Homeschooling in Delaware

Getting Started: Registration and Notification

In Delaware, a homeschool is legally classified as a nonpublic school under 14 Del.C. 2702-2704 and 2703A. Before you begin teaching your child at home, you must register with the Delaware Department of Education. The process is straightforward and handled online.

Delaware's compulsory attendance law covers children ages 5 through 16. Once registered, you will need to meet two annual reporting deadlines:

• Enrollment report: Submit a statement of pupil enrollment as of the last day of September, due no later than October 5 of each year
• Attendance report: Submit end-of-year attendance information on or before July 31 of each year

Both reports are filed through the Department of Education's online portal and include basic information: the name and address of your homeschool and parent, and the name, address, date of birth, and grade of each enrolled child.

Three Types of Homeschools in Delaware

Delaware law defines three types of homeschools under 14 Del.C. 2703A:

• Single-family homeschool: The education of your own child, primarily by you as the parent or legal guardian, mainly in your own residence. This is the most common option.
• Multi-family homeschool: The education of children from more than one family, primarily by the parents or guardians, in one or more residences or facilities. This works well for co-op arrangements.
• Single-family homeschool coordinated with the local school district: Education provided primarily by the parent, using a curriculum approved by the local superintendent or designee. Note that while this option remains in statute, it has been largely discontinued in practice.

Curriculum and Instruction Requirements

Delaware requires all nonpublic schools, including homeschools, to provide "regular and thorough instruction in the subjects prescribed for the public schools of the state." While the state does not mandate a specific curriculum or textbook list, your instruction should cover the core areas taught in public schools.

There is one specific content mandate: beginning in grade 8 through high school, all nonpublic schools must provide regular courses in:

• The United States Constitution
• The Delaware Constitution and government
• The free enterprise system

Beyond this, you have broad freedom to choose your own curriculum materials, teaching methods, and pace of instruction. You are not required to follow Common Core standards or any specific grade-level expectations.

Teacher Qualifications

Delaware does not require homeschool parents to hold a teaching certificate, college degree, or any particular educational credential. Any parent or legal guardian may teach their child at home.

Attendance and Instructional Time

While Delaware does not specify a minimum number of instructional hours or days for homeschoolers, you are expected to operate your program consistently throughout the school year. Your annual attendance report filed by July 31 documents that instruction took place. Maintaining regular attendance records throughout the year is strongly recommended.

State Funding for Homeschoolers

Delaware currently does not offer any state-funded financial assistance specifically for homeschooling families. There are no:

• Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)
• Voucher programs for homeschoolers
• State tax credits or deductions for homeschool expenses

As of early 2026, Delaware has not passed school choice legislation that would direct public funds to homeschool families. This means all curriculum, materials, testing, and other educational expenses are the responsibility of the homeschooling family.

Federal Tax Options

While no state-level support exists, you may be able to take advantage of federal programs:

• Coverdell Education Savings Accounts: You can contribute up to $2,000 per year per child and withdraw funds tax-free for qualifying K-12 educational expenses, including homeschool curriculum, books, supplies, and tutoring, provided your income is below the threshold ($110,000 single / $220,000 married filing jointly).
• 529 Plan Funds: Some states allow 529 funds to be used for K-12 tuition expenses up to $10,000 per year, though Delaware's applicability to homeschool expenses should be confirmed with a tax advisor.

Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Starting 2027)

A federal tax credit scholarship program is expected to launch in 2027. If Delaware opts into this program, eligible families could receive scholarship funds for private, homeschool, and alternative education expenses. Details are still being finalized at the federal level, so check back for updates as the program rolls out.

Community and Private Resources

Many Delaware homeschool families reduce costs by joining co-ops where families share teaching responsibilities and expenses, using free online resources such as Khan Academy and public library systems, and applying for private homeschool scholarships offered by organizations like the Home School Foundation.