Learn about homeschooling laws, requirements, and resources specific to Connecticut.
Connecticut is one of the more relaxed states when it comes to homeschooling regulations. In Connecticut, homeschooling operates under the "equivalent instruction" provision in the state's compulsory attendance law (Connecticut General Statutes §10-184). Parents who choose to homeschool must provide instruction equivalent to that offered in public schools, but Connecticut does not require standardized testing, portfolio reviews, or curriculum approval.
Connecticut law allows parents to educate their children at home as an alternative to public schooling. The state operates under a simple "equivalent instruction" provision that offers considerable freedom to homeschooling families.
Connecticut General Statutes § 10-184 requires that parents either:
This "equivalent instruction" provision is the legal foundation for homeschooling in Connecticut.
Unlike some states with multiple homeschooling options, Connecticut offers a single, straightforward approach:
Connecticut's approach gives parents:
Simple Compliance: Connecticut is considered one of the more relaxed states for homeschooling regulations. As long as you provide notice to your school district and cover the required subjects, you'll be in compliance with state law.
Connecticut's compulsory schooling age is from 5 to 18 years old (inclusive), with special provisions for the youngest students:
Optional Deferral Available
Standard Compulsory Education Period
Continued Compulsory Education
Connecticut law provides one primary legal option for homeschooling: parents or guardians provide equivalent instruction at home in lieu of public school.
This option is broadly defined and gives parents considerable freedom in how to educate, as long as basic requirements are met. There are no additional "umbrella" school requirements or state-run programs mandated for Connecticut homeschoolers – the responsibility for the child's education rests with the parents by statute.
One notable aspect of Connecticut homeschool law is that no official notification to the state or school district is required by statute in order to homeschool. However, there are some important recommended procedures that families should follow.
Compared to most states, Connecticut has very minimal paperwork requirements for homeschooling. The state does not require:
This makes Connecticut one of the most paperwork-friendly states for homeschooling families.
If your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, you should:
A formal withdrawal letter:
Critical: Do not simply stop sending your child to school without formal notification. This could trigger truancy proceedings and unnecessary complications.
Important: The Notice of Intent is part of the Connecticut State Board of Education's suggested procedure, but it is NOT a legal requirement under Connecticut state law.
The NOI is a simple form providing basic information about your homeschool program:
The State Department of Education recommends submitting this form to the district superintendent's office within 10 days of starting a home instruction program each year.
Pros of Filing:
Cons of Filing:
This is a personal decision for each family.
Since the NOI is optional:
According to the Connecticut Homeschool Network, filing the NOI is "100% voluntary for parents."
This is one of the few mandatory filings in Connecticut regarding education at home.
Who needs this: Parents of 5 or 6-year-olds who wish to delay formal schooling until age 6 or 7.
Connecticut has minimal other notification requirements:
If your 17-year-old homeschooler plans to take the GED exam:
Legally required:
Suggested but not legally mandated:
Connecticut requires very minimal paperwork for homeschooling compared to most states. Nevertheless, following the suggested procedures can foster a cooperative relationship with your school district and provide documentation that you are homeschooling.
Pro Tip: Always keep copies of any letters or forms you submit and any responses you receive, as part of your homeschool records. This creates a paper trail in case questions arise later.
Connecticut gives homeschoolers significant freedom in choosing curriculum, but state law does specify certain subjects that must be taught as part of "equivalent instruction."
According to Connecticut General Statutes §10-184, parents must instruct their children (or cause them to be instructed) in at least the following basic subjects:
The Connecticut State Board of Education recommends including these additional subjects, though they are not explicitly required by statute:
Most homeschool families incorporate many of these subjects for a well-rounded education.
Key point: Local school districts cannot dictate your curriculum choices, teaching methods, or educational approach. If you file a Notice of Intent, the district's receipt "does not constitute approval" of your content or program effectiveness.
Connecticut law does not break down specific topics by grade level for homeschoolers. Parents have the flexibility to determine what is age-appropriate for their child in each subject.
Resource: The Connecticut State Department of Education encourages parents to consult the Connecticut Core Standards for each grade as a reference point. While homeschoolers are not obligated to follow these standards, they can serve as a useful benchmark.
Typical Focus Areas:
Typical Focus Areas:
Typical Focus Areas:
Note: Connecticut does not impose specific graduation requirements for homeschoolers.
Planning ahead: If your student is college-bound, structure your high school program with college admissions in mind. Consider following Connecticut's public school graduation requirements as a general framework to ensure your student doesn't have gaps in their education.
Connecticut provides homeschooling families with exceptional flexibility in curriculum choices while maintaining basic subject requirements. The state:
This approach respects parents' rights to direct their children's education while ensuring students receive instruction in fundamental academic areas.
