Colorado Homeschool Laws and Regulations

Homeschooling in Colorado Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes for Independent Home Education

3 Options for Homeschooling: Independent Home Education, Private Homeschool or Umbrella School, Hire a Licensed Educator

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-17

Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes

Assessments or Evaluations Required: Yes

Proof of Immunization Required: Yes

How to Start Homeschooling in Colorado

Colorado is a great state to enjoy homeschooling as its flexible and transparent education laws give families multiple approaches to homeschooling. Deciding which homeschooling options best fits your family will be your first task as a home educator.

Options for Homeschooling in Colorado 

 Options for Homeschooling in Colorado  

As a new homeschool family, you’ll need to choose between these three homeschool options:

1. Independent Home Education

With this option, the parent or legal guardian will be fully responsible for their child’s education and must comply with the record keeping and evaluations required by Colorado state law. If you choose this route, you must officially inform the school district that you intend to homeschool. 

2. Enroll in a Private Homeschool or Umbrella School 

The state legislature calls these schools independent or parochial schools while others often refer to them as “umbrella schools.” These schools are in place to help homeschooling families stay in compliance with compulsory attendance requirements, among other things. 

Umbrella schools follow Colorado’s Non-Public School laws, and each option has its own unique attributes. You’ll find umbrella schools that are religious, non-religious, non-profit, and for-profit. Homeschoolers operate some, while larger organizations run others. 

TIP: The umbrella school options in Colorado are vast. If this method of home education feels right for you and your family, you’re sure to find an umbrella school option that supports your goals.

3. Hire a Licensed Educator

Some parents/guardians feel overwhelmed by homeschooling and want an extra set of hands. Hiring a licensed educator to teach your children can be a good option. If you, as a parent/guardian, have a teaching license, you can legally homeschool your child without going through additional procedures or requirements. A teaching license is not mandatory for Colorado homeschooling. 

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Colorado Umbrella Schools and Homeschooling 

Umbrella schools are licensed private schools that follow Colorado’s Non-Public School laws and simultaneously allow parents to educate their children at home. An umbrella school’s main purpose is to help families comply with the state’s requirements for record keeping, attendance tracking, and evaluations. Each school sets its policies for enrolled students, so finding one that will complement your homeschooling goals is important. 

Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Umbrella School:

• What are the associated costs?
• What tests and assessments do you require?
• Do you have a required curriculum?
• Do you specifically cater to secular or religious homeschoolers?
• What record-keeping options do you provide?
• Do you offer activities or field trips with other students?
• Do you offer support for students with special learning needs?
• Do you provide transcripts and diplomas for high schoolers?

Pros and Cons of Using an Umbrella School 

There are benefits and drawbacks to using an umbrella school as part of your homeschool system. Enrolling with an umbrella school obligates you to their requirements and often their record keeping. This can remove some of the independence homeschooling families love. 

On the other hand, many parents/guardians like that a separate entity holds onto things like grades, test scores, and attendance records. Benefits of using an umbrella school include the support system for navigating homeschool requirements and questions. 

Below is a comparison of some pros and cons of homeschooling in Colorado under an umbrella school. 

Pros of Homeschooling in Colorado Under an Umbrella School	Cons of Homeschooling in Colorado Under an Umbrella School
Provides a level of accountability and oversight for homeschooling families	Families may have to pay tuition or fees to the umbrella school
Can offer support, resources, and extracurricular activities for homeschooling families	May have stricter rules and regulations than independent homeschooling
Can provide a valid high school diploma for homeschooled high school students	May limit curriculum choices for families
Can offer record-keeping and attendance-taking services for homeschooling families	May require participation in meetings and other events.

Notice of Intent to Homeschool (NOI) for Homeschooling in Colorado

If you decide an umbrella school is not a fit for your homeschooling family, you‘ll need to file a Notice of Intent to Homeschool (NOI). This letter is required for children 6 and under 17 and simply tells the school district you plan to homeschool your child.

You’ll need to include the following details in your notice:

1. Your child’s full name
2. Their age
3. Their home address
4. The number of attendance hours in your homeschool program (a minimum of 172 days of instructions, 4 hours per day.)
5. Your printed name and signature as their legal guardian 

After you write your letter, you will need to submit it to a Colorado public school district office. It’s a good idea to submit your NOI to the school district in which you reside to avoid any truancy action.

