How to Homeschool in Connecticut

  • In Connecticut, homeschooling is known as "homeschool".
  • Compulsory attendance is required for children ages 5 through 18. Note that parents of 5- or 6-year-olds may opt out of enrolling their children until they are 7 by signing an option form.

From the United States Department of Education

"The State Board of Education acknowledges the right of parents to instruct their children at home as an alternative to public school attendance, and advises local and regional boards of education where such child would otherwise be attending public school to acknowledge home instruction when the parent or person having control of a child between the ages of seven and 16 is able to show that the child is receiving equivalent instruction in the studies taught in the public schools." Connecticut State Department of Education: Information Concerning Educating Children at Home Memo, July 1994.

Home School Option:

Connecticut places the duty to instruct a child or cause him to be instructed on the parents. Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-184.

Parent must file a notice of intent form (including the name of the teacher, subjects to be taught, days of instruction, and the teacher's methods of assessment) for the child to the local superintendent of schools. Connecticut State Department of Education: Information Concerning Educating Children at Home Memo, July 1994.

Parents are to instruct their children in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, geography, arithmetic, United States history, including the study of the town, state, and federal governments, and citizenship. Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-184.

In making the decision as to whether or not the child is receiving equivalent instruction, it is recommended that the local board of education adopt board policies that require the following procedures: The parent should file notice of intent to home school form and an annual portfolio review will be held with parents and school officials to determine if instruction in the required courses has been given. Connecticut State Department of Education: Information Concerning Educating Children at Home Memo, July 1994.

The parents and local school officials will annually review a portfolio of the child's work to determine if the instruction of courses has been adequate. Connecticut State Department of Education: Information Concerning Educating Children at Home Memo, July 1994.

No board of education is required to provide special education programs or services to a child educated at home. Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-184a.

There is no state policy for homeschooled children to have public school access for any programs or activities.

Contact Information

Connecticut State Department of Education
165 Capitol Ave.
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-713-6543
Toll-Free: (800) 465-4014
Fax: (860) 713-7001
Website: http://www.sde.ct.gov/


Source: United States Department of Education - Connecticut State Regulations

From the Connecticut Department of Education

"The State Board of Education acknowledges the right of parents to instruct their children at home as an alternative to public school attendance, and advises local and regional boards of education where such child would otherwise be attending public school to acknowledge home instruction when the parent or person having control of a child between the ages of seven and 16 is able to show that the child is receiving equivalent instruction in the studies taught in the public schools." Connecticut State Department of Education: Information Concerning Educating Children at Home Memo, July 1994.

Intent to Home School Notification

Parent must file a notice of Connecticut Intent to Homeschool (DOC) form (including the name of the teacher, subjects to be taught, days of instruction, and the teacher's methods of assessment) for the child to the local superintendent of schools. Connecticut State Department of Education: Information Concerning Educating Children at Home Memo, July 1994.

Required Subjects

Parents are to instruct their children in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, geography, arithmetic, United States history, including the study of the town, state, and federal governments, and citizenship. Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-184.

Assessment/Evaluation

The parents and local school officials will annually review a portfolio of the child's work to determine if the instruction of courses has been adequate. Connecticut State Department of Education: Information Concerning Educating Children at Home Memo, July 1994.

Extra Curricular Activities

There is no state policy for homeschooled children to have public school access for any programs or activities.

Special Education

No board of education is required to provide special education programs or services to a child educated at home. Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-184a.

GED

Individuals at least 18 years of age who are homeschooled and wish to take the GED test must have a parent/guardian obtain documentation from the local school district in Connecticut acknowledging their original intent to homeschool.
Once the parent/guardian obtains the evidence, they need to contact the State Department of Education GED office to request a Homeschooling Attestation Form signed by the Connecticut GED​ Administrator.
Since homeschooled students cannot procure a school withdrawal form, they can use this attestation form to register for the GED® test.
The Attestation Form cannot be used to enroll in classes at Adult Education.

Phone: (860) 807-2110 or (860) 807-2111
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The state of Connecticut suggests that homeschooling parents:

1)Complete the Intent to Homeschool form for each child annually and submit it to the Superintendent’s office for signature. A signed copy should be retained in each child’s homeschool folder;

2) Review the Connecticut Core Standards information. The Connecticut Core Standards provide parents with clear expectations of what a student should know and be able to do at each grade level. Aligning instruction with these standards and competencies will ensure a smoother transition should the child return to public school. The Materials for Teachers page contains links to lessons and activities by grade level that can be downloaded;

3) Keep a log of attendance which reflects days and hours of instruction; maintain a portfolio for each child which contains samples of activities, assignments, projects and assessments, as well as a log of books and materials used. Include results of any national assessments; and

4) Contact potential colleges and universities in order to learn what is required for admission.

Connecticut Home Schooling Links


Source: Connecticut Department of Education

Updated 29 December 2021

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