Curriculum Resources: Both the Connecticut Homeschool Network and TEACH CT (Christian homeschooling association) offer guidance on choosing curriculum. Many online support groups also share curriculum reviews and recommendations.
Connecticut does not impose any specific educational qualifications on parents who homeschool. There is no requirement that the teaching parent hold a teaching certificate, college degree, or even a high school diploma.
In Connecticut, any parent or legal guardian may homeschool their child, regardless of their formal education background. Connecticut is among the majority of states that have no teacher qualification rules for homeschooling.
Connecticut law states that parents must "instruct them or cause them to be instructed" in the required subjects. This phrasing provides two options:
Parents can teach their children directly:
Parents can arrange for others to teach their children:
Good to know: On the Notice of Intent form (if used), there is a space to list the name of the teacher, which in homeschooling is usually the parent. This is for identification purposes only; the state does not evaluate the teacher's qualifications.
While Connecticut does not mandate qualifications, parents should honestly assess their ability to take on homeschooling. Here are some practical approaches:
For subjects where you feel less confident:
Supplement your teaching with:
Enhance your teaching ability by:
Remember: While Connecticut trusts parents with the responsibility of education, the freedom from qualification requirements means the responsibility rests on you to ensure your child is learning effectively.
Connecticut's homeschooling law respects the fundamental right of parents to direct their children's education without imposing credential requirements.
This approach allows families of all educational backgrounds to homeschool their children successfully.
Connecticut does not require homeschool students to take any standardized tests or regular formal assessments to demonstrate progress. Unlike some states that mandate annual testing or evaluation for homeschoolers, Connecticut's statutes and guidelines do not include a testing requirement.
Homeschooling parents in Connecticut are not obligated to submit test scores or evaluation reports to any authority. This gives families the freedom to assess learning in ways that work best for their individual children.
Key point: Connecticut gives homeschooling parents full control over how to assess their child's learning, with no mandatory external evaluations.
The one evaluation-like component in Connecticut's homeschool policy is the suggestion that homeschoolers participate in an annual portfolio review with school officials.
Important: This portfolio review is optional and "not required by law." You are allowed to decline the request for a portfolio review, as it is not mandated by any statute.
If you choose to participate:
If you decide to do a portfolio review, consider including:
Remember: The portfolio simply needs to show that instruction took place in the required subjects, not demonstrate mastery.
While not required, some families choose to use standardized tests or formal evaluations for their own purposes:
You might consider:
These can help you track progress and identify areas needing more attention.
College-bound students typically take:
These are taken independently at designated testing centers and are not related to homeschool compliance in Connecticut.
Good to know: The Connecticut DOE suggests that if you do administer any "national assessments," you include the results in the child's portfolio of records. This is only if you voluntarily choose to maintain such records or participate in the optional portfolio review.
Connecticut has no mandatory standardized testing for homeschoolers and no formal evaluations that must be submitted. This allows:
Most homeschool parents in Connecticut maintain some form of records and conduct informal assessments to track their child's progress, but the methods and frequency are entirely up to the family.
Even though Connecticut does not demand that homeschoolers submit records regularly, it is strongly recommended that parents maintain thorough records of their homeschooling.
Good recordkeeping serves multiple purposes:
The Connecticut State Department of Education suggests maintaining these key records:
Include samples such as:
Pro tip: The Connecticut Homeschool Network advises keeping these records organized in a "homeschool folder" for each child. A simple binder with dividers for different subjects works well, or you can maintain digital records if you prefer.
Since homeschools are not state-regulated schools, you are not bound by the public school calendar or daily schedule:
"Time Requirements: None" - Connecticut Homeschool Statute
Common scheduling patterns families use:
If you filed a Notice of Intent, try to approximate the number of school days you indicated.
Remember: While Connecticut offers tremendous flexibility with scheduling, the key is ensuring your child progresses in the required subjects over the course of the year. Your attendance log helps demonstrate that consistent instruction occurred.
While you don't have to submit records routinely, there are specific situations when your homeschool records might be needed:
Connecticut law trusts parents to maintain their own records, and you should do so diligently. At a minimum, keep attendance logs and a portfolio of work for each year.
These will be invaluable in demonstrating compliance with the law's "equivalent instruction" requirement if ever needed, and for your child's future. Moreover, good records help you as a teacher to see progress over time and plan for the next steps in your child's education.
Connecticut is considered a "low regulation" state for homeschooling, meaning there is minimal active oversight of homeschoolers by the government.
Unlike many states, Connecticut does not require:
The local Board of Education in each district has a duty under law (CGS §10-220) to "cause each child... to attend school" or be otherwise educated according to section 10-184.
