Homeschooling in Colorado? Here’s your plan.

Colorado takes a moderate approach to homeschool regulation. You file an annual notification with your school district superintendent at least 14 days before starting. This is a notification, not a request for permission — the district does not approve or deny it. You include your child's name, age, address, and an attestation that you will cover the nine required subjects: reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and the United States Constitution (per C.R.S. 22-1-108).

You must provide at least 172 days of instruction per year, averaging 4 hours per day — slightly fewer than the 180 days required for public schools. At grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, your child takes a nationally standardized achievement test from a state board-approved list, or you can opt for an evaluation by a qualified person you choose. Test results stay with your family; no proactive submission is required. If the district wants to see your records, they must give you 14 days' written notice.

For families who want to avoid the testing requirements entirely, Colorado also allows enrollment in a private umbrella school under C.R.S. 22-33-104(2)(a). Private schools in Colorado are largely unregulated, and families operating under an umbrella school follow that school's policies rather than the homeschool statute.

Most Colorado families use the standard Home-Based Education pathway because it is well-defined and straightforward. The umbrella school alternative appeals to families who prefer to skip standardized testing or want institutional support. Note that online public school programs like Colorado Connections Academy or COVA are not homeschooling — students in those programs are public school students.

14-day advance notice. File your notification with the district superintendent at least 14 days before you begin. If you move to a new district mid-year, you must file a new notification with the new district.

Testing at five grade levels. Standardized testing is required at grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Your child must score above the 13th percentile composite. If they score at or below the 13th percentile, they get a chance to retest with an alternate version before any action is taken. As an alternative, you may choose an evaluation by a qualified person instead of a standardized test.

Full extracurricular access. Under C.R.S. 22-33-104.5, homeschool students have the same rights as enrolled public school students to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities. A school district cannot require enrollment in a course as an eligibility condition.

Part-time public school courses. Homeschooled students may access individual public school courses on a part-time basis, though districts have some discretion in implementation.

High school diplomas. Parents issue their own diploma. Colorado public universities generally accept homeschool graduates, though some may require SAT/ACT scores or a portfolio.

IEP services require part-time enrollment. Your child's IEP services end when you begin homeschooling. However, you can enroll your child part-time in your district to access special education services. The district will issue a Prior Written Notice explaining what services your child will no longer receive.

No state ESA or voucher. Colorado does not currently offer an Education Savings Account, voucher, or scholarship program for homeschool families.

The U.S. Constitution requirement. Colorado requires instruction in the United States Constitution under C.R.S. 22-1-108. This is one of the nine subjects you must cover.