Homeschooling in Montana? Here’s your plan.

Homeschooling in Montana is governed by MCA 20-5-109. You notify your county superintendent of schools (not the local school district superintendent) before the school year starts, teach seven required subjects — reading, writing, math, science, social studies/history, language arts, and health — and provide 180 days of instruction. Hours depend on grade level: 720 hours for grades 1-3, and 1,080 hours for grades 4-12. No testing is required, no curriculum approval is needed, and the county superintendent has no authority to approve or deny your notification.

Montana is a place where county-level practices can vary, but the legal requirements are uniform statewide. Your notification is just that — a notice, not a request for permission. You maintain attendance records, which are technically subject to inspection by the county superintendent, though in practice this is very rare. No portfolio, progress reports, or test scores need to be submitted.

Montana does not currently have a functioning ESA program for homeschoolers. HB 393 (2023) created a special-needs-only ESA, but it was struck down as unconstitutional in December 2025. The state is appealing, and current enrollees may continue through June 30, 2026.

Most Montana families file as a home school under MCA 20-5-109, which is the most common and straightforward option. The non-public (private) school pathway involves filing an annual report with the county superintendent and carries the same subject and instructional time requirements. Some families who form small group schools or co-ops use the private school pathway. For a single family homeschooling at home, the home school pathway is almost always the right choice.

File with the county superintendent. Montana's notification goes to the county superintendent of schools — an elected or appointed county-level official — not the local school district superintendent. Contact information is available through the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) website.

No more immunization records. HB778 (signed May 2025) eliminated the requirement for homeschools to maintain immunization records or signed exemptions. This is no longer something you need to worry about.

Withdrawal process. If your child is currently enrolled, submit a withdrawal letter to the school and file your homeschool notification with the county superintendent. There is no waiting period between withdrawal and beginning home school.

College preparation. Montana University System institutions accept homeschool applicants. Expect to provide ACT/SAT scores and a parent-prepared transcript.

Extracurriculars. Montana does not have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschool students access to public school sports or activities. The Montana High School Association (MHSA) has its own rules, and district policies vary. Check with your local district.

IEP considerations. Your IEP ends when you withdraw, and Montana homeschools are not classified as private schools, which limits IDEA protections. Your best option is to dually enroll in public school for specific services, or use a program like Harmony that partners with public schools.

Dual enrollment. Montana does not guarantee part-time public school access, but some institutions participate in the One-Two-Free Program, which offers two courses free. Contact individual colleges for details.