Every family approaches education differently. Some thrive on structure, while others look for more room to explore interests and follow curiosity. Homeschooling gives you the chance to create a learning plan that truly matches your child’s needs.
For Vermont families, homeschooling is guided by the state’s Home Study Program, which provides a straightforward framework while leaving space for flexibility. This article will outline the essentials, from getting started with paperwork to exploring curriculum choices and community support. We’ll also touch on how Outschool can complement your program with engaging online classes that add both enrichment and inspiration.
Homeschooling options in Vermont
Vermont has one main option for families who choose to homeschool: the Home Study Program. This program sets out the process for notifying the state and meeting annual requirements, while leaving room for you to decide how learning looks in your home. With only one pathway to follow, it’s clear what steps you’ll need to take to get started.
Requirements for homeschooling in Vermont
Once you’ve decided to homeschool in Vermont, the next step is understanding what the state expects from you. Knowing these basics will give you a solid foundation as you set up your homeschool plan.
Enrollment paperwork
The first step to homeschooling in Vermont is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Vermont Agency of Education before starting. This notice makes your Home Study program official, and it should be turned in at least 10 business days before you begin. If you’re starting in the fall, the state recommends sending it by early August to avoid delays.
Here’s what you’ll need to know when preparing your paperwork:
- Choose your form type: First-time families use the Notice of Intent, while returning families use the Annual Notice. Both are available online or as printable paper forms.
- What to include: The notice asks for your child’s basic details, your contact information, and an attestation that you’ll provide 175 instructional days and keep an annual assessment on file.
- First-time enrollment only: For students not previously enrolled in a Vermont public school, you’ll also need to provide independent professional evidence of disability status, or an accepted alternative such as a Vermont public school report card, IEP, or 504 Plan. This requirement ensures that children entering the home study program are appropriately assessed for any disabilities that might need accommodations.
- How to submit: You can complete forms online, or send paper forms by email, fax, or mail to the Home Study Office in Montpelier. The online system will email you a PDF copy of your submission for your records.
- Confirmation: Enrollment can take up to 10 business days to process. You’ll receive an email once your child is officially enrolled, followed by a mailed confirmation letter. Only then should you withdraw your child from public or private school.
Keep both the email and mailed confirmation for your records, since these serve as proof that your child is enrolled in Vermont’s Home Study Program.
Attendance and instruction
Your Vermont homeschool program must include 175 instructional days each year. The state doesn’t set a minimum number of hours per day, which gives you the flexibility to decide how long lessons should last and when they take place. You also don't need to have special certifications or qualifications to be able to teach your own child.
Curriculum guidelines
You have the freedom to teach in the way that works best for your family, but Vermont does ask that every homeschool program include certain subjects. These areas give your child a balanced foundation while still leaving room for you to adapt lessons to their age, ability, and interests.
The required areas of study are:
- Reading, writing, and basic math skills
- Citizenship, history, and government at both the state and national levels
- Physical education and health, including topics on tobacco, alcohol, and drugs
- English, American, and other types of literature
- Natural sciences such as biology or earth science
- The fine arts, which could include music, drawing, or theater
How you cover these subjects is entirely up to you. Some families use textbooks, others rely on online programs, and many mix in projects, field trips, or creative activities. The key is making sure each area is part of your child’s learning plan in a way that makes sense for your household.
Recordkeeping essentials
Staying organized with your homeschool records keeps you confident and prepared for whatever comes next. While Vermont doesn't require you to submit detailed records throughout the year, maintaining organized documentation gives you peace of mind and supports smooth transitions if your educational path changes.
Here are the basics to keep on hand:
- Notes about your curriculum and the materials you use, such as textbooks, workbooks, or online programs
- Samples of your child’s work in each subject area to show progress over time
- Copies of yearly progress assessments, whether you use tests, portfolios, or teacher evaluations
- Attendance records showing that your child met the 175-day requirement
- Any official correspondence with the Vermont Agency of Education, including enrollment confirmations
Testing and assessments
Vermont requires you to keep an annual assessment on file to show how your child is progressing in their home study program. The good news is that you get to choose the method that works best for your family.
Your options include:
- A nationally normed standardized test
- A review and written report from a licensed Vermont teacher
- A portfolio of your child’s work in all required subjects
- Grades from an online academy or school
- Proof of passing the GED
You don’t need to submit these results to the Vermont Agency of Education, but you do need to keep them with your records.
Public funding options for homeschoolers in Vermont
While Vermont doesn’t offer homeschool-specific tax credits or deductions, families still have access to valuable public programs that can help support learning and reduce costs:
If your teen is ready for a challenge, Vermont’s Dual Enrollment Program lets high school juniors and seniors take up to two college courses tuition-free.
Seniors enrolled in an approved Home Study program can spend their final year of high school as full-time college students, with tuition covered by the state at select participating colleges. The state covers tuition, and it’s a great opportunity for motivated teens to earn a full year of college credit before graduation.
- Special education services
Homeschoolers can request free evaluations and, in some cases, limited services from their district. While ongoing support depends on local resources, many parents find their district open to offering therapy sessions or consultations.
- Part-time enrollment and extracurriculars
Vermont law ensures homeschoolers can join public school classes and extracurriculars in their district. Your child can take specific courses, join clubs, or play on sports teams without full enrollment. Reach out early to your district to confirm space and requirements.
Through the Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative (VTVLC), homeschoolers can take high-quality online courses either through their local school (for free) or directly for a small fee.
Homeschool with Outschool
Meeting Vermont’s requirements doesn’t mean you have to handle every subject on your own. Outschool offers live, small-group classes that make it easier to round out your homeschool program while keeping learning fresh and engaging.
- Wide subject coverage: Choose from thousands of classes across math, science, language arts, history, and more.
- Flexible scheduling: Classes run throughout the week, so you can fit them into your homeschool routine.
- Expert-led instruction: Passionate educators bring specialized knowledge and teaching skills that enhance your role as your child's primary teacher.
- Small group learning: Your child learns alongside peers, which adds social connection and collaboration to their experience.
- Creative enrichment: Beyond core subjects, your child can explore art, music, coding, and other areas that spark curiosity.
With Outschool, you can supplement your core program while giving your child opportunities to connect, explore, and learn in ways that go beyond the basics.
How to get started
Beginning your homeschool program in Vermont is very doable once you know the steps. The process centers on preparing your enrollment paperwork, building your plan, and keeping simple records as you go.
Here’s what to do:
- Review Vermont’s Home Study guidelines so you know what paperwork and subjects are required.
- Submit your enrollment notice at least 10 business days before you plan to begin. First-time families use the Notice of Intent, and returning families use the Annual Notice.
- Prepare supporting documents if needed, such as disability evidence for new enrollments.
- Design your curriculum plan around Vermont’s required subjects while choosing methods and resources that work for your child.
- Set up a recordkeeping system to track attendance, samples of work, and yearly assessments.
- Plan for your annual progress assessment, whether through a test, teacher review, portfolio, or other approved option.
- Wait for official confirmation from the Vermont Agency of Education before withdrawing your child from their school and starting your program.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have the foundation in place to begin teaching with confidence. From there, it’s about creating a routine that works for your family and using the flexibility of homeschooling to shape a learning experience your child will enjoy.
Find support through homeschool communities in Vermont
Homeschooling becomes a lot easier when you have other families to share the journey with. In Vermont, there are both statewide organizations and local groups that offer resources, encouragement, and social opportunities for children and parents.
Statewide organizations
- Vermont Home Education Network (VHEN): This advocacy organization has supported Vermont families for over 30 years, offering legislative updates and organizing events to keep homeschoolers informed about policy changes affecting Home Study enrollment
- Vermont Agency of Education: Provides official information, forms, and guidance for meeting the state’s Home Study Program requirements.
- Vermont Homeschoolers & Unschoolers Unite: A large, active group where parents across the state trade advice, ideas, and support.
- Homeschooling Vermont Chat Group: This group is focused on families homeschooling children ages 6–18. It's a go-to place for questions about paperwork, curriculum ideas, or organizing field trips.
- VT Homeschool Resource: A smaller public group that shares helpful tools and guidance for families exploring or already homeschooling.
- Vermont Secular Homeschooling: Provides a supportive space for families looking for secular homeschooling resources and community.
Local groups and co-ops
Homeschooling in Vermont: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Starting homeschool in Vermont often comes with practical questions. Here are some of the most common ones, answered clearly so you can move forward with confidence.
What curriculum options are approved for Vermont homeschoolers?
Vermont gives families complete freedom to choose their own curriculum and teaching methods as long as you cover the required subjects mentioned in the curriculum guidelines above. You can use traditional textbooks, online programs, unit studies, or a combination of approaches that work best for your child. Online classes from platforms like Outschool can supplement your curriculum and provide documentation for your required recordkeeping.
How do I file a homeschool notice of intent in Vermont?
You need to submit a written enrollment notice to the state agency at least 10 days before starting homeschooling each year. The form must include your child's name, birthdate, and a detailed curriculum outline covering all required subjects. If this is your first year homeschooling, you'll also need proof of previous school enrollment or an independent professional evidence form.
Do I need to be a certified teacher to homeschool my child in Vermont?
No teaching certification or special qualifications are required for parents to homeschool their children in Vermont. The state trusts parents to provide appropriate education for their children using whatever methods work best for their family. You have the flexibility to teach subjects yourself, use online resources, or work with tutors and co-ops as needed.
Are homeschoolers in Vermont required to take standardized tests?
Vermont requires yearly progress assessments, but families can choose from several options, including standardized tests, teacher evaluations, or portfolio reviews. You're not limited to one specific test, giving you flexibility to select the assessment method that best demonstrates your child's learning progress. These assessments must be submitted as part of your Home Study documentation.
Your Vermont homeschooling journey starts here
Vermont's homeschooling framework gives you the freedom to craft an educational experience that truly fits your family's values and your child's learning style. With straightforward enrollment requirements, flexible curriculum choices, and no mandated teaching certifications, the state enables parents to take charge of their children's education.
Ready to start homeschooling in Vermont? Take that first step by connecting with local support groups, gathering your enrollment paperwork, and exploring the wealth of resources available to Green Mountain State families. To add engaging, interactive learning to your homeschool plan, explore Outschool's live classes where passionate teachers lead small-group sessions across every subject, from core academics to creative pursuits that spark curiosity and joy in learning.
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