HOMESCHOOLING IN DELAWARE & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering homeschooling in Delaware, but don’t know where to start regarding Delaware homeschool laws and requirements. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully start homeschooling. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in Delaware, current laws and regulations, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing choices, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
History of Homeschooling in Delaware
Delaware homeschool laws have evolved significantly since the 1980s, primarily focusing on classifying homeschools and determining the level of oversight required. Initially, homeschoolers argued for classification as private schools, while public school authorities sought stricter oversight of student learning. Tensions peaked in 1990 when local superintendents proposed legislation to redefine private schools, excluding homeschools. In response, homeschoolers formed the Delaware Home Educators Association (DHEA) to advocate against the Delaware homeschooling laws.
In 1992, discussions between DHEA representatives and the state superintendent led to an agreement recognizing two valid options: under local superintendent oversight or as registered private schools. This dialogue culminated in the passage of official Delaware homeschool laws in 1997, defining the two forms of homeschooling in Delaware.
Current Delaware Homeschool Laws and Regulations
If you reside in the state and have a child aged between 5 and 18, it is compulsory for them to be enrolled in either a public school or private school. This requirement is mandated by Delaware’s compulsory laws.
Homeschooling in Delaware comes in two primary forms: single-family and multifamily.
One-family home schooling involves primarily educating a child within your own residence.
Multifamily home schooling entails educating students, not all necessarily related, either in one or several residences or other designated facilities. A designated liaison coordinates reporting enrollment information with the DDOE.
One-family homeschool coordinated with the local school district means educating a child, mainly in your own residence, using a homeschool curriculum approved by the local superintendent.
Private schools, on the other hand, refer to institutions operating under a board of trustees, offering grades kindergarten through twelve, and maintaining faculty and a physical location under proper supervision.
How to Set Up a Homeschool In Delaware
When homeschooling in Delaware, you are required to establish a nonpublic school (NPS) with the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) and enroll your child to start homeschooling.
While the use of an online school is permissible, establishing a home school with the DDOE remains mandatory when homeschooling in Delaware. However, if your child is 16 years or older, opening a home school with the DDOE is not compulsory.
In multifamily homeschools, the administrator oversees registration, reporting, and enrollment. They’ll register the student and provide acknowledgment. Once your student is enrolled in a home school, you must withdraw from public school or your previous nonpublic school.
The DDOE processes nonpublic school applications in the order they are received. Here’s the streamlined process:
Apply for an EdAccess Account and select Nonpublic School Account.
Log into EdAccess, complete the Nonpublic School Application.
Obtain the Acknowledgment Letter once your NPS is approved.
After approval, access your NPS homepage via EdAccess.
Legislation offers three distinct pathways for homeschooling in Delaware, each without mandatory teacher qualifications or standardized testing prerequisites.
In single-family home schooling, the child receives primary instruction from the parent, predominantly learning within the family’s residence.
By September 30th, homeschoolers must report annual enrollment, reflecting the status as of the last school day in September. You will have to use the form prescribed by the DDOE, get it here.
At the close of each school year, homeschoolers are required to report end-of-year details. You will have to use the form prescribed by the DDOE, get it here.
Multi-family home schooling involves children from multiple households receiving instruction primarily from their respective parent, predominantly learning in their own home, homeschool groups, or other designated facilities. According to the law, multi-family homeschools must designate responsibility to a liaison. This liaison is responsible to report annual enrollment for all families.
By September 30th, your home school must report annual enrollment, reflecting the status as of the last school day in September. Get the form here.
At the conclusion of each school year, your homeschool in Delaware must report end-of-year details. You will have to use the form prescribed by the DDOE, get it here.
A single-family home school, coordinated with the local school district, entails the child’s education being facilitated by the parent, predominantly learning within the family’s own home.
To initiate coordination with the local public school district, follow these steps:
Request the superintendent to provide written confirmation that your child will receive regular and comprehensive instruction from his or her parent, aligning with the subjects mandated for public schools in the state.
By September 30th, report annual enrollment, reflecting the status as of the last school day in September. You will have to use the form prescribed by the department of education, get it here.
Ensure that your homeschool curriculum aligns with those taught in public schools.
At the conclusion of each year, report end-of-year details. You will have to use the form prescribed by the department, get it here.
Maintaining Your Delaware Homeschool
To maintain a homeschool in Delaware, follow these steps:
Ensure you meet all legal requirements, such as reporting enrollment information to the DDOE.
Annually, submit a statement of student enrollment reflecting the status as of the last school day and report end-of-year information to the DDOE.
Ensure that your homeschool curriculum covers subjects mandated for public schools and is suitable for the age and grade level of your student.
Keep thorough records of your Delaware homeschooling activities, including coursework, and progress reports. These records may be requested for review by the DDOE.
Keep yourself updated with any changes in Delaware homeschool laws or regulations to homeschool in Delaware. Attend workshops or join homeschool groups for support and information sharing.
