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Homeschool laws · Colorado

How to homeschool in Colorado

The testing years are 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, so mark them when you plan the year.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for Colorado. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

Colorado requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. A notice of intent filed with any Colorado school district 14 days before starting, then every year, with each child’s name, age, address and hours of attendance.

Minimum school time

172 days a year, averaging 4 hours a day.

Required subjects

Reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, literature, science and the US Constitution.

Parent qualifications

A parent, guardian or adult relative chosen by the parent.

Testing or evaluation

A standardized test or an evaluation by a qualified person in grades 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, with results sent to the district (or to an independent or church school).

Records to keep

Attendance, test or evaluation results, and immunization records.

Compulsory school ages

6–17

Legal ways to homeschool in Colorado

  • Homeschool statute
  • Independent school
  • Certified teacher

Each option has its own rules. The table above mainly describes the first option listed; read the source before choosing.

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    A notice of intent filed with any Colorado school district 14 days before starting, then every year, with each child’s name, age, address and hours of attendance.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan 172 school days

    172 days a year, averaging 4 hours a day. Pick your start date and breaks, and the calendar shows the exact day you reach 172 days.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Colorado asks for: attendance, test or evaluation results, and immunization records. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Plan the test or evaluation

    A standardized test or an evaluation by a qualified person in grades 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, with results sent to the district (or to an independent or church school).

    Log test scores
  5. 05

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

Colorado homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Colorado?

A notice of intent filed with any Colorado school district 14 days before starting, then every year, with each child’s name, age, address and hours of attendance.

How many days do you have to homeschool in Colorado?

172 days a year, averaging 4 hours a day.

What subjects are required in Colorado?

Reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, literature, science and the US Constitution.

Does Colorado require testing for homeschoolers?

A standardized test or an evaluation by a qualified person in grades 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, with results sent to the district (or to an independent or church school).

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Colorado?

A parent, guardian or adult relative chosen by the parent.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Colorado and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states