HOMESCHOOLING IN Connecticut & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering Connecticut homeschooling, but don’t know where to start regarding state regulations and requirements. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully set up your own homeschool program according to Connecticut homeschool laws. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in Connecticut, current homeschooling laws, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing, transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
History of Homeschooling in Connecticut
The state hasn’t enacted a Connecticut homeschool law; instead, parents have relied on the “equivalent instruction” exemption for Connecticut homeschooling. In 1982, Connecticut issued guidelines for school districts regarding this exemption. Subsequent guidelines for Connecticut homeschooling were released in 1990, but neither carried the force of Connecticut homeschool law, rendering them voluntary.
In 2002, mandatory guidelines for Connecticut homeschooling were proposed. About 1,000 parents protested at a hearing, leading the legislature to reconsider.
Current Homeschooling Connecticut Laws and Regulations
According to Connecticut homeschool law, truancy laws apply to students between the ages of 5 and 18 who do not attend school or a homeschool program.
The laws for homeschooling in Connecticut are outlined in Connecticut homeschool laws Section 10-184. Connecticut homeschool law defines Connecticut homeschooling as “instruction by a parent or guardian in the home or elsewhere” and establishes the requirements for Connecticut homeschooling. According to Connecticut homeschool laws, parents must provide instruction that is “equivalent to the studies taught in the public schools” and must comply with notification procedures.
According to Connecticut homeschool law, parents can use a school withdrawal form to withdraw a child from public school for Connecticut homeschooling if “the parent or person having control of such child can demonstrate that the child is receiving equivalent instruction in the subjects taught in homeschool course work as in public schools.” These subjects encompass English/grammar/language arts, geography, arithmetic, and United States history, including state and federal governments
How to Set Up a Homeschool in Connecticut
To set up Connecticut homeschooling, Connecticut residents should follow these steps:
Complete the annual Intent to Homeschool form and submit it for approval under homeschooling laws. Retain the signed form for documentation purposes. Get the Intent to Homeschool Form here.
Familiarize yourself with the Connecticut Core Standards. Aligning instruction with these standards ensures a seamless transition if the child returns to public school. The curriculum should meet the state’s requirements under Connecticut homeschool law.
Keep the child’s homeschool folder with sample work to show adherence to homeschooling laws. Include a log of books, along with results from any national assessments for a thorough documentation of the Connecticut homeschooling journey. See reference here.
Parents don’t need to hold teacher credentials under Connecticut homeschool law. However, they are responsible for providing instruction that is equivalent to public school under homeschooling laws.
When setting up the next school year to homeschool under Connecticut homeschool law, parents should consider joining an education association or local homeschool groups like the Connecticut Homeschool Network. These resources assist homeschooling parents and can provide a homeschool community with valuable support when navigating Connecticut homeschool laws.
Maintaining Your Connecticut Homeschool
Connecticut homeschool law does not require parents to submit any paperwork to maintain their homeschool. However, it is recommended to keep comprehensive records of your home instruction, such as lesson plans and samples of completed work when Connecticut homeschooling. These records can help demonstrate that your Connecticut homeschooling program is providing an education equivalent to public school under Connecticut homeschool law.
Connecticut homeschooling families should stay informed about any changes in Connecticut homeschool law. Joining local or statewide homeschool groups can help stay up-to-date with Connecticut homeschool law.
According to the Guidelines, school officials may suggest an annual review to assess the instruction in required courses, but this process is optional for Connecticut homeschooling. These are suggested procedures for Connecticut homeschooling; there’s no requirement under Connecticut homeschool law.
Homeschooling Reporting Requirements in Connecticut
Connecticut homeschooling parents are not required to report on their children’s education to the state under Connecticut homeschool law. The state does not require Connecticut homeschooling students to participate in standardized testing under Connecticut homeschool law.
However, school districts have the authority to request documentation. If a school official raises concerns about the program, parents may be required to provide evidence of their child’s work when homeschooling in Connecticut.
Therefore, it is crucial for Connecticut homeschooling families to maintain comprehensive records of their child’s progress, including lesson plans, portfolios, and test results.
Testing
Under Connecticut homeschool law, homeschoolers are not required to participate in mandatory testing. Connecticut homeschool law does not stipulate any standardized testing. However, parents who choose to start homeschooling their children must submit a notice of intent under Connecticut homeschool law. This notice should include a brief description of curriculum, including the subjects to be taught and the instructional materials to be used under Connecticut homeschool law. While testing is not obligatory under Connecticut homeschool law, parents are responsible for providing regular instruction and maintaining a portfolio of their child’s work. The portfolio of the child’s progress must be made available for review by school district officials or the superintendent’s office upon request when homeschooling in Connecticut. Some Connecticut homeschooling families may choose to administer standardized tests, but this is not mandated by Connecticut homeschool law.