We recommend hand delivering the letter or using a certified mail service to ensure your documents are in the right place.

Make sure you notify the district 14 days before you start homeschooling and remember to submit your NOI every year by August 1st if you continue to homeschool.

TIP: You will not submit an NOI if you enroll with an umbrella school.

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Qualifications to Homeschool in Colorado 

There are no licenses, certifications, or education-level requirements to homeschool in Colorado. To be a home educator, you must be the child’s parent, legal guardian, or an adult relative designated by the parent or guardian. 

Periodically, you will need a qualified person to evaluate your child. This can be a state-licensed educator, an employee of a private school, a licensed psychologist, or somebody with a graduate-level degree in education.

Mandatory School Age in Colorado

In Colorado, children between 6 and 17 years old are required to attend school. If you have children between those ages, they must be enrolled in a public school, private school, or one of the three options for home education to avoid complications with truancy laws.

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Colorado Homeschool Subject and Curriculum Requirements 

If you plan to homeschool in Colorado, your curriculum must teach the core subjects. You’re required to include communication skills like reading, writing, and speaking, as well as math, history, civics (specifically the U.S. Constitution), literature, and science. 

TIP: There is not a required curriculum, so you can approach teaching core subjects in whatever way works best for your child. 

Hour and Day Requirements for Homeschooling in Colorado

The homeschool laws in Colorado require at least 172 days of instruction and four contact hours per day. As a home educator, you must maintain attendance records for each of your homeschooled children. These records will stay in the home with you, and you will only need to provide them if requested by the school district where you submitted your NOI. 

TIP: If you enroll with an umbrella school, they can keep track of attendance hours for you.

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Colorado Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Children that are participating in a homeschool program with an NOI must have progress evaluations completed in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Colorado law does not specify deadlines for these evaluations–it’s up to the home educator to determine when a child has reached a certain grade.

There are several ways to have an evaluation done. Students can take a nationally standardized test through the school district (typically on the same day the school is testing), or a qualified person can evaluate the student’s progress. 

Parents are responsible for arranging the assessment, paying any associated fees, and submitting results to the school district with the student’s NOI on file. 

TIP: Your child can continue their home education if their test score is above the 13th percentile. They will need to retake the test if their score is below that threshold. If your child’s score is still at or below the 13th percentile after retaking the test, you’ll need to enroll them in a public or private school.

Who is Qualified for Homeschool Evaluations in Colorado?

If homeschooling in Colorado, you must have your child evaluated when they reach grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. If they don’t participate in a nationally standardized test through the school district, a qualified person will need to conduct the evaluation. 

Qualified Evaluators in Colorado:

• State licensed teacher
• Teacher employed by an independent or parochial school 
• Licensed psychologist 
• Person with a graduate degree in education

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Colorado

Colorado’s immunization requirements include homeschooled children. Parents/guardians who have filed an NOI or are utilizing an umbrella school must keep on file:

1. A student’s immunization records, or

2. A signed immunization exemption form

Some umbrella schools want copies of these documents for their records, but you do not need to submit immunization information to the school district unless requested.

TIP: With any of the homeschooling options in Colorado, plan to maintain accurate immunization records and keep them filed with any attendance, evaluation, and coursework documentation. This will help show compliance with Colorado homeschool laws if the need arises. 

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Resources for Homeschool Families in Colorado

There are uncountable resources for homeschooling families in Colorado. If you are looking for ways to engage with other homeschool families for support, fun, or learning, these will benefit you. Some of the local organizations can even help by conducting the required evaluations.

Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Colorado

Creating or joining a homeschool group or co-op (short for cooperative) can be an incredibly fulfilling experience for your family.

A homeschool group creates a community with other homeschooling families. As part of a homeschool group, you and your children can meet friends who are schooling in a similar way. 

Most homeschooled students look forward to engaging in group activities for PE or field trips with their homeschool group. As a parent/guardian, you’ll likely connect with veteran homeschoolers and gain access to online groups where you can ask questions and find support and insights. 

When you’re in a homeschool co-op, you choose a homeschooling model that leverages the skills and talents of other adults and your own. Connecting with a co-op shares the teaching load, allows children to consistently learn alongside other homeschoolers, and presents children with alternative teaching methods and personalities. 

