New York Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

In New York State, homeschooling is a legally recognized educational alternative to public or private schooling. 

1. Notification of Intent:

  • Initial Notification: Parents must submit a written notice of intent to homeschool to their local school district superintendent by July 1st each year or within 14 days of commencing homeschooling during the school year.

2. Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP):

  • Within 10 business days of receiving the notice of intent, the school district will provide a copy of the home instruction regulations and an IHIP form.
  • Parents are required to submit the completed IHIP within four weeks of receiving it. The IHIP must include:
    • The child's name, age, and grade level.
    • A list of the syllabi, curriculum materials, textbooks, or plan of instruction to be used in each required subject.
    • The dates for submission of quarterly reports.
    • The name(s) of the individual(s) providing instruction.

3. Instructional Requirements:

  • Compulsory Attendance Age: Children aged 6 to 16 (or 17, depending on the district) are subject to compulsory education laws.
  • Instructional Hours:
    • Grades 1-6: A minimum of 900 hours per year.
    • Grades 7-12: A minimum of 990 hours per year.
  • Required Subjects:
    • Grades 1-6: Mathematics, Reading, Spelling, Writing, English Language, Geography, U.S. History, Science, Health Education, Physical Education, Music, Visual Arts, and, where applicable, Bilingual Education or English as a Second Language.
    • Grades 7-8:English, History and Geography, Science, Mathematics, Physical Education, Health Education, Art, Music, Practical Arts, and Library Skills.
    • Grades 9-12: English (4 units), Social Studies (4 units, including American History, Participation in Government, and Economics), Mathematics (2 units), Science (2 units), Art and/or Music (1 unit), Health Education (0.5 unit), Physical Education (2 units), and Electives (3 units).

4. Quarterly Reports:

  • Parents must submit quarterly reports to the school district, which should include:
    • The number of instructional hours during the quarter.
    • A description of the material covered in each subject.
    • An evaluation of the child's progress, either through grades or a narrative assessment.

5. Annual Assessment:

  • An annual assessment is required to evaluate the child's progress. This can be fulfilled through:
    • A standardized achievement test administered by a certified teacher or another qualified individual.
    • A written evaluation prepared by a certified teacher, a home instruction peer group review panel, or another qualified individual.
  • Standardized testing is mandatory in grades 5, 7, and 9.

6. Record-Keeping:

  • While not explicitly mandated, maintaining detailed records of instructional materials, attendance, and assessments is advisable to demonstrate compliance and monitor the child's educational progress.

Additional Considerations:

  • Special Education Services: Parents of homeschooled children with special needs should be aware that access to public school special education services may be limited. It's essential to consult with the local school district to understand available resources and services.
  • Re-enrollment in Public School: If a homeschooled child returns to public school, the district may require assessments or evaluations to determine appropriate grade placement.

Resources:

  • New York State Education Department – Home Instruction
  • Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
  • Local Homeschooling Support Groups


New York State Education Department