Districts might take action if:
This underscores the importance of notifying the school if withdrawing a child. A simple letter can prevent misunderstandings and potential truancy proceedings.
For families who engage with the state's suggested procedures, here's how the process typically works:
If a Notice of Intent is filed:
If a family declines the portfolio review or hasn't filed an NOI:
If there's continued non-compliance:
Important: The enforcement process described above is part of the policy guidelines, not the statute. If a parent chooses not to follow the guidelines (which is their legal right), the district's recourse is limited to potential truancy actions—which parents can defend against by demonstrating they are providing equivalent instruction.
Under Connecticut law:
Remember: Homeschooling itself is not truancy or neglect. If you're teaching the required subjects, you're complying with the law, even if you don't follow the optional guidelines.
Connecticut's statutes contain explicit protection for homeschooling parents:
The only data collected is that school districts report the number of homeschooled students to the state each year for statistical purposes.
Key point: By following the basic steps (withdrawing from school, teaching required subjects, keeping evidence of instruction), most Connecticut homeschool families never face any intervention or oversight.
If you find yourself in a situation where your homeschool is being challenged:
Consider connecting with:
Often, a well-informed letter from an attorney or showing of your records will resolve the issue.
Connecticut's enforcement of homeschool requirements is minimal and case-dependent. The state operates on a system largely built on trust and parental responsibility, rather than active oversight.
While school districts may request the Notice of Intent and portfolio review, these are voluntary; refusing them is within your rights, though it could trigger truancy inquiries under the state's suggested process.
As long as you can demonstrate that your children are indeed learning (if ever called upon to do so), Connecticut law and courts have respected the right to homeschool.
Homeschooling in Connecticut is supported by a legal framework that protects parents' rights, but there are also pitfalls to avoid to ensure you remain in good legal standing.
Connecticut's homeschooling laws create a balanced system that respects parental authority while ensuring children receive an education. Understanding both your rights and responsibilities will help you navigate homeschooling successfully.
Key point: Connecticut's legal environment for homeschooling assumes parents are doing right by their children unless proven otherwise. The freedom homeschoolers currently enjoy is protected by statute and can only be changed through the legislative process.
Despite the supportive legal climate, there are some pitfalls or mistakes that can trip up new (or even experienced) homeschooling families in Connecticut:
Pro tip: When in doubt, refer back to the Connecticut General Statutes (which are straightforward on homeschooling) and seek advice from state homeschool organizations. Connecticut's system is designed to be simple for families to comply with, as long as you take those few necessary steps and commit to educating your child diligently.
| When Starting Homeschooling | During Homeschooling | Annual Considerations |
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Connecticut provides strong legal protections for homeschooling families. By being aware of potential pitfalls and fulfilling your basic responsibilities, you can homeschool confidently within the law.
Remember: The legal environment in Connecticut trusts parents as the primary decision-makers for their children's education. This freedom comes with the responsibility to provide genuine instruction in the required subjects.
Connecticut has a vibrant homeschool community with numerous support organizations, co-ops, and resources to help your family succeed in your homeschooling journey.
While homeschooling offers independence, connecting with other homeschool families provides valuable support, socialization opportunities, and shared resources. Connecticut's homeschool community welcomes new families and offers numerous ways to get involved.
Website: Homeschooling in Connecticut
About: The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) maintains an official webpage that provides the state's perspective on homeschooling requirements.
Resources Available:
Important Note: Remember that the CSDE page presents the suggested procedures, not legal requirements. It's still a valuable reference for understanding the state's perspective.
These organizations provide legal information, political advocacy, and support for Connecticut homeschoolers:
Website: cthomeschoolnetwork.org
About: Founded in 1995, CHN is the largest statewide, inclusive homeschool organization in CT. It is secular (not religiously affiliated) and volunteer-run, with a mission to "inform, empower, and foster community" among home educators.
Services Offered:
Membership: Free to join with optional supporting membership. Joining provides access to newsletters, discounts, and collective wisdom of experienced homeschoolers.
Website: teachct.org
About: TEACH CT is a statewide Christian homeschooling association run by a board of veteran homeschoolers. While they welcome anyone to their events and resources, they operate from a Biblical worldview.
Services Offered:
Membership: Annual membership fee required for full benefits, which include a TEACH ID card (useful for educator discounts), access to classifieds, and event discounts.
Pro tip: Many Connecticut homeschoolers join both CHN and TEACH to maximize their support network and stay informed about different event opportunities and resources.
Connecticut has numerous local support groups and co-ops organized by region, educational philosophy, or special interest:
| Region | Notable Groups | Focus/Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfield County |
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| Hartford Area |
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| New Haven/Middlesex |
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| Eastern CT |
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Finding local groups: The best ways to find current, active local groups include:
About Co-ops: Co-ops are cooperative groups where parents share teaching responsibilities. They typically meet in churches or community centers weekly or biweekly. Examples include "Fellowship Christian Homeschool Cooperative" in New Milford (western CT) and various secular co-ops focusing on specific educational approaches or general academics.
