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Connecticut Homeschool Laws

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Last Updated On
byM Lycurgus

Connecticut does not have a separate homeschool statute. Instead, the compulsory attendance law lets parents give equivalent instruction at home. That is the one homeschool option. School is required from age 5 until 18. Parents of a 5- or 6-year-old may delay school for one year by signing an option form. Today, you do not have to notify anyone before you start. However, a 2026 law brings changes. First, from the 2027-28 school year, parents who withdraw a child from public school must sign a form in person. The district then runs a child welfare records check. Second, starting in 2028-29, many families must file a yearly intent to educate form. Families already homeschooling are mostly not affected unless they move.

Day to day, Connecticut asks very little. There is no required testing and no set number of school days. You must teach reading, writing, spelling, English grammar, geography, arithmetic, and U.S. history and citizenship. Records are not required by law. Still, the state suggests an attendance log and a portfolio for each child. Parents need no teaching license. Also, each district decides whether homeschoolers may join public school classes or sports. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.

Ages 5 to 18. Parents must either send a child to public school or show that the child is receiving equivalent instruction elsewhere, such as at home (HSLDA: Compulsory School Age in Connecticut).

If your child is 5 or 6, you may defer school for one year by going to the school district office in person and signing an option form. You do not need this form if you plan to homeschool. A parent may also use the same option form to opt a 17-year-old out of further compulsory attendance (HSLDA).

None required by law. State Department of Education guidelines suggest an annual portfolio review meeting, and some districts ask families to attend one. HSLDA explains that this review is optional (HSLDA: How to Comply with Connecticut’s Homeschool Law).

Reading, writing, spelling, English grammar, geography, arithmetic, and United States history and citizenship, including a study of the town, state, and federal governments (C.G.S. § 10-184; HSLDA). Public Act 26-37 keeps these subjects unchanged (OLR Public Act Summary).

Now: No notice is required. State guidelines suggest filing a notice of intent with your local superintendent within 10 days of starting your homeschool, and some districts ask for one. HSLDA explains that this notice is optional and is not a request for approval. If you choose to file, HSLDA recommends the state’s form, which asks only for the teacher’s name, subjects, days of instruction, and assessment methods (HSLDA; TEACH CT: Notice of Intent form).

Starting with the 2027-28 school year: A parent who withdraws a child from public school must go in person to the district office and sign a withdrawal form. For a withdrawal to parent-managed learning (homeschooling), the superintendent must run a Department of Children and Families (DCF) records check on every adult who lives with the child. The withdrawal is not allowed if an adult in the home is on the child abuse and neglect registry or under a current DCF investigation. The district must tell the parent within five business days whether the withdrawal is effective (OLR Public Act Summary: PA 26-37).

Starting with the 2028-29 school year: Covered families must complete a yearly intent to educate form by October 1, or within 14 days of moving into a new district. It covers children newly eligible for kindergarten, children withdrawn or reported the prior year, and families who move. Families already homeschooling generally do not file unless they move (OLR; HSLDA: Connecticut’s new law).

Not required by law. As a best practice, the State Department of Education suggests keeping a log of attendance showing days and hours of instruction, and a portfolio for each child with samples of work and a list of books and materials used (CT State Department of Education: Homeschooling in Connecticut).

None (HSLDA: Connecticut Homeschool Laws).

None. Parents do not need a teaching certificate or degree (HSLDA).

It depends on your district. Connecticut has no law giving homeschoolers the right to join public school classes or activities, so each school district sets its own policy. Contact your local school to ask (HSLDA: Public School Access for Homeschoolers in Connecticut).

None for homeschoolers (HSLDA).

High school credit and diplomas: The State Department of Education does not accredit homeschool programs. A district is not required to award graduation credit for homeschool work in grades 9 to 12 if a student re-enrolls. The state names the GED test as the route to a state high school diploma (CT SDE). HSLDA believes a parent-issued diploma and transcript should be enough to show a child finished high school (HSLDA).

New law: Public Act 26-37 (formerly HB 5468) was signed on May 26, 2026. It calls homeschooling “parent-managed learning.” The State Department of Education must create the new forms (CGA: HB 5468 bill status; Public Act 26-37).

Last reviewed: November 2, 2026

*The information on this page is for general use only. It should not be taken as legal advice. It is believed to be accurate however state and federal laws change every year. Homeschool.net recommends joining an organization such as the Home School Legal Defense Association before your homeschooling adventure begins. HSLDA can provide complete, accurate, legal advice and services for homeschooling families.

Update History

  • November 2, 2026
    • New law: Added Public Act 26-37 (HB 5468, signed May 26, 2026): in-person withdrawal and DCF records check starting in 2027-28, and a yearly intent to educate form starting in 2028-29 (Public Act 26-37; OLR summary).
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