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Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschool organizations and associations are more formal than groups or co-ops. These organizations provide a wide range of support and help to homeschool families. They generally offer information, resources, advocacy efforts, legal support, and events.

One of Colorado’s most well-known homeschool associations is Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC). This homeschool organization can be a helpful resource for understanding homeschooling, connecting with the local homeschool community, furthering adult learning, and finding activities and events. CHEC defends the right to homeschool in Colorado for all families, regardless of religious affiliation.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Colorado

As a homeschool family, you can participate in sports leagues, clubs, and competitive teams or join a local homeschool sports co-op. As you explore the variety of options in Colorado, you’ll find that many businesses and organizations offer classes specifically for homeschoolers. Others invite homeschoolers to participate in their regular programs.

Additionally, any homeschooled child can participate in public school extracurricular activities. If your high schooler is interested in playing school sports, they are given equal access to your local school’s teams.

Here are a few great ways for homeschooling families to get involved in sports in Colorado.

Group Name & Website	What They Cover	What Area in Colorado
Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA)	Football, hockey, track and field, soccer, baseball, softball, spirit, basketball, golf, lacrosse, swimming, wrestling, volleyball, bowling, debate, band, e-sports, skiing	Entire state is included
YMCA Homeschool PE	Weekly class playing various sports and then swimming	Various locations
PE Plus	Homeschool PE classes, including indoor and outdoor sports, teamwork, confidence building, and sportsmanship.	Littleton, Parker, Aurora, Castle Rock, Englewood
Denver Eagles Christian Home School Athletics	Soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, cross country	Broomfield

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Colorado Homeschool Field Trips 

Homeschooling families in Colorado can enhance their educational experience by taking field trips to various locations throughout the state. 

TIP: Many field trip destinations offer homeschool student discounts or free days throughout the year. Entering the word “homeschool” in a website’s search bar is often the best way to find discounts.  

Here are some top destinations for homeschool field trips in Colorado for your family or homeschool group:

Denver Museum of Nature and Science: This museum is a great destination for homeschoolers who are interested in science, anthropology, and natural history. It features interactive exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to space exploration. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops for homeschool groups.

Colorado State Capitol: Located in downtown Denver, the Colorado State Capitol offers a glimpse into the workings of state government. Homeschoolers can take a guided tour of the building, which includes the opportunity to see the House and Senate chambers and the governor’s office.

Garden of the Gods: This stunning natural wonder is located in Colorado Springs and is a wonderful destination for homeschoolers who are interested in geology and outdoor recreation. The park features towering rock formations and offers a variety of hiking trails and guided tours.

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park: The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in North America and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park also features a variety of outdoor activities, including ziplining, hiking, and rafting.

Rocky Mountain National Park: This national park is a must-visit destination for homeschoolers who are interested in ecology, biology, and outdoor recreation. The park features a variety of ecosystems, from alpine tundra to forests, and offers a variety of educational programs and ranger-led tours.

Denver Zoo: The Denver Zoo is a great destination for homeschoolers who are learning about animals and ecology. The zoo features a variety of exhibits and educational programs that teach visitors about wildlife conservation and the natural world.

Mesa Verde National Park: Mesa Verde is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features some of the best-preserved ancient Native American cliff dwellings in the world. Homeschoolers can take guided tours of the cliff dwellings and learn about the history and culture of the ancient Puebloan people.

Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center: Located in Westminster, the Butterfly Pavilion is an ideal destination for homeschoolers who are curious about entomology and ecology. The pavilion features a variety of exhibits and educational programs that teach visitors about the world of insects and their importance to the ecosystem.

Whether you are interested in science, history, ecology, or outdoor recreation, there is something for everyone in this beautiful state. So grab your backpack, pack a lunch, and hit the road for a day of adventure and learning!

Colorado Homeschooling by City: 

Colorado Springs

Homeschooling is a popular choice for families in Colorado Springs because numerous resources are available to support home education. Here are some of our favorites:

• Pikes Peak Home School Music is a local band, orchestra, and choir program for students to learn an instrument.
• The Colorado Springs Homeschool Sports League offers athletic programs for homeschoolers, including basketball, volleyball, and track and field. 
• Visit the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum for educational programs and resources for homeschool groups, including hands-on activities and guided museum tours. 

