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Connecticut Homeschool Information

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—Homeschool In Connecticut—

Homeschooling in Connecticut

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Find Out What the State Says About Home Education

Connecticut School Choice

Click above for general information on the school choice.

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Connecticut Department of Education

Click above for the state Education Information.

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Connecticut Homeschool

🏫 Connecticut Homeschool Law Requirements

1. Equivalent Instruction (Statutory Requirement)

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 10‑184, parents must ensure that children aged 5–18 attend public school or receive equivalent instruction elsewhere — which includes homeschooling.

2. Notice of Intent — Strongly Recommended, but Optional

  • The CT State Department of Education recommends filing a Notice of Intent (NOI) with your local superintendent within 10 days of starting homeschool; it remains valid for one school year.

  • Officially, no state law mandates this, but it’s the accepted practice.

3. Required Subjects

Homeschool programs must include instruction that is equivalent to public school in:

  • Reading, writing, spelling, grammar

  • Math (Arithmetic)

  • Geography

  • U.S. History & Citizenship (town, state, federal levels)

4. Record-Keeping

While not enforced by law, the CT DOE recommends maintaining:

  • An attendance log detailing school days and hours.

  • A portfolio or folder with samples of student work, reading logs, projects, assessments, and results of any national standardized tests.

5. Assessment & Oversight

  • No state-mandated standardized testing is required.

  • Annual portfolio reviews are optional. School districts may suggest one, but cannot compel you to comply.

6. High School Diploma/GED Route

  • Homeschooled students typically receive a parent-issued diploma.

  • You can also pursue a Connecticut State High School Diploma via the GED®, after meeting withdrawal requirements (e.g., 6 months out of a public school if ages 17–18, or submitting official intent documentation).

⚖️ Current Policy & Ongoing Discussions

  • Connecticut is unique in New England for not requiring official notification or formal academic reviews for homeschoolers.

  • Recent high-profile cases of abuse hidden under homeschooling have led the CT Child Advocate to recommend stricter oversight, including:

    • Mandatory proof of academic progress

    • Safety attestations

    • Reporting of past abuse when withdrawing to homeschool

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    📌 Bottom Line for Homeschooling Legally in CT

    1. Offer instruction in the required eight subjects.
    2. (Highly advised) Submit a Notice of Intent to your school superintendent promptly.
    3. Maintain attendance logs and educational portfolios.
    4. Testing or portfolio reviews are voluntary, unless requested.
    5. For students heading toward a diploma, pursue GED requirements or issue your own graduation credentials.

    Should You Be Concerned?

    If your child is receiving a well-rounded education in core subjects—and you document it—you are in full compliance with Connecticut law. Just stay aware of any potential regulatory updates in response to the ongoing policy discussions.

    How It Works When You Enroll In a Private School

    Graduation Requirements

    📘 Enrolling in an Accredited Private Online School in Connecticut

     

    ✅ Key Distinction: Homeschool vs. Private School Enrollment

    • If you enroll in an accredited online private school (especially one based outside Connecticut), your child is considered enrolled in a private school, not a homeschooler.

    • This means you may not need to follow the same recommendations (like the Notice of Intent or subject-specific instruction) that apply to homeschoolers.

    ⚠️ Important Caveats:

    • The online school must be truly accredited (regional or national accreditation) to count as a private school alternative.

    • If the program is more of a “curriculum provider” (not a full school), you’re likely still considered homeschooling.

    • Some CT districts may still ask for documentation or clarification, especially if your child was previously enrolled in public school.

    🧾 Summary

    Enrolling your child in an accredited online private school generally exempts you from Connecticut’s homeschool procedures. You’re legally seen as using a private education option rather than homeschooling — but you must ensure the school is properly accredited and keeps records of attendance and achievement.

    Connecticut K-12 School Choice

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    • Homeschooling and Private Schools

      • Homeschooling is legal with a notice of intent to the local school district, following state guidelines.

      • Private schools (including faith-based and independent boarding schools) operate without state funding; Connecticut does not offer school vouchers or ESAs.

     

    Connecticut School Choice Summary

    Connecticut School Choice Summary

    Connecticut offers several public school choice options designed to expand access to specialized education and reduce racial and economic isolation:

    • Open Choice Program
      Allows students from urban districts (like Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, New London) to attend public schools in nearby suburban towns, and vice versa. Placement is lottery-based and transportation is typically provided.

    • Magnet Schools
      Theme-based public schools (e.g., STEM, arts, International Baccalaureate) open to students across district lines. Operated by groups like CREC and local districts. Admissions are free and handled through the Regional School Choice Office (RSCO).

    • Charter Schools
      Independently run public schools offering alternative curriculums. Available statewide, tuition-free, and admission is typically lottery-based.

    • Technical & Agricultural High Schools

      • CTECS: Offers academic and career-technical education (trades, IT, healthcare) to students statewide at no cost.

      • Agricultural Science Programs: Regional schools focused on agriculture and science, open to high school students with district referrals.

    Homeschool Resources for Connecticut

    Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.

    In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.

    Homeschool Legal Defense Association

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    Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney.  Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice.