Homeschooling in Kansas offers a simple, flexible framework that gives you space to teach in a way that feels natural and personal. With a bit of preparation, you can build a learning experience that supports your child’s growth academically and beyond.
This guide breaks down what homeschooling looks like in Kansas, from basic requirements to helpful tools that can support your day-to-day teaching. You’ll also learn how Outschool can complement your approach with interactive classes that blend seamlessly into your home routine.
Homeschooling options in Kansas
There’s only one official route for homeschooling in Kansas, making it quite easy to start. Within that structure, you’ll still have plenty of freedom to choose what works best for your child’s learning style and your family’s needs.
All homeschools in Kansas operate as non-accredited private schools. That means you're responsible for managing the day-to-day teaching, recordkeeping, and materials, without needing state approval or oversight. While it’s a straightforward approach, there are still a few rules to follow, like registering your “school” and keeping instruction time in line with public school expectations.
Requirements for homeschooling in Kansas
Once you’ve decided to homeschool in Kansas, it’s important to know what the state expects from you. While the process is refreshingly simple, you’re essentially setting up a small private school in your home, so it helps to stay organized from the start.
Here’s a look at the key requirements you’ll want to keep in mind as you begin.
School registration
In Kansas, every homeschool must be registered as a non-accredited private school. This is a one-time process unless your school’s name or address changes. You’ll need to provide the name of your school and designate a custodian of records (usually the parent). While registration is required by law, it does not mean the state “approves” or oversees your homeschool in any way.
You can register your homeschool using the simple online form available on the Kansas Department of Education website.
Attendance and instruction
Your homeschool should follow a schedule that’s comparable in length to what public schools provide. In Kansas, that generally means at least 186 days of instruction per year, with around 6 hours per day, totaling about 1,116 hours annually for grades 1 through 11.
You don’t have to follow a specific daily routine; just aim to meet the yearly time requirement in a way that works best for your family.
Instructor qualifications
Kansas doesn’t require homeschool instructors to hold a teaching license, but the law does expect the person leading instruction to be competent and committed to their role. For many families, that’s a parent or guardian, but it could also be a tutor or another trusted adult. The state gives you the freedom to decide what works best for your child, as long as learning is happening with purpose and care.
Curriculum guidelines
You’re responsible for choosing and purchasing your own books, workbooks, and other materials. The Kansas Department of Education doesn’t provide or review homeschool curricula. You’re free to tailor lessons to your child’s interests and needs, whether you use boxed sets, online programs, live classes (like Outschool), or create your own materials.
If needed, you may ask a local public school about borrowing or renting textbooks, but schools are not required to provide materials to homeschool families.
Recordkeeping
There’s no formal reporting requirement in Kansas, but keeping detailed records is highly recommended, especially if your child may return to public school or apply to college in the future. Good records help demonstrate that your homeschool meets compulsory attendance requirements and can include:
- A copy of your registration confirmation
- Attendance logs
- Curriculum outlines or learning plans
- Samples of student work
- Progress notes or report cards
Maintaining records also makes it easier to track your child’s growth over time and prepare transcripts if needed later.
Testing and assessments
Kansas does not require homeschooled students to take standardized tests or submit assessments to the state. That said, you can still choose to test your child on your own, either to track progress, meet personal goals, or prepare for future steps like college admissions.
Homeschool with Outschool
When you're building a homeschool routine that fits your family’s rhythm, it helps to have flexible tools and fresh ideas. That’s where Outschool can make a big difference. From core subjects to creative deep-dives, Outschool offers live, teacher-led classes that support a wide range of learning styles and interests.
Here’s how Kansas homeschoolers can benefit from Outschool:
- Access to live classes in subjects like math, science, reading, and writing
- Creative electives in areas like art, coding, music, and world languages
- Flexible scheduling to fit your unique routine
- Small group learning that encourages connection and participation
- Tools for keeping class records that are especially helpful when building a portfolio or tracking progress
No matter how you approach homeschooling, Outschool can help make learning more engaging and fun, so your child can thrive, and you can feel supported along the way.
How to get started
Getting started as a homeschooler in Kansas is pretty straightforward. You won’t need to follow a maze of requirements, but there are a few important steps to set things up officially.
To begin your homeschool journey:
- Register your homeschool as a non-accredited private school. This is a one-time process through the Kansas State Board of Education. You’ll provide your school’s name and identify who will maintain student records.
- Create a learning schedule that mirrors public school timeframes. Plan around the state’s required schedule, keeping your pace and structure flexible to your child’s needs.
- Gather curriculum materials. You’ll be responsible for choosing your own books and lessons. Libraries and curriculum vendors are great resources. Some public schools may allow lending, but it’s not required.
- Begin teaching and document your school year. Maintain attendance and basic academic records, as these will be valuable for future transitions, including returning to public school or applying to college.
Once you're up and running, you’ll have the flexibility to create a learning environment that fits your family and the freedom to make it meaningful every step of the way.
Find support through homeschool communities in Kansas
Homeschooling can feel a lot more manageable and enjoyable when you have a community around you. These statewide and local communities offer encouragement, shared resources, and opportunities to connect with other homeschooling families.
Statewide organizations
- Kansas Department of Education (KSDE): The KSDE provides essential information about compulsory attendance laws, non-accredited private school registration, and educational expectations for families choosing to homeschool.
- LEARN Home Education Network (LEARN): A secular network based in the Kansas City metro area supporting over 200 families with activities, community events, and home education resources.
Local groups and co-ops
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
If you’re new to homeschooling in Kansas or just trying to make sure you’re on the right track, it’s completely normal to have questions. Below are answers to some of the most common things parents wonder about as they get started.
Do I need to register my homeschool in Kansas every year?
No. Registration with the Kansas State Board of Education is a one-time step. You only need to update it if your school’s name, address, or custodian of records changes.
Can I homeschool my child in Kansas without being a certified teacher?
Yes. The state does not require homeschool instructors to hold a teaching license. However, instruction must be provided by someone who is considered capable and committed to their child’s education.
What are the required subjects for homeschoolers in Kansas?
The state does not specify required subjects for non-accredited private schools. That said, families may use Kansas’ recommended graduation guidelines to shape their high school programs, which include English language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, fine arts, and electives.
Do I have to test my child or submit assessments to the state?
No. Kansas does not require homeschoolers to participate in standardized testing or submit academic assessments to the state. However, some families choose to test on their own to track progress or prepare for college admissions.
Can my homeschool issue a diploma?
Yes. As a parent operating a non-accredited private school, you can issue your child a diploma when they complete your graduation requirements. Just keep in mind that the Kansas Department of Education does not formally recognize these diplomas.
Will Kansas public schools accept my child’s homeschool credits if we return?
Not automatically. Public schools are not required to accept credits from a non-accredited private school. They may review your records or ask your child to take placement tests to determine the appropriate grade level or coursework.
Bring confidence to your homeschool path
Taking charge of your child’s education is a big decision, and Kansas makes it easier with a clear, supportive homeschooling path. You’ll still need to stay organized and proactive, but the freedom to tailor each day to your child’s needs is well worth it.
Outschool is here to support that journey with live, teacher-led classes that slide right into your day. With the right tools, a supportive community, and your own steady guidance, homeschooling can be an incredibly rewarding adventure for you and your child.
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