Funding your Connecticut Homeschool
In Connecticut, homeschooling families bear all educational costs for extracurriculars or online homeschool curriculum. To offset expenses, Connecticut homeschooling families can use free or affordable support online with educational resources, curriculum exchanges, the interactive web, and lending libraries when homeschooling in Connecticut.
Federal Tax Breaks
Connecticut homeschooling families may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits to help offset educational expenses. One option is a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows money to grow tax-free when used for qualified education costs. Homeschool parents might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for homeschooling. Finally, tax credits or deductions could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, homeschooling families should review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
Immunization Requirements in Connecticut
Homeschooled children, who are not attending public or private school, typically are not subject to the state’s school immunization Connecticut homeschool laws. However, if students participate in certain public school programs, they may be required to meet immunization requirements under Connecticut homeschool law when homeschooling in Connecticut.
For the most current information related to homeschoolers, contact the Department of Public Health or a legal expert in Connecticut homeschool law.
Connecticut State Graduation Requirements
Under Connecticut homeschool law, there are no state-mandated graduation requirements, providing families with the flexibility to tailor education to their child’s needs. Parents are advised to engage in discussions with their child annually about future academic and career success. For Ct families preparing their child for higher education, align the homeschool curriculum with Connecticut’s Graduation Requirements and contact potential colleges to ensure college readiness.
To receive a Connecticut high school diploma, students must complete a minimum of 20 credits, including:
4 credits in English
3 credits in mathematics
3 credits in science
3 credits in social studies
1 credit in the arts
1 credit in physical education
1 credit in health and safety education
4 elective credits
According to Connecticut homeschool law, students must meet these requirements to receive a diploma from a local school district. Connecticut homeschooling parents are responsible for ensuring their child’s coursework aligns with these graduation requirements.
Parents can consult with local school districts or organizations for guidance on creating a comprehensive Connecticut state high school program that meets state standards under Connecticut homeschool law.
According to Connecticut homeschool law, homeschooled individuals aged 18 or older interested in taking the GED test must follow a specific procedure to register. Firstly, a parent or guardian is required to acquire a document from the local school district that verifies the family’s initial decision to home school when homeschooling in Connecticut.
After securing this documentation, the next step under Connecticut homeschool law involves reaching out to the Connecticut State Department of Education’s GED office to ask for a Connecticut Homeschooling Attestation Form signed.
Homeschooled individuals can then proceed to register for the adult education GED test according to Connecticut homeschool laws. This form does not grant eligibility to enroll in any Adult Education programs under Connecticut homeschool laws. See reference here.
Connecticut Homeschool Charters
There are no home school charter schools under the Connecticut state statute. However, some online learning programs may be available to homeschoolers.
Students may have the option to take individual courses at the local schools. This can provide opportunities for homeschooled students to acquire effective interpersonal skills and access specific courses or extracurricular activities that may not be available through their home school program.
Connecticut homeschool law does not require homeschooled students to participate in standardized testing. Standardized tests and portfolios can all be valuable tools for evaluating a homeschooled student’s academic performance when homeschooling in Connecticut.
Local Connecticut Homeschooling Resources
Connecticut offers several academic resources to support Connecticut homeschooling families:
The CT Learning Hub, a creation of the Connecticut State Department of Education, serves as a valuable resource for families engaged in Connecticut homeschooling. This cost-free online platform offers digital resources designed to facilitate both online and offline learning experiences.
Connecticut homeschooling provides insights into Social and Emotional Learning, a transformative process fostering emotional intelligence. SEL encompasses key competencies such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Connecticut Homeschool Network: A non-profit organization that provides information, support, and resources for homeschoolers, including a comprehensive website, newsletters, and local groups.
Connecticut Odyssey of the Mind: This organization provides creative problem-solving programs and competitions for students, including homeschooled children.
Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center: This organization offers information, resources, and support for families with children who have special needs, including homeschooled students.
Local homeschool support groups and Christian homeschoolers: Connecticut homeschooling families can connect with local co-ops, support groups, or social media communities to access educational resources.
Connecticut homeschooling families can also explore online learning platforms and other digital educational resources to supplement their homeschool curriculum and provide additional learning opportunities for their children. By taking advantage of these resources, Connecticut homeschooling families can enhance their homeschool experience, connect with other homeschoolers, and access valuable educational support and opportunities.
