HOMESCHOOLING IN WYOMING & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering homeschooling your children in Wyoming, 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 child’s own homeschool program following Wyoming Homeschool Laws. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in Wyoming, current laws and regulations, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing choices, creating high school transcripts, access to extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and accessing special education services if needed.
History of Homeschooling in Wyoming
Homeschooling has been legal in Wyoming since the state’s compulsory attendance law was enacted in 1890. This law allowed for exemptions from public school attendance for children who were “provided with such education in the several branches of learning taught in the public schools.” This established homeschooling as a legal option in Wyoming from the very beginning of its statehood.
The early 20th century saw steady growth in homeschooling numbers across the country. In Wyoming, the rural nature of the state made homeschooling a practical necessity for many families isolated on ranches, farms, and in small towns distant from schools. Education reformers like John Holt helped spark renewed interest in home based educational programs in the 1960s and 70s. As the modern homeschooling movement grew through the 1980s and 1990s, participation increased in Wyoming as well. Statewide support groups and organizations formed to assist homeschooling families.
Today, an estimated 2.3% of Wyoming’s school-aged children are homeschooled, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education and demographer Brian Ray. That equates to approximately 2,200 students being educated at home. While a small minority, these homeschooled students live all across Wyoming’s rural and urban areas.
Current Wyoming Homeschool Laws and Regulations
Wyoming’s compulsory attendance state statute law requires children to attend school or comply with the homeschool laws from the age of 7 (if their seventh birthday falls on or before August 1 of the current academic year) until they either complete the 10th grade or reach age 16. Homeschooling is specifically permitted under Wyoming Statute 21-4-102 as an option for complying with this requirement. There is no truancy law or regulation of homeschools – children being educated at home are legally exempt from attending public schools.
If you’re thinking of starting homeschooling in the middle of the school year and your child is currently attending a public or private school, It is recommended that you officially withdraw your child from that school. If you plan to begin homeschooling after the current school year ends and your child is pre-enrolled for the following year, it’s advisable to withdraw your child before the new school year starts. This helps prevent the school from marking your child as absent or truant.
Wyoming homeschooling laws permit students not enrolled in the district schools to take part in activities approved by the Wyoming High School Activities Association within the local school district office. This is in accordance with Wyoming Statutes Chapter 4 § 21-4-506. The Wyoming High School Activities Association permits home-educated students to join sports teams at participating schools, as outlined in WHSAA Rules 3.1.3, 6.2.0, and 6.4.
A diploma and transcript given by parents or the legal guardian is usually enough to show that a child finished high school. But, even if your child is older than the required school age, there might be times when it’s a good idea to keep following Wyoming homeschool until your child graduates and submit the letter of intent. This includes doing things like letting the district school know you’re homeschooling and keeping records of attendance and other things.
These records might be needed in certain situations, like when your child, who is still underage, wants a driver’s license, joins the military, applies to colleges, or needs to show they’re eligible for Social Security benefits. So, even though a parent-issued diploma is generally okay, keeping up with Wyoming’s homeschooling rules can be helpful in some situations.
Homeschool students spending less than 50% of their educational time in a traditional school setting are not required to undergo testing. However, they are welcome to take part in the state assessment, which is free of charge. The WY-TOPP assessment currently evaluates proficiency in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. This test is administered in grades 1-10 during the Fall Interims and in grades 3-10 for both the Winter Interims and the State Summative Assessment.
Additionally, the Writing assessment appraises writing skills in grades 3, 5, 7, and 9. For students in grade 11, the ACT assessment gauges proficiency in reading, writing, language, math, and science. Furthermore, students in grades 11 and 12 may opt to participate in the WorkKeys assessments.
How to Set Up a Homeschool in Wyoming
Before embarking on your homeschooling journey, take the time to read and thoroughly review the condensed information outlining Wyoming’s homeschooling laws and requirements.
According to W.S. 21-4-102(b) Wyoming homeschooling laws: A home-based educational program shall meet the requirements of a basic academic educational program pursuant to W.S. 21-4-101(a)(v). It shall be the responsibility of every person administering a home-based educational program to submit a curriculum to the local board of trustees each year showing that the program complies with the requirements of this subsection.
