Homeschooling in Wyoming

The Homeschool Freedom Act: A Game-Changer

Wyoming has long been one of America's most homeschool-friendly states, and it just got even better. On February 27, 2025, Governor Mark Gordon signed House Bill 46, the Homeschool Freedom Act, into law. It took effect on July 1, 2025, and the changes are significant.

Under the new law, Wyoming homeschool families are no longer required to:

• Submit a letter of intent to the school district
• Provide their curriculum to the local board of trustees annually
• File any paperwork with the government to homeschool

Wyoming became the 12th state in the nation where families can homeschool without filing anything with the government. If you previously submitted curriculum or intent letters, you no longer need to continue doing so.

Exception: Public School Services

There is one important exception. If your child participates in public school sports, activities, or receives special education support from the district, you may still be required to submit curriculum information. This applies only to families using district services, not to all homeschoolers.

Compulsory Education Ages

Under W.S. 21-4-102, compulsory education in Wyoming applies to children whose 7th birthday falls on or before August 1 of the current academic year. The requirement continues until the child either reaches age 16 or completes the 10th grade, whichever comes first. This is a later start than many states, giving families more flexibility for younger children.

Required Subjects

Even without notification requirements, Wyoming still expects homeschool programs to provide a "basic academic educational program" with a sequentially progressive curriculum in seven subjects:

• Reading
• Writing
• Mathematics
• Civics
• History
• Literature
• Science

The definition of a home-based educational program in W.S. 21-4-101(a)(vi) specifies that instruction can be provided by the child's parent, legal guardian, or a person designated by the parent.

Teacher Qualifications

Wyoming has no teacher qualification requirements for homeschool parents. You do not need a teaching certificate, college degree, or high school diploma to educate your children at home.

Two Homeschooling Options

Wyoming technically offers two pathways:

1. Home-based educational program: The standard option most families use, governed by the requirements above
2. Church school: A program operating under the auspices of a local church, denomination, or religious organization that allows you to teach your child at home

Both options provide substantial freedom in how you design and deliver your child's education.

Extracurricular Access and Dual Enrollment

Wyoming law provides strong extracurricular access for homeschoolers. Under state statute, any school-age child who is a resident of a school district but not enrolled full-time must be permitted to participate in any WHSAA-sanctioned activities (Wyoming High School Activities Association). This includes sports, fine arts, and other extracurricular programs.

Key details:

• The district may charge the same WHSAA participation fees required of enrolled students
• The district cannot charge tuition or other fees beyond what enrolled students pay
• Students must comply with the same rules and policies as enrolled participants

Wyoming also offers dual enrollment, allowing homeschool students to participate in post-secondary educational enrollment options.

Steamboat Legacy Scholarship (Education Savings Account)

Wyoming passed the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act, creating a universal ESA program providing $7,000 per student annually for eligible PreK-12 students. The program is designed to cover a wide range of educational expenses:

• Private school tuition
• Curriculum and educational materials, including online programs
• Technology (computers, educational software)
• Tutoring and college courses
• Technical school tuition

Important legal note: Following the Wyoming Supreme Court's denial of a request to stay an injunction on October 7, 2025, the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship program is currently blocked by court order. The Wyoming Department of Education is continuing legal efforts to challenge this ruling. Check edu.wyoming.gov for the latest status before applying.

529 Education Savings Plans

As of 2026, federal law allows up to $20,000 in annual withdrawals from 529 accounts for qualified K-12 education expenses, including curriculum materials and tutoring services. This expanded benefit is available regardless of the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship's legal status.

Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program

Effective January 1, 2027, a new federal program will allow individuals to receive up to $1,700 in tax credits for donations to qualified scholarship-granting organizations. If Wyoming opts in, these SGOs could provide scholarships for homeschool expenses.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

Federal Coverdell ESAs allow tax-free contributions of up to $2,000 per year per child for qualified education expenses, including homeschool curriculum and supplies.