Connecticut offers rich educational resources specifically beneficial to homeschoolers:
Homeschool discounts: Many Connecticut museums, science centers, and cultural institutions offer special homeschool programs, discounted admission days, or educational programs specifically designed for homeschool families. Always ask about homeschool rates or programs when planning visits to educational venues.
Beyond co-ops, Connecticut offers additional structured learning opportunities for homeschoolers:
Finding the right fit: When exploring enrichment programs, consider their teaching philosophy, scheduling flexibility, cost, and whether they welcome homeschoolers specifically. Many programs developed for homeschoolers offer more flexible attendance policies and understand the unique needs of homeschool families.
Virtual communities and digital resources specifically useful for Connecticut homeschoolers:
Digital advantage: Local online communities are valuable for Connecticut-specific information about field trip opportunities, curriculum choices that align with state history requirements, and rapidly connecting with families in your area. They also provide a way to ask questions about working with specific school districts.
While hopefully never needed, it's good to know of organizations that can provide legal support if issues arise:
Website: hslda.org/legal/connecticut
Services:
Membership: Annual fee-based membership provides legal representation if needed
About: Founded by Connecticut attorney Deborah Stevenson, NHELD has been involved in homeschool legal issues specific to Connecticut.
When to contact legal support:
Many issues can be resolved first by contacting CHN's legal liaison for guidance before escalating to formal legal representation.
As homeschooling grows, Connecticut colleges are increasingly familiar with homeschool applicants. These resources can help with the transition:
Planning ahead:
Schools with homeschool-friendly policies:
Preparation tip: Many support groups can connect you with other families who have successfully navigated college admissions from homeschooling, providing personal insight and advice.
Pro tip: Being proactive by using community knowledge will smooth the path to college. Consider joining homeschool high school support groups specifically focused on college preparation and admissions.
One of the most consistent pieces of advice from experienced Connecticut homeschoolers is to connect with the community early in your journey. The support, knowledge-sharing, and social opportunities these connections provide are invaluable.
Start by joining at least one statewide organization, attending a conference or park day, and participating in online discussions. These connections will naturally lead to finding the perfect co-op, resources, and programs for your family's specific needs.
Learning Corner offers innovative AI-powered tools designed to support homeschooling families in Connecticut with curriculum planning, content creation, and personalized learning.
Connecticut's homeschool environment gives families significant freedom in curriculum choices and teaching methods. Learning Corner's tools help you take full advantage of this flexibility while ensuring you meet all state subject requirements.
How it helps Connecticut homeschoolers:
Example use: Ask for "a 3rd grade Connecticut history unit covering the state's Native American history, colonial period, and modern Connecticut" to receive a complete set of lessons, activities, and resources.
How it helps Connecticut homeschoolers:
Example use: Request "Connecticut geography worksheet with map labeling activities for major cities, rivers, and state borders" to receive printable materials for your geography studies.
How it helps Connecticut homeschoolers:
Example use: Ask "What documentation should I keep for a kindergarten-aged child in Connecticut?" or "How can I teach Connecticut state history to elementary students?"
How it helps Connecticut homeschoolers:
Example use: Request "Template for Connecticut letter of withdrawal from public school" or "Portfolio organization system for Connecticut homeschooling records"
| Connecticut Homeschool Feature | How Learning Corner Tools Help |
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Equivalent Instruction Requirement Connecticut requires instruction in reading, writing, English grammar, geography, arithmetic, U.S. history, and citizenship |
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No Mandated Testing or Evaluation Connecticut doesn't require standardized testing or professional evaluations |
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Optional Notice of Intent Filing an NOI is suggested but not legally required |
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No Parent Qualification Requirements Connecticut doesn't require parents to have specific credentials |
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Here are some effective prompts to use with Learning Corner's AI tools, specifically tailored for Connecticut homeschooling:
Pro tip: When using Learning Corner's tools, include your child's grade level, learning style, and specific Connecticut requirements in your prompts for the most relevant results. For example: "Create a 4th grade Connecticut geography unit for a hands-on learner that covers the state's regions, major cities, and natural features."
Connecticut's homeschool environment offers remarkable freedom, with minimal paperwork and no mandated curriculum. Learning Corner's AI tools help you make the most of this flexibility while ensuring educational excellence.
Whether you're creating custom worksheets aligned with Connecticut requirements, planning field trips to complement your studies, or organizing your homeschool records, our AI assistants are ready to support your family's educational journey.
Last Updated: April 28, 2025