Colorado Homeschool Notice of Intent

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.