How to start homeschooling in Vermont
Everything Vermont 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 Vermont requires
Parents enroll the child in a home study program by filing a notice of intent with the Secretary of Education, provide a minimum course of study equivalent to at least 175 days, and assess progress annually, keeping the assessment record themselves.
Required school ages in Vermont: 6 to 16 (16 V.S.A. § 1121; exceptions include completion of tenth grade). Teacher qualification for this option: No parent qualification requirement stated.
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. Vermont also asks for a notice under this option (the next step); file it by its deadline.
File your notice
Required.
When: At least 10 business days before starting; renewed annually at least 10 business days before each year's start.
What it includes: Notice of intent to the Secretary of Education on the Agency of Education form, at least 10 business days before commencing home study. Contents include child's name, age and date of birth; names, mailing and email addresses, town of residence and phone numbers of custodial parents; attestation that progress will be assessed annually and records kept; attestation of at least 175 days of instruction; for newly enrolled students, documentation of any disability; signatures of custodial parents. Secretary acknowledges receipt within 10 business days. Annual notice of intent to continue on or before the start of each following year, at least 10 business days before the intended start date. Written notice within 10 business days of withdrawal.
Vermont 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
Vermont sets a minimum.
Parent attests each child will be provided "the equivalent of at least 175 days of instruction". No hours requirement stated.
Cover the required subjects
Basic communication skills (including reading, writing and the use of numbers); citizenship, history, and government in Vermont and the United States; physical education and comprehensive health education (including the effects of tobacco, alcoholic drinks and drugs); English, American, and other literature; the natural sciences; the fine arts.
Under age 13: all subject areas in 16 V.S.A. § 906(b). Age 13 and older: only § 906(b)(1), (2), (4) and (5) — basic communication skills; citizenship, history and government; English, American and other literature; natural sciences. For a child with a disability, the course of study is adapted to support learning.
Testing or evaluation
Required every year.
Progress assessed at the end of each school year by one of: a standardized assessment (local district or testing service); review by a holder of a current Vermont teacher's certificate; a parent report and portfolio with a summary of what the student learned and at least four work samples; grades from an online academy or school; or evidence of passing the GED. Parent keeps the record; AOE says not to send it unless review is wanted. Annual renewal attests the previous year was completed and an annual evaluation was kept.
Keep the records the state asks for
Required.
Parent must maintain the record of annual assessments. No retention period stated in statute.
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
Statute sets no graduation requirements for home study. AOE: students enrolled in home study do not receive grades or diplomas from the State.
Official sources for this option
Not confirmed on an official page: Record retention period (none found). Immunization/health requirements for home study not found in § 166b. 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 Vermont checklist
Homeschool Corral · How to start homeschooling in Vermont · homeschoolcorral.com
- Read Vermont’s rules for “Home study program”
- Withdraw from school in writing (if enrolled), and keep a copy
- File the notice (At least 10 business days before starting; renewed annually at least 10 business days before each year's start)
- 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 Vermont parents ask
Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Vermont?
Yes. When: At least 10 business days before starting; renewed annually at least 10 business days before each year's start. What to file: Notice of intent to the Secretary of Education on the Agency of Education form, at least 10 business days before commencing home study. Contents include child's name, age and date of birth; names, mailing and email addresses, town of residence and phone numbers of custodial parents; attestation that progress will be assessed annually and records kept; attestation of at least 175 days of instruction; for newly enrolled students, documentation of any disability; signatures of custodial parents. Secretary acknowledges receipt within 10 business days. Annual notice of intent to continue on or before the start of each following year, at least 10 business days before the intended start date. Written notice within 10 business days of withdrawal.
How many days or hours do homeschoolers need in Vermont?
Parent attests each child will be provided "the equivalent of at least 175 days of instruction". No hours requirement stated.
Do homeschoolers have to take tests in Vermont?
Yes, every year. Progress assessed at the end of each school year by one of: a standardized assessment (local district or testing service); review by a holder of a current Vermont teacher's certificate; a parent report and portfolio with a summary of what the student learned and at least four work samples; grades from an online academy or school; or evidence of passing the GED. Parent keeps the record; AOE says not to send it unless review is wanted. Annual renewal attests the previous year was completed and an annual evaluation was kept.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Vermont?
No parent qualification requirement stated.
What subjects are required in Vermont?
Basic communication skills (including reading, writing and the use of numbers); citizenship, history, and government in Vermont and the United States; physical education and comprehensive health education (including the effects of tobacco, alcoholic drinks and drugs); English, American, and other literature; the natural sciences; the fine arts.
What records do I need to keep in Vermont?
Parent must maintain the record of annual assessments. No retention period stated in statute.
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.
Start homeschooling in another state: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming