Skip to content
homeHQT

Homeschool laws · Montana

How to homeschool in Montana

Montana counts hours by grade band.

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

Montana requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. A notice of intent to the county superintendent every school year (July 1 to June 30).

Minimum school time

720 hours a year in grades 1–3 and 1,080 hours in grades 4–12.

Required subjects

English language arts, math, social studies, science, health, arts and career education.

Parent qualifications

None.

Testing or evaluation

None required.

Records to keep

Attendance records, shown to the county superintendent if asked.

Compulsory school ages

7–16

Legal ways to homeschool in Montana

  • Homeschool with a yearly notice

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    A notice of intent to the county superintendent every school year (July 1 to June 30).

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan your school year

    720 hours a year in grades 1–3 and 1,080 hours in grades 4–12. A planned calendar still makes the year easier to keep on track.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Montana asks for: attendance records, shown to the county superintendent if asked. 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

    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

Montana homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Montana?

A notice of intent to the county superintendent every school year (July 1 to June 30).

How many days do you have to homeschool in Montana?

720 hours a year in grades 1–3 and 1,080 hours in grades 4–12.

What subjects are required in Montana?

English language arts, math, social studies, science, health, arts and career education.

Does Montana require testing for homeschoolers?

None required.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Montana?

No. Parents do not need any particular qualification.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Montana 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