Wyoming Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Wyoming Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

2 Options for Homeschooling: Home Education; Homeschooling as a Parochial, Church, or Religious School

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 7-16

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Wyoming

Wyoming parents and guardians are free to homeschool their children. However, they do have to meet a few legal requirements:

• Send a letter of intent or complete your school district’s homeschooling form
• Submit your planned curriculum to the local school district each year
• Cover the seven required subjects 

Find more information on each of these below, as well as other helpful resources and answers to common questions.

Letter of Intent to Homeschool in Wyoming

Each year, you must submit a letter of intent to your local school district, informing them of your plan to homeschool. Your district may have a form you can use, so contact them first to find out. If not, Homeschool Wyoming has free downloadable forms you can use.

TIP: Your letter of intent must include your curriculum plan for the upcoming school year (see below). If you don’t include this plan, your homeschool will not meet the legal requirements, and your student may be reported truant. 

The law doesn’t give a deadline for filing the letter, but it’s probably best to send it before the local district’s school year starts. That way, you’ll avoid triggering an accidental truancy investigation. Consider sending your letter via certified mail so you’ll have a receipt, and keep a copy for your files.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Qualifications to Homeschool in Wyoming

Wyoming law says that a parent/guardian can teach their children or designate someone else to teach them. The law does not state any specific requirements for homeschool teachers.

TIP: In Wyoming, a homeschool is limited to the children from one home. If you (or someone else) instruct children from more than one “family unit,” you no longer fit the definition of a homeschool. 

Options for Homeschooling in Wyoming

Homeschooling families have two homeschooling options to consider in Wyoming. They can either homeschool under Wyoming’s homeschool statute or homeschool as a parochial, church, or religious school. There are quite a few similarities between these approaches to homeschooling, however more families tend to operate under Wyoming’s homeschool statute, and this page explains the laws for that approach to homeschooling. See below for details on homeschooling as parochial, church, or religious school in Wyoming.

Homeschooling as a Parochial, Church, or Religious School

Under this homeschooling method, parents and guardians can enroll their child in a church school that allows them to teach their child at home. However, the homeschool must operate under the control of or be connected to a local church or religious organization. Aside from that, the requirements for homeschoolers operating as a parochial, church, or religious school are the same as homeschoolers operating under Wyoming’s homeschool statute.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Wyoming Homeschool Public School Access

Homeschool students may be able to enroll in classes at certain public schools. Individual districts make this decision, and it’s best to contact your local district to learn their policies if you’re interested.

Mandatory School Age in Wyoming

Children must start school in the year when their 7th birthday falls on or before August 1st. Parents may start instruction earlier but must comply with state law when the child turns 7. 

TIP: Students must continue receiving instruction until they turn 16 or complete 10th grade.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Wyoming Homeschool Subject Requirements

When you submit your annual letter of intent to homeschool, you’re required to include a curriculum plan that meets Wyoming’s education laws. The law says your plan must provide “a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction” in the following subjects:

• Reading
• Writing
• Mathematics
• Civics
• History
• Literature
• Science

While your curriculum must include plans to cover these subjects, the law leaves it up to parents to decide what and how to teach them. You may use Wyoming’s Educational Standards as a guideline, but you’re not required to. 

TIP: Wyoming law states that you can’t be required to teach “any concept, topic, or practice in conflict with [your] religious doctrines.”

When submitting your curriculum plan, include any textbooks, workbooks, online curriculum programs, or other educational materials you plan to use for each subject. Your plan does not need to be overly detailed. Talk with your local district if you’re unsure of what to include.

Wyoming Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Wyoming law doesn’t specify a minimum number of school days or hours per day for homeschool students. Public schools provide a minimum of 175 days of instruction per year. Homeschool families may wish to use this as a guide but are not required to.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Wyoming Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

You’re not required by law to keep any specific records in Wyoming. Most families find it helpful to create a file for each homeschool student, including attendance records, courses and grades, a portfolio of representative work samples, and copies of any evaluations or assessments. 

TIP: Keeping detailed records can help you create transcripts for your child later.

Wyoming Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Homeschoolers in Wyoming aren’t required to participate in standardized testing. However, they are entitled to take the WY-TOPP assessments in English language arts, math, and science at no cost. Learn more about Wyoming’s standardized tests here.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Wyoming

Wyoming immunization laws apply only to students attending public and private schools. Students who wish to participate in classes or sports at public schools may need to meet the state immunization requirements found here.

Resources for Homeschool Families in Wyoming

Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, or larger associations. 

These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other. These relationships help families create a rich and rewarding homeschooling experience.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschool organizations and local groups offer families support and resources. They can help you navigate the laws and ensure you’re providing the best possible education for your child. Homeschool Wyoming is a Christian organization that supports like-minded homeschool families with resources, an annual conference, homeschool graduation, and more. Visit their Neighborhood page to find local homeschool groups in your area.

TIP: We recommend checking online for more Wyoming homeschool organizations in your area. 

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Wyoming

Homeschool students can participate in any activities sanctioned by the Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA). For more information, work directly with your local school district.

You can also look into homeschool sports leagues and community youth sports programs. These offer plenty of opportunities for kids to participate in athletic classes and competitive sports. Here are some to try in Wyoming:

Back to Top

Back to Top

Wyoming Homeschool Field Trips 

Homeschool field trips are so much fun and a great way for families to experience hands-on learning together. 

TIP: When you join other homeschool families, you can qualify for group discounts or special programs at many locations, too!

Wyoming is home to some of the country’s best National Parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Fourth graders and their families can take advantage of the Every Kid Outdoors program and visit these sites for free (restrictions apply). Be sure to check out the parks and historical sites that make up the State Park system as well. 

The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole celebrates artists and the unique Western ecosystem. Journey far back in time at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis, or explore more recent history at Casper’s National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. Head to Cheyenne to see the Historic Governor’s Mansion or visit the State Capitol building.

Special Education Homeschoolers

Although there is no state law in Wyoming that specifically provides homeschooling students the right to state-funded special education, some individual school districts might offer these services based on their discretion. 

Homeschooling families of students with special needs should contact their local district to see what services are available to them. If no services are provided, it is up to the homeschooling family to pay for the special education services their child needs out of pocket.

Back to Top

Wyoming Homeschool FAQ

Is Wyoming a homeschool-friendly state?

It’s fairly simple to homeschool in Wyoming. You must notify the local school board each year of your planned curriculum in the required subjects, but you’re not required to submit any other records or assessments. Most Wyoming homeschoolers can take classes and participate in sports at public schools, too.

Parents in Wyoming are responsible for all homeschooling costs, which can add up over time. Do some research to determine what those costs might look like for your family. Overall, you’ll find Wyoming to be a homeschool-friendly state.

Can parents issue diplomas or transcripts to homeschool students?

The state of Wyoming does not issue diplomas or transcripts to homeschoolers. Home educators may issue diplomas to homeschool students if and when they feel their child is ready to graduate. Keeping detailed records will make it easier to prepare transcripts if your student applies to college.

TIP: Wyoming homeschoolers may also consider taking the HiSET test, which provides a high school equivalency certificate. Learn more about the Wyoming HiSET here.

Is unschooling legal in Wyoming?

Unschooling, a type of education in which children choose the focus and pace of their studies, is legal in all fifty states, including Wyoming.

How do you enroll in public school after homeschooling in Wyoming? 

If you stop homeschooling and enroll your child in public school, work directly with the district to learn their policies. They may ask to see any academic records you’ve kept or use standardized tests or other evaluation forms to determine the right grade and course placements.

Back to Top