Homeschooling in Delaware: A Simple Parent's Guide to Getting Started

Homeschooling in Delaware offers families the flexibility to direct their child's education while adhering to state regulations. In Delaware, the approach to homeschooling balances parental choice with accountability, creating a framework that works for diverse families.

You may want to get started with grades kindergarten or establish a homeschool for enrolled students transitioning from public schools, but have no idea what the requirements and regulations are. Requirements and regulations vary by state, but this article provides a broad overview of homeschooling and the general steps to take.

Below, we'll walk you through the process of starting homeschooling in Delaware, from initial enrollment through graduation requirements.

Delaware's Homeschool Types and Requirements

The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) recognizes three distinct categories of nonpublic schools:

• Single-family homeschool
• Multi-family homeschool
• Private school

Each operates under slightly different guidelines and requirements. In this blog, we'll focus on single-family and multi-family homeschool arrangements, as these are the primary options for families choosing to homeschool their children in Delaware.

Single-Family Homeschool

Single-family homeschool involves one family providing instruction to their children at their own residence. This is the most common homeschool structure in Delaware and offers maximum flexibility in scheduling, curriculum selection, and teaching approach. With a single-family homeschool, you have complete autonomy over what subjects you teach, how you teach, and what resources you use.

Your child's education is tailored entirely to your family's values, pace, and learning style. Many single-family homeschool parents use:

• Online learning platforms
• Online programs
• Tuttle Twins Academy

They use these to achieve structure while maintaining complete autonomy.

Multi-Family Homeschool

Multi-family homeschool brings together multiple families to teach children collectively, typically meeting at one or several residences. This arrangement combines the flexibility of homeschooling with the community and shared resources of a group setting. In a multi-family homeschool, families involved collaborate on curriculum decisions, share teaching responsibilities, and often organize group field trips and support groups.

This homeschool option often creates a more structured environment than single-family homeschools, with regular meeting times and coordinated curriculum choices. However, they require greater coordination among the families involved and typically receive slightly more regulatory oversight from the Delaware Department of Education.

How to Set Up a Homeschool In Delaware

Step 1: File Your Notice of Intent

A notice of intent informs the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) that your child will no longer attend public schools and that you're establishing a homeschool.

Your notice should state:

• Your child's name, age, and grades
• Your name as the legal guardian and homeschool director
• Your own residence address or the physical location where instruction will occur
• Your planned school year start date
• An acknowledgment letter from the Delaware Department of Education confirming receipt

Step 2: Develop Your Curriculum

Select a homeschool curriculum that covers required subjects. You might choose a complete curriculum, mix resources from different providers, or create your own. It's important to consider your child's learning style and your family's philosophy when choosing a curriculum.

Step 3: Establish Your Physical Location

Decide where instruction will occur. It could be your own residence or one or several residences if you're part of a multi-family homeschool. Ensure the residence has adequate space for school day activities.

Step 4: Set Your School Year Schedule

Determine your school year calendar. While many homeschool families follow traditional calendars, you have the flexibility to create your own schedule.

Step 5: Connect With Support

Join homeschool support groups in your area. These homeschool groups provide curriculum recommendations, field trip opportunities, and community connections that enrich your homeschool experience.

Tuttle Twins Homeschool Hub

Once your homeschool is established, building a strong curriculum foundation is essential. Our Homeschool Hub provides comprehensive resources designed specifically for homeschool families in Delaware and beyond.

Age-Appropriate Learning Bundles

Tuttle Twins offers pre-curated bundles organized by developmental stage. This approach simplifies the selection process and ensures coherent learning progressions across school years.

For toddlers (ages 6 and below), our toddler books introduce core concepts through storytelling and hands-on activities, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning. Elementary-age children (ages 7-12) access our learning resources, which emphasize critical thinking across required subjects. Teens (ages 13 and up) benefit from our teen bundles, which include an advanced curriculum designed for high school-level rigor and college preparation.

Education Savings Account (ESA) Funding

Delaware does not currently offer a state Education Savings Account (ESA), voucher, or tax-credit program for homeschoolers, so families here cover curriculum costs directly. Some families use a federal Coverdell ESA or a 529 plan for certain education expenses, so a tax professional is the best person to ask. In states that do fund education choice, eligible families can often put those funds toward Tuttle Twins resources.

Tuttle Twins Academy

Teenagers often benefit from more structured instruction, and the Tuttle Twins Academy offers a comprehensive online learning experience. The academy offers 36 video-based courses. These focus on economics for kids, civics, American history, and critical thinking.