Homeschoolers in Colorado Springs also have access to various outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and rock climbing, making it an ideal location for families who want to blend outdoor adventures with their educational pursuits.

Denver

Denver is a fantastic place for homeschoolers with plenty of exciting opportunities to support your educational journey. 

• The Denver Public Library offers a variety of resources for homeschooling families, including access to books, educational materials, and online resources. 
• The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a wonderful destination for homeschool field trips, with hands-on exhibits and educational programs on everything from space exploration to dinosaurs. 

Homeschoolers in Denver can also enjoy the great outdoors with access to world-class hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains. Denver has a thriving homeschool community with numerous local organizations and groups that provide networking opportunities for homeschooling families. Whatever your educational goals and interests, Denver has something to offer homeschooling families of all ages and stages.

Fort Collins

If you’re considering homeschooling in the Fort Collins area, you’ll be happy to know that plenty of organizations and adventures support your curriculum. 

• The Northern Colorado Homeschool Association is a local organization that connects local homeschoolers through activities, groups, and support.
• Gardens on Spring Creek is a favorite destination for Fort Collins homeschoolers. This botanical garden is a beautiful destination for students interested in botany, ecology, and horticulture.

Fort Collins has a thriving homeschool community with a number of local groups and organizations that provide social opportunities and extracurricular activities, including music lessons, sports teams, and drama clubs. 

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Special Education Homeschoolers

Parent-administered homeschooling is deregulated in Colorado, which means that the state provides no funding or resources for traditional homeschooling families. 

However, homeschools can be classified as private schools in the state and eligible for limited special needs services and resources as provided through federal and state monies and at the discretion of the local school district. The homeschooled student must be identified and classified as someone who needs those special services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

There are otherwise no regulations specific to homeschooling students with special needs in Colorado. Homeschooling families of students with special needs must follow the same guidelines and requirements set forth by the state for all homeschools within the state. 

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Colorado Homeschool FAQ

Does Colorado pay for homeschooling? 

Currently, there is no funding available for homeschooling in Colorado. The parent or guardian overseeing the homeschool program will be responsible for the costs of homeschooling curriculum, supplies, and activities.

How much does it cost to homeschool in Colorado?  

The cost of homeschooling varies and can range from free to several thousand dollars annually depending on the resources and materials used. 

Home educators in Colorado typically purchase curriculum materials, textbooks, and educational resources and may also opt to pay for extracurricular activities. Additionally, some home educators pay for assessments of their child per state law rather than participating in testing through the school district. 

TIP: Many homeschooling families in Colorado also use free or low-cost resources, such as library books and online resources, to minimize the cost of homeschooling.

Is the state of Colorado homeschool friendly? 

Yes, Colorado is known as one of the most homeschool-friendly states. The state has relatively few regulations for homeschooling, making it easy for families to pursue this educational option. 

Homeschooling is legal in Colorado, and parents are not required to have specific qualifications or certifications to homeschool their children. 

TIP: Homeschooling families are not required to follow any specific curriculum, although they are required to provide instruction in certain subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, and civics. 

In Colorado, you will find abundant resources and support for homeschooling families, including homeschool associations, online resources, and access to educational programs and field trips. Colorado’s homeschool-friendly policies and resources make it a great place for families who want to take control of their children’s education and provide a customized learning experience.

Is unschooling legal in Colorado? 

Yes, unschooling is legal in Colorado. Homeschooling families in Colorado are not required to follow any specific curriculum. Unschooling families are free to design their educational plans and activities based on their children’s interests and needs. As long as home educators provide instruction in the required subjects and meet other legal requirements, they are free to pursue unschooling as an educational option.

How do Colorado homeschoolers get a diploma?

Colorado does not have homeschool graduation rules. Because you are overseeing your child’s education, you get to set the requirements. Once your student has met your set requirements, you graduate them and sign their diploma. 

TIP: We recommend creating your graduation framework based on your child’s post-high school plans (including college admission prerequisites).

How do I enroll my child in public school after homeschooling in Colorado?  

Homeschooling is a decision families consider each school year and for each child. If you’ve decided to place your child in public school after homeschooling, you’ll need to contact your local school district office.

They may request your name, address, phone number, and email address as well as your child’s name and address. Depending on the curriculum or transcript records you’ve kept, the school district may do a test to determine your child’s proficiency in courses and to determine grade placement.