W.S. 21-4-101(a)(vi) defines a basic academic educational program as a program providing a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in seven subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, civics, history, literature, and science. Useful FAQ is available here.
To start homeschooling in Wyoming, parents simply need to follow this legal step:
Provide written notice of intent to homeschool by submitting a Homeschool Notification Form to the local school district. This form can be found on the Wyoming Department of Education’s website here.
Parents present a brief overview of the curriculum to the local school district office in your locality, covering Reading, Writing, Literature, Math, Science, History, and Civics. There is no credential, certification or educational background required for parents. There are no curricular mandates, standardized testing requirements, or regular filings of any kind.
If moving to Wyoming from another state, parents simply submit the Homeschool Notification Form to the local district when they arrive in order to comply with the notification law.
Maintaining Your Wyoming Homeschool
After submitting the one-time Homeschool Notification, parents must submit a comprehensive summary of their homeschool curriculum and all intended materials to the local school board. This submission is mandatory for every year you choose to homeschool. Ensure that you cover the essential subjects: reading, writing, literature, mathematics, science, civics, and history in your teaching plan. See reference here.
Wyoming Homeschool Reporting Requirements
Annually, parents should ensure to submit their curriculum to the local district office with the letter of intent. Non-submission of the curriculum may be indicative that the child’s education program does not fulfill the stipulated home based educational programs requirements.
While the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) doesn’t mandate recordkeeping for homeschoolers, it is strongly recommended that homeschooling parents maintain crucial documentation. In addition to the mandatory records required by the state, it’s crucial to retain the following essential documents for your homeschooling:
- Attendance records
- Details about the textbooks and workbooks utilized by the student
- Examples of your student’s schoolwork
- Communication with school officials
- Portfolios and test results
Any other documentation demonstrating that your child is receiving a suitable education in accordance with wyoming homeschooling laws
In addition to these essential records, many homeschooling parents opt to go a step further by creating individualized homeschool portfolios for each student. These portfolios not only serve as valuable keepsakes but also play a vital role in validating the significant effort and hard work invested by the students throughout their homeschooling journey. These records should be preserved for a minimum of two years. Furthermore, ensure that you permanently keep your student’s high school records and evidence of adherence to homeschool laws throughout the high school years. This includes any home education notices submitted to state or local officials. See reference here.
Homeschool Testing in Wyoming
In Wyoming, there are no mandatory testing requirements for homeschooled students. The state’s homeschooling regulations, which are relatively lenient compared to many other states, do not stipulate any obligation for parents to administer standardized tests or assessments to their homeschooled children. This means that homeschooling families in Wyoming have the freedom to choose whether they want to incorporate testing into their educational approach, and if so, which tests or evaluation methods they prefer to use. However, it is important to note that while testing is not legally required, some homeschooling families still opt to assess their children’s progress using various standardized tests or alternative evaluation methods to ensure they are meeting their educational goals and to have a record of their academic achievements.
Funding Your Wyoming Homeschool
Wyoming recently introduced its first school choice initiative, the Education Savings Account Program. This program offers eligible students $6,000 in education savings accounts. To qualify, students must be at least 4 years old and not yet high school graduates. The program is available to families whose household income doesn’t exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.
Parents can use these account funds for various educational expenses, such as:
- School tuition and fees
- Online curricula
- Therapeutic services
- Tutoring
- Educational after-school and summer programs
- Transportation costs
- Post-secondary coursework
This program aims to give parents more control over their children’s education by allowing them to allocate funds according to their children’s specific needs.
Federal Tax Breaks
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 homeschool or educational instruction To learn more about these potential tax advantages, homeschooling families should review the information and resources provided by the IRS. Consulting with a qualified tax professional is also advisable to understand eligibility and properly claim any benefits.
Wyoming Immunization Requirements
Wyoming has no mandatory immunization requirements for homeschooled students. Vaccination policies are left up to the discretion of homeschool curriculum and parents.