For homeschool families where the teen needs expert instruction in specific subject areas while maintaining overall homeschool autonomy, Tuttle Twins Academy is a great option.

Maintaining Your Delaware Homeschool

Keep Detailed Records

Document all attendance information, curriculum materials used, school day activities, and assessment results. Thorough records demonstrate compliance and help you track your child's progress.

Follow Your Curriculum

Implement your homeschool curriculum consistently. This doesn't mean perfection, as life happens. However, regular instruction is essential for meeting Delaware's expectations.

Assess Progress

Use your chosen assessment method regularly to track your child's progress. This might involve online courses, standardized testing, online learning platforms, or portfolio reviews.

Stay Connected to Community

Maintain involvement with homeschool support groups and homeschool groups. These families involved in home schooling have an idea of what you're experiencing. Connect with them for encouragement, resources, and social opportunities for your child.

Adapt as Needed

As your child grows and your circumstances change, be willing to adjust your approach. Homeschooling flexibility is one of its greatest strengths.

Reporting Requirements

Delaware requires ongoing reporting to maintain your homeschool's legal status.

Annual Enrollment Reporting

Report annual enrollment information to your local school district each year. This typically includes basic information about your student's progress and continued homeschool status.

Annual Attendance Reporting

This shows compliance with Delaware's compulsory attendance laws and confirms that your enrolled students are receiving consistent instruction. This reporting typically requires documenting:

• Your child's attendance throughout the school year
• The number of school days your homeschool operated
• Any absences or interruptions to instruction
• Confirmation that instruction met Delaware's requirements

Submit your annual attendance reporting on time to avoid compliance issues. Contact your local school district for specific reporting deadlines, required formats, and submission procedures. Failure to report annual enrollment and attendance information may result in inquiries from the Delaware Department of Education.

Graduation Requirements

Curricular Flexibility

Unlike many states, Delaware's homeschool laws do not mandate specific subject requirements for homeschool families. You have significant autonomy in designing your teen's educational pathway. You can choose which courses best serve your child's goals and interests.

Many homeschool families reference their local school district's curriculum standards. Some consult directly with colleges and universities to understand what coursework those institutions prefer to see. This research-based approach ensures your teen completes coursework aligned with their college plans while maintaining the flexibility homeschooling provides.

Diploma Authority and Recognition

An important distinction in Delaware is that the Delaware Department of Education does not issue diplomas, validate, or maintain nonpublic school credentials. Diplomas are issued by nonpublic schools or online programs.

It's your responsibility to ensure that your diploma will be accepted by the institutions your teen plans to attend. So, before your child completes high school, verify that your intended colleges, universities, training programs, licensing boards, or employers will accept a homeschool-issued diploma.

Documentation and Verification

Create comprehensive documentation of your teen's high school experience, including course titles, credits, grades, and detailed course descriptions. This transcript becomes essential evidence of your student's educational achievements. When your child applies to college or employment, having thorough records strengthens their application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Difference Between Single-Family and Multi-Family Homeschool?

Single-family homeschools involve one family teaching their children at their own residence. Multi-family homeschools involve multiple families organizing together, which may involve one or several residences and carry additional regulatory considerations. Check with the Delaware Department of Education for multi-family requirements.

Do I Need Special Qualifications to Start Homeschooling?

Delaware does not require specific teaching credentials. You must be a legal guardian capable of providing adequate instruction in required subjects. You can take a look at our blog post on how to start homeschooling for more information.

What Happens if My Child Previously Attended a Nonpublic School?

If your child is transitioning from a previous nonpublic school, notify both that school and your local school district. Complete any necessary withdrawal procedures and report enrollment with your homeschool.

How Do I Know if ESA Funding Is Available?

Contact the Delaware Department of Education to inquire about ESA program availability and approved resources, including Tuttle Twins materials.

What if I Need Help Teaching Certain Subjects?

Many homeschool families use online courses, online schools, or supplementary curriculum to teach specific subjects. Tuttle Twins Academy and similar online programs can help you provide structured instruction for your children.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in Delaware is a viable, legally recognized option for families seeking to direct their child's education. You don't need to have everything figured out perfectly from the start. Begin with the required steps and connect with your homeschool support groups. From there, you can shape an education that helps your child grow in confidence, think independently, and engage with the world meaningfully.

If you want curriculum and resources that inspire meaningful conversations and critical thinking, Tuttle Twins offers a natural way to bring those lessons into your home.