also keep records of attendance, immunizations, and test scores. It is also helpful to keep records of high school coursework for college applications.

Education Policy Center Resources:

Before you begin homeschooling

1. Determine if homeschooling is best for your family
2. Know the law
3. Find a support group
4. Decide which curriculum to use

Helpful Resources

• Public schools that offer special classes for homeschoolers
• Standardized testing information
• Bookstores that sell homeschool materials
• Homeschool resources links
• Colorado’s Homeschool Law Turns 20: The Battle Should Never Be Forgotten (IP 12-2008) by Marya DeGrow

Other Resources:

• Colorado Department of Education — Homeschooling in Colorado (including full text of homeschool law)
• Homeschool Legal Defense Association