Montana Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Montana Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 7-16

Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes

Proof of Immunization Required: Yes or Exemption form needed

How to Start Homeschooling in Montana

Montana’s law requires homeschool families to do the following:

• Annually notify their county’s school superintendent of their intent to homeschool
• Meet minimum attendance standards and keep attendance records
• Keep records of required immunizations or exemptions
• Use an “organized course of study” that includes the same subjects required in public schools
• Ensure their home meets all local safety and health standards 

Notice of Intent for Homeschooling in Montana

Each year, you must notify your county superintendent of schools that you’ll be homeschooling your child. 

The law doesn’t provide specifics about this notice, but it’s best to file it in writing so you’ll have a record. Many superintendents have forms available, so contact them first. If they don’t have a form, you can find a sample notification letter from the Montana Coalition of Home Educators here.

TIP: Although the law doesn’t specify a date, submitting your notice to homeschool at the start of the local district’s school year can make it easier to remember to do it. 

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Mandatory School Age in Montana

Children must start school (or home instruction) by the time they turn 7 in Montana. Parents and guardians can start a child’s education earlier.

Students must continue attending school or receiving instruction at home until they complete 8th grade or turn 16, whichever comes later.

Montana Homeschool Subject & Curriculum Requirements

Montana law states that home schools “shall provide an organized course of study that includes instruction in the subjects required of public schools.” These generally include language arts (reading, writing, and literature), mathematics, science, social studies, health, arts, and career education. 

The law doesn’t require homeschoolers to follow the same curriculum content standards as public schools. Homeschoolers can use the Montana K-12 Content Standards as a guideline, but they’re not required to by law as long as they cover the general required subjects. Home educators can use any curriculum programs or educational materials to teach these subjects.

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Montana Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Homeschool families are required to keep attendance records in Montana and meet a minimum number of instruction hours. These hours are the same number that public schools provide, but homeschool families can set their own schedules to offer instruction when it suits their needs. The requirements vary by grade:

• 720 hours/year for grades 1–3
• 1,080 hours/year for grades 4–12

TIP: You’re not required to submit these records unless specifically requested by your county superintendent of schools. Just keep them on file as part of your child’s school records.

Montana Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

In addition to keeping records of attendance and instruction hours, home educators must maintain a record of immunizations for each child. 

Montana doesn’t require homeschoolers to keep any other records, but home educators should strongly consider maintaining academic records for their children. Consider including a record of courses taken, grades received, evaluations and assessments, and a portfolio of student work samples. These can be helpful if you need to create transcripts or transition your child to public school.

TIP: Keeping records of your student’s grades, courses, assessments, and work samples can make it easier to create transcripts for post-high school plans. 

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Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Montana

If you choose not to immunize your child in Montana, you’ll need to complete the appropriate exemption forms and keep them in your school files. (Learn more here.) You must present these records if requested by your county school superintendent.

Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Montana

Families in Montana often live far away from larger communities, making it harder to meet up for events and activities. The state does have multiple homeschool associations, co-ops, and groups, which can provide support, social opportunities, and resources. Here’s a popular option in Montana:

• Montana Coalition of Home Educators: Get legal advice and learn more about what it’s like to homeschool in Montana. They also have a big roundup of local homeschool groups and co-ops here.

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Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Montana

Montana allows homeschool students to participate in public school sports and extracurriculars. The local district may require them to meet the same standards as public school students, so be prepared to offer academic records proving eligibility. Contact your local district to learn more.

There are many other ways for homeschool students to play sports. Some areas have homeschool leagues, and many communities provide youth sports programs that welcome homeschoolers. Here are some to consider:

Montana Homeschool Field Trips 

It’s easy for homeschool families to take their learning on the road. You might qualify for group discounts or special programs at many attractions if you team up with other homeschoolers.

Love the great outdoors? Montana’s national parks include both Yellowstone and Glacier, two of the country’s most spectacular parks. Fourth graders and their families can get free admission to national park sites with the Every Kid Outdoors pass (restrictions apply). The state also has multiple state parks sites to enjoy.

In Bozeman, visit the Museum of the Rockies or the Montana Science Center. Head to Helena to see the Capitol Building, and stop by the Montana Historical Society Museum. ZooMontana in Billings is a terrific destination for animal lovers.

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Special Education Homeschoolers

When parents of children with special needs register with the superintendent of their local school district with their intent to homeschool, the school sees them as parentally-placed private school students. 

This downloadable document from the Montana Office of Public Instruction outlines the state agency’s stance on homeschoolers and special education in question 20 under the “Child Find and Private Schools” section.

While the local school district is required to identify students with special needs under Child Find, the school district determines the services provided, if any. 

Since IDEA states that parentally-placed private school students are not individually entitled to special needs services, the local school district is not required to provide special education services to Montana homeschool families.

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Montana Homeschool FAQ

Is the state of Montana homeschool friendly?

Montana makes things fairly easy for homeschool families. There are a few record-keeping and attendance requirements, and you must file a notice of intent each year. But home educators can choose their schedule, curriculum, and other educational materials. Plus, homeschoolers in Montana can play sports at their local public school. 

Montana’s home educators are entirely responsible for all costs of their student’s education. In exchange, they’re free to make choices that fit their needs. In general, Montana is a homeschool-friendly state.

How do Montana homeschoolers get diplomas or transcripts?

The state of Montana does not issue diplomas or transcripts to homeschool students. Home educators may issue their own diplomas and create transcripts using any academic records they’ve kept.

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

It varies by district. Each local district has its own policies for assessing students to determine their grade and course placement. They may ask to see any academic records you’ve kept, have your child take tests, or complete other evaluations. Contact the school directly to learn their policies.

Is unschooling legal in Montana?

As it is in all 50 states, unschooling is legal in Montana.