Kansas Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

In Kansas, homeschooling is legally recognized when families operate as non-accredited private schools. To comply with state requirements, consider the following steps:

  1. Register Your Homeschool: Choose a name for your homeschool and register it with the Kansas State Department of Education. This is a one-time registration unless there are changes to your school's information.

  2. Instructor Qualifications: Kansas law requires instructors to be "competent." While the term isn't explicitly defined, it generally allows parents or guardians to serve as instructors without specific credentials.

  3. Instructional Days: Provide instruction for a period equivalent to public schools, typically 186 days per year.

  4. Planned and Scheduled Instruction: Ensure that your homeschooling includes planned and scheduled instruction, though the state doesn't mandate specific subjects. It's advisable to cover fundamental areas such as reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, spelling, English grammar and composition, civil government, U.S. and Kansas history, patriotism and duties of a citizen, health, and hygiene.

  5. Immunization Requirements: While Kansas law requires immunizations for students, homeschoolers can claim exemptions for medical or religious reasons. To claim an exemption, families must complete an official exemption form available through their local county health department or the state health department website.

  6. Recordkeeping: Although not mandated, maintaining records such as attendance, coursework, and assessments is beneficial, especially if your child transitions back to public school or pursues higher education.

  7. Assessments: Kansas doesn't require standardized testing for homeschoolers. However, periodic assessments can help gauge your child's progress.

  8. Access to Public School Services: Kansas law allows homeschoolers to enroll part-time in public school courses and participate in extracurricular activities within their resident school district.

 

Statewide Organizations:

  • Christian Home Education Coalition of Kansas (CHECK)

  • Kansas Home Educators (KSHE)

Regional Support Groups:

  • Midwest Parent Educators (MPE)

  • Teaching Effective Academics in Christian Homes (TEACH)

  • Cornerstone Family Schools (CFS)

  • Reno County Homeschool Connection Ltd.

  • Golden Belt Home Educators (GBHE)


Kansas State Department of Education