How to start homeschooling in New York
Everything New York asks of a homeschool family, in order, from the state’s own sources, checked October 1, 2026. Each step links to a free tool that does it, and there’s a checklist to print at the end.
Step by step
Know what New York requires
Parents file an annual notice of intent and an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) with the district superintendent, then submit quarterly reports and an annual assessment.
Required school ages in New York: 6 (turning 6 on or before December 1 starts that September) until 16; 17 in New York City. Teacher qualification for this option: Regulation requires instruction by a competent instructor but sets no specific credential for the parent.
If your child is in school now, withdraw in writing
Send the school a dated withdrawal letter saying your child will be educated at home, and keep a copy. New York also asks for a notice under this option (the next step); file it by its deadline.
File your notice
Required.
When: By July 1 each school year, or within 14 days after starting home instruction mid-year.
What it includes: Written notice of intent to the superintendent of the public school district of residence each school year. District sends a copy of the regulation and IHIP form within 10 business days; parent submits the IHIP within four weeks of receipt or by August 15, whichever is later. District reviews within 10 business days or by August 31; revisions due within 15 days or by September 15; final determination within 15 days or by September 30.
New York names its own form, affidavit or filing for this. Use that where it’s required; our letter can go with it as a cover letter or a record.
Plan your school year: days and hours
New York sets a minimum.
The substantial equivalent of 180 days of instruction each school year. 900 hours per year for grades 1-6; 990 hours per year for grades 7-12.
Cover the required subjects
Arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, the English language, geography, United States history, science, health education, music, visual arts, physical education, bilingual education and/or English as a second language where needed.
Grades 1–6: the required subjects listed above. Grades 7-8: English (two units), history and geography (two units), science (two units), mathematics (two units), physical education and health education (on a regular basis), art (one-half unit), music (one-half unit), practical arts and library skills (on a regular basis). Grades 9-12: English (four units), social studies (four units, incl. one unit American history, one-half unit participation in government, one-half unit economics), mathematics (two units), science (two units), art and/or music (one unit), health education (one-half unit), physical education (two units), three units of electives. All grades: patriotism and citizenship; health education regarding alcohol, drug and tobacco misuse; highway safety and traffic regulations, including bicycle safety; fire and arson prevention and safety.
Testing or evaluation
Required every year.
Annual assessment filed with the fourth quarterly report. Options: standardized achievement test from the approved list (Iowa, California, Stanford, Comprehensive, Metropolitan, or other state-approved) or, for grades 1-3, a written narrative by a certified teacher, peer review panel or superintendent-approved person; for grades 4-8 a narrative may be used no more often than every other year (standardized test otherwise); grades 9-12 must use a standardized test. Adequate if composite score is above the 33rd percentile on national norms or shows one academic year of growth; otherwise the program is placed on probation with a remediation plan.
Keep the records the state asks for
Required.
Attendance records kept and available on request. Quarterly reports to the district on dates set in the IHIP: hours of instruction, description of material covered, grade or narrative evaluation of progress, and explanation if less than 80% of planned material was covered.
Start teaching
Put your books on a lesson schedule, and the planner spreads the lessons across your school days and moves them when a day is missed. Log attendance in a tap, and keep grades, a portfolio and a transcript as you go.
High school and graduation
Home-instructed students do not receive a public school diploma. A student past compulsory age who completed a compliant program may request a written attestation from the district superintendent; Regents exams and the high school equivalency (GED) are other options.
Official sources for this option
Not confirmed on an official page: §100.10 read from NYSED's p12 copy (no revision date shown); not checked against the official NYCRR compilation. NYSED notes its Q&A page has not been updated for 2019 Public Health Law amendments. Check these points with the state or your local school district before you rely on them; everything else above comes from the official sources listed.
Your New York checklist
Homeschool Corral · How to start homeschooling in New York · homeschoolcorral.com
- Read New York’s rules for “Home instruction”
- Withdraw from school in writing (if enrolled), and keep a copy
- File the notice (By July 1 each school year, or within 14 days after starting home instruction mid-year)
- Set the first and last day, school days and breaks (meeting the state minimum)
- Choose curriculum for each required subject
- Note the testing or evaluation years and deadlines
- Start the required records from day one
- Make a first-week plan and start
Questions New York parents ask
Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in New York?
Yes. When: By July 1 each school year, or within 14 days after starting home instruction mid-year. What to file: Written notice of intent to the superintendent of the public school district of residence each school year. District sends a copy of the regulation and IHIP form within 10 business days; parent submits the IHIP within four weeks of receipt or by August 15, whichever is later. District reviews within 10 business days or by August 31; revisions due within 15 days or by September 15; final determination within 15 days or by September 30.
How many days or hours do homeschoolers need in New York?
The substantial equivalent of 180 days of instruction each school year. 900 hours per year for grades 1-6; 990 hours per year for grades 7-12.
Do homeschoolers have to take tests in New York?
Yes, every year. Annual assessment filed with the fourth quarterly report. Options: standardized achievement test from the approved list (Iowa, California, Stanford, Comprehensive, Metropolitan, or other state-approved) or, for grades 1-3, a written narrative by a certified teacher, peer review panel or superintendent-approved person; for grades 4-8 a narrative may be used no more often than every other year (standardized test otherwise); grades 9-12 must use a standardized test. Adequate if composite score is above the 33rd percentile on national norms or shows one academic year of growth; otherwise the program is placed on probation with a remediation plan.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in New York?
Regulation requires instruction by a competent instructor but sets no specific credential for the parent.
What subjects are required in New York?
Arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, the English language, geography, United States history, science, health education, music, visual arts, physical education, bilingual education and/or English as a second language where needed.
What records do I need to keep in New York?
Attendance records kept and available on request. Quarterly reports to the district on dates set in the IHIP: hours of instruction, description of material covered, grade or narrative evaluation of progress, and explanation if less than 80% of planned material was covered.
Keep going
This is a plain-English summary of the state’s official sources, checked on the date shown. It is not legal advice, and laws change. Read the linked official pages, and check with the state or your local school district if anything is unclear.
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