Vermont homeschooling requirements explained. Learn about Vermont homeschool laws, notification procedures, required subjects, testing rules, parent qualifications, and local support resources.
Vermont provides a straightforward legal framework for homeschooling through its Home Study Program. Families must file an annual enrollment notice with the Vermont Agency of Education, provide instruction in required subjects, and submit annual assessments, but enjoy significant freedom in choosing curriculum and teaching methods.
Homeschooling is legally recognized in Vermont under Title 16, Section 166b of the Vermont Statutes (Act 166). The state provides a clear legal framework through its Home Study Program, which has been in place since 1984.
The primary and most common pathway for homeschooling in Vermont. Families operate independently while filing annual notices with the state.
Some families enroll in an approved independent (private) school that supports homeschooling. This provides an alternative structure with institutional oversight.
The Vermont Agency of Education oversees the Home Study Program. They provide enrollment forms, guidance documents, and support for homeschooling families. The agency maintains a cooperative relationship with homeschoolers and serves primarily an administrative role.
Vermont's compulsory attendance law applies to children ages 6 through 16. Families must file an annual enrollment notice and provide instruction in specified subject areas.
The enrollment notice must be filed with the Vermont Secretary of Education by September 1 of each year, or within 30 days of beginning home instruction if starting mid-year. This must be filed annually — it does not carry over from year to year.
Vermont requires instruction in the following minimum course of study:
These subjects must be addressed but Vermont does not mandate specific curriculum or textbooks.
Vermont is notable for having no formal teacher qualification requirements for homeschool parents.
Vermont trusts parents to provide appropriate instruction. The annual assessment serves as the accountability measure for student progress.
The annual enrollment notice must include:
The Agency of Education provides a standard form that makes filing straightforward. Notices can typically be submitted by mail or electronically.
Vermont homeschoolers should maintain:
Good records are especially important for high school students preparing for college applications.
Follow these steps to legally begin homeschooling in Vermont:
Review the Home Study Program requirements on the Vermont Agency of Education website. Understand the enrollment notice process, required subjects, and annual assessment options.
Submit your enrollment notice to the Vermont Secretary of Education by September 1 (or within 30 days of beginning instruction). Include the required information about each child and your program of study.
If your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, formally notify the school of your intent to homeschool. Obtain copies of transcripts and records.
Choose curriculum and materials covering all nine required subject areas. Vermont gives you complete freedom in selecting educational approaches and resources.
Start teaching once your enrollment notice is filed. Keep records of subjects covered and student work throughout the year.
At the end of each school year, complete your chosen assessment method (standardized test, teacher assessment, or portfolio review) and submit results to the Agency of Education.
Vermont has an active homeschool community. Consider joining the Vermont Home Education Network or local support groups early in your journey for guidance, social opportunities, and curriculum sharing.
Vermont does not mandate specific textbooks, curricula, or educational methods. Families have complete freedom to choose materials and approaches that best serve their children, as long as the nine required subject areas are addressed.
Popular approaches among Vermont homeschoolers:
Resources available to Vermont homeschoolers:
Vermont requires homeschooling families to submit an annual assessment of each student's progress to the Vermont Agency of Education at the end of each school year.
Families may choose from three assessment methods:
Administer a nationally recognized standardized achievement test:
Submit scores to the Agency of Education.
Have a certified Vermont teacher evaluate your child's progress:
Submit the teacher's written assessment to the Agency.
Submit a portfolio of student work for review:
Portfolio should reflect coverage of required subjects.
Vermont does not set minimum standardized test scores for homeschooled students. The annual assessment is designed to ensure that educational progress is being made, not to rank or compare students. If the Agency has concerns about a student's progress, they will work with the family to address them.
Vermont families with special needs children can homeschool under the Home Study Program. The state's flexible approach to homeschooling can be particularly beneficial for children with diverse learning needs.
Vermont's education system is generally supportive of diverse learning approaches. The Agency of Education works with families rather than against them, and the multiple assessment options provide flexibility for students whose abilities may not be well-captured by standardized tests alone.
Vermont homeschool parents can issue their own high school diplomas. Homeschool graduates are eligible for college admission at Vermont institutions and beyond.
Vermont offers dual enrollment programs allowing high school students (including homeschoolers) to take college courses. This is an excellent way to earn college credit while still in high school and to demonstrate college readiness for future applications.
Vermont has an active and welcoming homeschool community with organizations and groups throughout the state.
The primary statewide homeschool organization:
Official state resources for homeschooling:
Active homeschool communities throughout Vermont:
Organizations providing legal support for homeschooling families:
Our AI-powered tools can help Vermont homeschoolers plan curriculum across all nine required subject areas, generate assessments, and build portfolios for annual reviews. These tools support personalized learning while helping you stay compliant with state requirements.
Learning Corner offers several AI-powered tools that can assist Vermont homeschoolers:
Analyze your student's activity to understand which concepts they're learning, helping Vermont homeschool parents track academic progress across required subject areas.
Create custom quizzes and assessments to track student progress and ensure comprehensive coverage of Vermont's required subject areas.
Generate customized worksheets for practice and reinforcement across all required Vermont subject areas.
Create structured lesson plans that can serve as documentation of your instruction and help maintain recommended records for Vermont homeschoolers.
These curriculum providers, apps, and services are available to homeschool families in Vermont:
Award-winning early learning app for ages 2-8 covering reading, math, art, and more.
Apps & Software SubscriptionChristian textbook and video-based curriculum trusted by schools and homeschoolers since 1972.
Curriculum Providers PaidMajor retailer of Christian homeschool curriculum, books, and educational materials.
Supplies & Materials PaidAlternative to SAT/ACT for college admissions, embraced by homeschool families.
Testing & Assessment Services PaidNational network of classical Christian homeschool communities meeting weekly.
Co-ops & Learning Communities PaidLast Updated: March 23, 2026