If you homeschool and don’t use an umbrella school, charter school, virtual school, or another similar setup, you probably need to file a 2021-2022 homeschool letter of intent with your public school system. More than half of the states in the U.S. require an annual letter of intent.
Your state’s department of education website will provide details on the homeschool laws in your state. Some provide a blanket letter of intent but most often you will find it on the website for your county’s public schools. This letter of intent is your formal declaration to homeschool and your agreement to abide by whatever regulations have been set up by your state.
How to Find Your 2021-2022 Homeschool Letter of Intent
Do an online search for ‘(your county) homeschool letter of intent’. For example, we live in Jefferson County, Colorado. Our homeschool letter of intent can be found here.
The information required varies by state. Colorado is listed as a state with moderate regulation and requires that you fill in name, address, etc. along with:
- Number of Instructional Hours per day (average) __________ Answer: 4
- Number of Days per School Year ____________ Answer: 172
- Most recent test results (if continuing to homeschool)
If you are a new homeschooler, you don’t have to include test results. If you are renewing, the form asks you to attach the most recent odd year testing result for your student.
Homeschool Testing in Colorado
Testing for homeschool students in Colorado is required in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. This is not done through the public school system. A nationally standardized test such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills or the California Achievement Test can be administered at home.
In 11th grade, the student can register to take the ACT or SAT. Registration is done online and testing is completed at a nearby high school. There are also other options available if standardized testing is not a good fit for your student.
A copy of the most recent testing results should be sent in each year with your letter of intent. For example, you would submit the 5th-grade testing results with the letter of intent for 6th grade and then again in 7th grade.
Read more about homeschool testing here.
Requirements for Other States
Become familiar with your state’s requirements and get comfortable with how to fulfill them. Like all unknowns, this can be intimidating. Get online, do the research, and make some calls if needed.
I’ve talked with families from higher regulation states like Pennsylvania. According to them, connecting with other homeschoolers is especially helpful. They can share information on how to develop a student portfolio or find a ‘qualified evaluator’ – things that sound sort of scary but aren’t that daunting once you find the right resources and get your own system in place.
If you’re like me, you’d much rather spend your time actually homeschooling rather than looking up legal requirements. However, understanding your state’s laws will give you peace of mind so you can focus on far more enjoyable activities like planning your homeschooling and setting up your homeschool schedule.
The information presented in this post should be used as an overview only. Please check your state and county regulations and stay up to date with any changes.