Whether you are a seasoned homeschooling family or considering this educational path for the first time, the exciting news is that Vermont offers a very supportive environment and a wealth of resources to empower and encourage your homeschooling journey. While the list of Vermont homeschooling laws may seem daunting, the requirements are laid out in a straightforward way making the transition into homeschooling a seamless process. Let’s take a quick look at getting started with homeschooling in Vermont.
Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in Vermont
In Vermont, homeschooling is referred to as “home study” but the terms are interchangeable as they both mean the same thing; the family is responsible for their child’s education. The list to begin (and maintain) your home study program in Vermont is a few requirements longer than some of the other states, but with detailed record keeping and an organized plan, they will seem like a second nature.
Notification of Vermont Home Study
Families opting to homeschool in Vermont must submit a written enrollment notice to the Vermont Agency of Education within 14 days of beginning their homeschool program. This notice must include basic information such as the child’s name, birthdate, and location of homeschooling as well as an outline of the educational plan for your home study curriculum.
Qualifications to Homeschool in Vermont
Vermont allows flexibility in choosing educational materials and methods. Parents can design a curriculum that best suits their child’s learning style and educational goals. There are no specific daily hours required, however parents must ensure that the total instructional days equals a minimum of 175 days, which is the annual requirement. The following subjects must also be taught in your homeschool:
*Basic Communication Skills: Reading, Writing, Use of Numbers
*Citizenship, History, Government in Vermont and the United States
*Physical Education and Comprehensive Health Education
*English, American, and Other Literature
*The Natural Sciences
*The Fine Arts
Vermont Homeschool Annual Evaluations
At the end of each year that a student is enrolled in a home study program, they must receive some sort of assessment to demonstrate that they have made progress from the year before. Parents are responsible for this assessment and while it does not need to be submitted to the Agency of Education, a record must be kept as part of their student records.
Annual Assessment Examples:
*Standardized test given by the local school district or a testing service
*A report prepared by a Vermont certified teacher
*A report and portfolio with a summary of learned material and at least four samples of work
*Grades from an online academy or school
*Evidence of passing the GED
Homeschooling Resources and Support
The easiest way to feel supported and confident in your homeschooling journey is to connect with other families like yours! There are so many local and national homeschooling associations for families to share resources, stories, and guidance with each other. A great place to start is here at Dailies! Our educators are up-to-date on the most current homeschooling information and are ready to provide you with all the help we can offer.
It doesn’t matter if you are working with Dailies as a supplement to your curriculum or working with us as your entire curriculum, we believe that each child’s education should be treated as an individual journey. We are ready to meet your family exactly where you are and help you grow into the best you can be!