Public and private schools in the state do have immunization requirements for attendance. However, homeschoolers who file the proper exemption paperwork are exempt from these school immunization regulations. The specific requirements for exemptions can vary by district, so families should consult their local district policies if they are interested in waiving immunizations during their children’s education period.
Wyoming State Graduation Requirements
All homeschools in Wyoming are considered non-accredited private schools. Homeschool graduation requirements empower parents to make decisions without mandatory testing or evaluation by the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE).
Parents have the authority to determine when their student fulfills graduation requirements, enabling them to issue their own homeschool diploma. Similarly, students from private or online schools obtain diplomas from their respective institutions. Wyoming homeschool students are exempt from mandatory testing requirements for graduation, offering flexibility in the educational process.
Parents also have the autonomy to craft their student’s transcripts, incorporating information deemed relevant to colleges, the military, or future workplaces. While parents determine the fulfillment of graduation requirements, some parents opt to assign credits to individual courses when creating transcripts for added clarity and documentation. Some parents may assign credits to individual courses for transcript purposes.
Numerous colleges and universities readily acknowledge transcripts from homeschooling families as valid proof of completing a standard curriculum. Moreover, all four branches of the military accept a designated number of homeschooled students, with each branch having an annual percentage allocation. IIf your student expresses an interest in military service, it is advisable to directly reach out with a letter of intent to the respective military branch for more detailed information. Homeschoolers are exempt from testing requirements for graduation. Some colleges allow prospective students to complete an entrance exam or portfolio. Another option is to complete a high school equivalency exam. Wyoming focuses on the HiSET; while some states continue to administer the GED.
Wyoming Homeschool Charters
Wyoming currently does not have any statewide public homeschool charter schools, virtual academies or online learning programs that homeschoolers can enroll in. Homeschooling is treated as a fully private educational endeavor done independently by families.
The state statute also does not require homeschoolers to participate in any standardized testing regimes beyond what parents choose for their own students. The only required assessment is the one-time notice indicating a family’s intent to homeschool.
Local Wyoming Homeschooling Resources
Engaging with a local homeschool support group in Wyoming stands out as a highly effective means of fostering connections with fellow homeschoolers. Regardless of where you find yourself in your homeschooling journey, undertaking the significant responsibility of educating your children brings forth a myriad of questions and concerns. It’s undeniable that the path is dotted with both challenges and victories. Connecting with fellow homeschoolers proves invaluable, given that others have traversed similar terrains and amassed insightful experiences.
The collaborative atmosphere within these support groups becomes a cornerstone for a fulfilling homeschooling experience. Beyond the exchange of wisdom, both parents and children can partake in a rich tapestry of social studies,group activities, field trips, and numerous opportunities to cultivate enduring friendships. This shared journey not only addresses practical queries but also adds a dimension of camaraderie and shared experiences, enhancing the overall richness of the homeschooling adventure in Wyoming.
Since homeschooling is unregulated and privatized in Wyoming with minimal governmental involvement, there are limited statewide resources or support systems provided. However, some local and regional resources homeschoolers can tap include:
- Wyoming Home School Association – Statewide non-profit providing support, activities and advocacy.
- Local homeschool co-ops, tutoring groups, field trip organizations – These vary greatly by region. Internet searches can help locate those nearest you.
- Local libraries – Many offer homeschool days, meetups, resource libraries and more.
- Community colleges/university programs. Some offer discounted fees for homeschoolers to audit or take enrichment classes.
- Local homeschool sports leagues, drama clubs, spelling bees, etc.
- Facebook and online groups like the Wyoming Homeschooling & Distance Education Discussion Group.
Homeschooling is a big commitment and sometimes you need the support and advice that only a fellow homeschooler can offer. Some support groups meet regularly and offer group activities while others can offer advice and support through an active online presence.
Connecting with local communities is vital for homeschool families in order to find social activities, academic support and enrichment opportunities. While the state itself provides minimal support or oversight, the freedom granted to homeschoolers has allowed an active and engaged local community to develop organically.
