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Homeschooling in Colorado

Homeschooling in Colorado

Complete guide to homeschooling in Colorado. Learn about notification, testing at key grades, umbrella school options, and financial resources for families.

By Homeschool Hive·Verified February 2026

At a Glance

Colorado homeschool law overview

Compulsory Age
6-17
Notification Required
Yes, 14 days in advance
Teacher Qualifications
None (Option 1 and 2)
Testing Required
Grades 3, 5, 7, 9, 11
Minimum Hours
172 days, 4 hrs/day (688 hrs)
Statute
CRS §22-33-104.5

Important Notice

This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local school district or consult a qualified attorney.

Requirements

What you need to know to start homeschooling in Colorado

Legal Framework

Colorado's homeschool law is found in Colorado Revised Statutes §22-33-104.5. The statute is straightforward and provides a clear legal framework for home-based education. Colorado is considered a moderate regulation state -- more requirements than Illinois or Michigan, but well-organized and manageable.

Children between the ages of 6 and 17 are subject to compulsory school attendance in Colorado.

Three Homeschooling Options

Colorado provides three legal pathways for homeschooling:

Option 1: Independent Home-Based Education

This is the standard pathway used by most Colorado homeschool families. You teach at home independently and handle all compliance requirements yourself.

Requirements:

  • Notice of Intent: You must submit a written notification to your local school district 14 days before you begin homeschooling. This must be filed for each child age 6 or older, and renewed each year the program is maintained. The notice must include the child's name, age, place of residence, and the number of hours of attendance.
  • No teacher qualifications required. You do not need a degree, certificate, or any formal training.
  • Required subjects: You must provide instruction in communication skills of reading, writing, and speaking; mathematics; history; civics; literature; science; and the United States Constitution.
  • Minimum hours: At least 172 days of instruction with a minimum of four contact hours per day, totaling at least 688 hours per year.
  • Record-keeping: You must maintain records of attendance, test and evaluation results, and immunization records.
  • Assessment: Your child must be tested or evaluated at the end of grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.

Option 2: Umbrella School (Independent or Private School Enrollment)

You enroll with a Colorado-based private school that offers homeschool oversight -- often called an umbrella school or covering school. The school handles compliance paperwork, maintains official transcripts, and may provide guidance or structure.

Key features:

  • You do not submit a Notice of Intent to the school district -- the umbrella school handles this.
  • Requirements vary between umbrella schools. Some are hands-off; others require regular check-ins, curriculum submissions, or attendance tracking.
  • No specific teacher qualifications are required by the state under this option.

Option 3: Instruction by a Licensed Teacher

If you hold a current Colorado teaching license, you are exempt from many of the standard requirements. This option is less commonly used but available to families where a parent holds a teaching credential.

Step-by-Step: Getting Started

  1. Choose your option. Most families choose Option 1 (independent) or Option 2 (umbrella school).
  2. File your Notice of Intent (Option 1) at least 14 days before you begin, or enroll with an umbrella school (Option 2).
  3. Withdraw your child from their current school if applicable. Request a formal withdrawal and keep documentation.
  4. Plan your curriculum. Cover the required subjects using your chosen approach.
  5. Begin teaching. Maintain attendance records and plan for assessments at the required grade levels.

Evaluations

Annual evaluation and assessment options

Assessment Requirements

Colorado requires homeschooled students (under Option 1) to be tested or evaluated at the end of grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. You have two choices for how to fulfill this requirement:

Option A: Standardized Testing

Your child takes a nationally standardized achievement test. Common tests include the Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10), TerraNova, or the California Achievement Test (CAT). The test must be a nationally recognized, norm-referenced exam.

Option B: Qualified Person Evaluation

Your child is evaluated by a "qualified person" selected by the parent. Qualified persons include:

  • Anyone with a graduate degree in education
  • A state-certified teacher
  • A teacher at a private school
  • A licensed psychologist

The evaluator assesses the child's academic progress and provides a written evaluation.

Reporting Results

You are required to submit test or evaluation results to the school district that received your Notice of Intent. If results indicate your child is not making adequate progress, the school district may require additional action, though this is rare.

Umbrella School Students

If you are enrolled with an umbrella school (Option 2), assessment requirements are determined by the umbrella school's policies, which may differ from the state's standard requirements. Some umbrella schools administer their own tests; others leave it to parents.

Financial Resources

Vouchers, scholarships, and tax credits

State Funding

Colorado currently has no state ESA, voucher program, or tax credit specifically for homeschool expenses. Independent homeschoolers receive no direct state financial support.

Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program

In January 2026, Colorado opted into the federal Educational Choice for Children Act scholarship program. Under this program, taxpayers receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to certified scholarship-granting organizations. These organizations award scholarships to K-12 families for education-related expenses including fees, books, supplies, tutoring, technology, internet access, transportation, and after-school and summer programs. Private school students can also apply scholarship funds toward tuition.

This is a significant development for Colorado homeschool families, as it represents the first time external scholarship funding has been accessible at this scale.

529 Plan Benefits

Colorado's CollegeInvest 529 plan offers state tax deductions for contributions. Colorado residents can deduct the full amount of 529 contributions from state taxable income. As of 2026, federal law allows up to $20,000 in annual withdrawals for K-12 education expenses, with an expanded list of qualifying homeschool expenses.

Coverdell ESAs

Families can save up to $2,000 per year per child in a Coverdell Education Savings Account with tax-free growth and withdrawals for educational expenses. Qualifying expenses include curriculum, tutoring, computers, and educational supplies.

State Tax Credit Proposal

A Colorado resolution (HCR20-1003) has proposed creating state income tax credits for families with children instructed at home, but this has not been enacted as of February 2026.

Free Resources

Colorado public libraries offer extensive free resources. The Colorado Department of Education publishes curriculum standards and homeschool guidance online. Many Colorado state parks and museums offer educational programming and homeschool discount days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about homeschooling in Colorado

How do I homeschool my child in Colorado?

File a written Notice of Intent with your local school district at least 14 days before you begin homeschooling. Include your child's name, age, address, and attendance hours. Teach the required subjects (reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, literature, science, and the U.S. Constitution) for at least 172 days and 4 hours per day. Have your child tested or evaluated in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Alternatively, you can enroll with an umbrella school that handles compliance.

How many days are required for homeschool in Colorado?

Colorado requires a minimum of 172 days of instruction with at least 4 contact hours per day, totaling at least 688 hours per year. You set your own schedule for when those days occur -- you can homeschool year-round, follow a traditional school calendar, or create your own schedule.

What tests do homeschoolers take in Colorado?

Homeschooled students under the standard home-based education option must be tested or evaluated at the end of grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. You can choose a nationally standardized achievement test (like the Iowa Assessments or Stanford Achievement Test) or have your child evaluated by a qualified person such as a certified teacher, a teacher at a private school, or someone with a graduate degree in education.

Is Colorado a good state for homeschooling?

Colorado is considered a moderately regulated but homeschool-friendly state. The requirements are clear and manageable -- notification, required subjects, minimum hours, and periodic testing. There are no teacher qualification requirements, and the umbrella school option simplifies compliance. Colorado also has a strong homeschool community and recently opted into the federal tax credit scholarship program.

Does Colorado pay for homeschooling?

Colorado does not provide direct state funding for homeschooling. However, in January 2026 the state opted into the federal Educational Choice for Children Act, which enables scholarship funding through certified organizations. Federal options like Coverdell ESAs and 529 plans also provide tax advantages. Colorado's CollegeInvest 529 plan offers full state tax deductions for contributions.

What is the homeschool tax credit in Colorado?

Colorado does not currently have a state-level homeschool tax credit. A resolution (HCR20-1003) has been proposed to create one, but it has not been enacted. The main financial benefits come from federal programs: Coverdell ESAs ($2,000/year per child), 529 plans (with Colorado state tax deductions), and the new federal tax credit scholarship program that Colorado has opted into.

Do homeschoolers need immunizations in Colorado?

Homeschooled students who do not attend any school are generally excluded from Colorado's school immunization requirements. However, if your homeschooled child attends a public or private school for any portion of the day, that school may require immunization compliance. Colorado allows religious and personal belief exemptions for immunizations.

Can my child go to college after homeschooling in Colorado?

Yes. Most Colorado colleges and universities accept homeschool graduates. You will need to create a transcript and diploma. Many institutions request SAT or ACT scores along with a portfolio or detailed course descriptions. Colorado community colleges are particularly welcoming to homeschool graduates and may offer dual enrollment options during high school.

What subjects do I need to teach when homeschooling in Colorado?

Colorado law requires instruction in: communication skills (reading, writing, and speaking), mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and the United States Constitution. You have full freedom in how you teach these subjects -- there is no mandated curriculum, textbook list, or teaching methodology.

What proof do you need for homeschooling in Colorado?

You must maintain records of attendance, test and evaluation results, and immunization records. You must also file a Notice of Intent with your school district each year and submit assessment results for grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Keep student work samples and curriculum records for your own documentation, even though they are not required to be submitted.