By adhering to these steps, you can effectively register and maintain your program while providing your child with a quality instruction when you homeschool in Delaware.
Delaware Homeschool Reporting Requirements
Two requirements are necessary to homeschool in Delaware and maintain the status of a registered nonpublic school, as outlined in Delaware homeschool laws:
All individuals overseeing a nonpublic school must submit end-of-year information to the DDOE annually. This submission should be made using the forms provided by the DDOE.
Additionally, under homeschool laws Delaware requires an annual statement of student enrollment, reflecting the status as of the last school day in September. This statement should be submitted no later than September 30th and must utilize the forms prescribed by the DDOE.
Enrollment Reporting
Enrollment reporting encompasses essential details for all students attending the school during the upcoming academic year.
Failure to report enrollment information will result in the closure of the nonpublic school under homeschool laws. Additionally, any students enrolled at the end of the previous school year will be marked as withdrawn for the new school year.
Annual Attendance Reporting
Homeschool laws in Delaware require reporting of the aggregate number of days, including the total amount of days the nonpublic school was open for the school year as well as the total number of days attended per student.
The reporting window will open annually on June 1st. The attendance reporting window will close annually on July 31st according to homeschool laws.
If a nonpublic school fails to report their attendance information during the attendance reporting period, the school will be closed and any enrolled students will be withdrawn according to Delaware homeschool laws.
Homeschool Testing In Delaware
The Delaware Department of Education does not facilitate or offer state assessments for nonpublic school students under Delaware homeschool laws. Private options are accessible for families seeking annual testing for their children. Homeschool students can participate in these private options, including the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams. However, the DDOE does not endorse any particular private option and does not allocate funding for assessment tests. See FAQ.
Funding Your Delaware Homeschool
Homeschooling laws in Delaware do not provide for financial assistance for families. Home schooling is considered a private education. There are no fees associated with registering your Non-Public School with the Delaware Department; however, there may be fees associated with the curriculum that you teach as well as resources you use. There is no funding provided by the DDOE for a nonpublic school.
Federal Tax Breaks
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 costs. Homeschoolers might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for home schooling. Finally, tax credits or deductions could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for homeschool instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, home schooling families should review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
Delaware Immunization Requirements
Delaware homeschoolers are not mandated to provide immunization records under Delaware homeschool laws. However, if you possess such records for your child, it’s advisable to maintain them alongside your other homeschooling documentation. It’s worth noting that the state mandates immunizations for students enrolled in public schools, with provisions for medical and religious exemptions.
Delaware State Graduation Requirements
In Delaware, homeschooling regulations do not stipulate specific required subjects for families to teach, such as language arts, math, and social studies, granting flexibility to tailor coursework to their child’s needs. While some families may refer to their local school district’s requirements or consult colleges and universities for guidance on course selection, the ultimate decision rests with the parents according to Delaware homeschool laws.
The DDOE does not issue diplomas or validate credentials for nonpublic schools, including homeschools. Additionally, the DDOE does not retain copies of diplomas for nonpublic school students.
Diplomas are issued solely by the nonpublic school or online program itself when homeschooling in Delaware. Students and parents should verify acceptance of diplomas from homeschools or multifamily homeschools with relevant institutions such as colleges, universities, training programs, licensing entities, or employers.
Delaware Homeschool Charters
The state does not have home school charter schools. Homeschooling in Delaware typically involves parents independently educating their children outside of the traditional public or private school system. However, there are various resources and support groups available to homeschooling families in Delaware, including home school associations, co-ops, and online learning platforms. It’s always a good idea to check for any updates or changes in the Delaware homeschool landscape, as policies and opportunities may evolve over time.
Local Delaware Homeschooling Resources
Homeschooling families in Delaware can greatly benefit from joining a homeschool support group. Whether you’re just starting out and seeking guidance and support groups or already experienced and aiming to enrich your home-based education, homeschool support groups provide invaluable resources to maximize the benefits of homeschooling in Delaware.
Homeschool Delaware: This group is designed for families currently homeschooling in Delaware or intending to do so in the future and need information on how to homeschool in Delaware.
R.E.A.C.H. One of the homeschool co-ops catering to students from grades K-12. Members enjoy a wide range of benefits, including access to enrichment classes, field trips, science and art fairs, curriculum fairs, and various other Delaware homeschool programs.
Delaware Christian Homeschool: This is a group of Christian parents homeschooling in Delaware.
Local libraries, museums, and community centers often offer discounts, hands on activities, field trips or resources specifically for homeschooling in Delaware.
Online homeschooling communities can be valuable resources for connecting with other homeschoolers, sharing information, and finding field trips and homeschool programs that Delaware offers.
By taking advantage of homeschool programs in Delaware including online courses and following the state’s homeschooling regulations, parents can provide a high-quality education for their children at home and connect with a vibrant homeschooling community when homeschooling in Delaware.
