Homeschooling in Vermont: What Parents Need to Know
Are you considering homeschooling in Vermont? If you are, it’s smart to do your research first, since homeschool laws vary significantly by state. Homeschooling in Vermont is officially recognized as a "Home Study Program" under state law, and parents have significant freedom in directing their child's education
If this is your first time home educating or you're transitioning from traditional public schools, this guide has all the information you need to start homeschooling in Vermont.
How to Comply with Vermont's Homeschool Law
Vermont's compliance framework consists of four primary components.
Step 1: Send a Written Enrollment Notice
Submit your written enrollment notice to your local school district at least 10 business days before beginning instruction. Keep a copy for your records.
Step 2: Obtain Acknowledgment of Compliance
Receive and retain the official written acknowledgment from your school district confirming your enrollment in the Home Study Program. This document is essential proof of compliance.
Step 3: Teach the Required Subjects
Your homeschool curriculum must include the minimum course of study as defined by the Vermont Department of Education. Required subjects typically include:
- Language arts (reading, writing, speaking)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Physical education and comprehensive health education
- Literature
- Fine arts
- Government/ history /citizenship
Step 4: Assess Your Child Annually
Conduct annual assessments to document your child's progress. This assessment can take several forms, such as a standardized assessment, a parent report, a report card, or other independent professional evidence of academic progress. You'll submit evidence of these annual assessments to your school district by the deadline specified in your enrollment materials.
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Enrollment Timeline
Before you begin homeschooling in Vermont, it's important to understand the enrollment timeline. The process has specific deadlines and documentation requirements that must be followed precisely.
Submit Your Notice of Intent
File a written enrollment notice (also called a notice of intent) with your local school district at least 10 business days before you plan to begin your home study program. This intent form informs your school district that you're establishing a home study program for your child.
Submitting a notice of intent does not automatically enroll your student in a Home Study Program. Submission is merely the first step in the process.
Await Official Enrollment Confirmation
After submitting your written enrollment notice, you'll receive an email confirmation, followed by an official letter in the mail. Only when you receive this official letter is your child legally enrolled in Vermont's Home Study Program. Don't begin instruction until you receive this written acknowledgment from your school district.
Documentation Requirements
Your enrollment notice should include:
- Your child's name and age
- Your name as the parent/legal guardian
- The date you plan to begin
- A brief overview of your home study program structure and curriculum plans
- Contact information for your local school district
Attendance Requirements
Vermont's home study law requires consistent attendance and instruction throughout the school year. The state requires a minimum of 175 days per instruction year, and it's important to maintain records of attendance dates and hours of instruction.
You can be exempted from the 175-day rule if your homeschooled child has a disability. However, you must submit documentation of the disability. You'll also need to note alternative accommodations with your written enrollment notice.
Record Keeping
In Vermont, you're required by law to keep End of Year Assessment records. While you're not required to send EOYAs to the Agency of Education, maintaining these records is crucial.
Records you should maintain include:
- Attendance records
- Curriculum materials used
- At least four samples of your child's work per school year
- Assessment results and academic progress documentation
- Evidence of instruction in all required subjects
Keep these records for at least the duration of your child's enrollment in the home study program. Some records should be retained indefinitely for transcript purposes. It's also important to organize these records in an accessible format. You should be prepared to provide documentation to your school district if requested.
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Vermont Homeschool Resources
Although Vermont does not provide direct state-level funding for homeschool families, there are numerous community resources and local organizations that exist to support your home study program.
- Leverage Public School Access: Your local school district may allow home study students to participate in specific courses, extracurricular activities, or athletic programs. Reach out to your district office to explore what opportunities might be available for your student.
- Library Resources: Your community's public library is an invaluable educational asset. Libraries offer extensive book collections, educational programs, activities, and learning resources that support home study at no cost. Many libraries also host homeschool programs and events specifically designed for home-educating families.
- Connect With Homeschool Groups: Vermont homeschool associations and local homeschool co-ops provide essential community connections. These groups organize field trips, share resources, facilitate discussions about special education evaluations, and connect you with other Vermont homeschool families navigating similar challenges.
- Explore Community Learning Opportunities: Local museums, community education centers, and Vermont colleges often offer classes and online events for homeschooled students. These institutions provide expert instruction in specialized subjects and expose your teen to learning opportunities beyond your home study resources.
- Online Learning: Vermont homeschool families can access vast amounts of educational content available freely online. This includes online academy options, educational videos, interactive platforms, and virtual field trips.
Tuttle Twins Homeschool Hub
Building a strong curriculum foundation is one of the most important decisions you'll make as you home educate your children. Our Homeschool Hub provides Vermont homeschool families with carefully designed resources aligned with freedom-based education principles. Our resources encourage critical thinking and dinner table conversations that the whole family can get involved in.
Age-Appropriate Learning Bundles
We offer bundles organized by developmental stage. Each bundle is designed to make it simple to add meaningful lessons into your daily home study rhythm. We offer age-appropriate bundles that combine books, workbooks, and online components in the following categories:
- Toddler books
- Children's resources
- Books for teens
Education Savings Accounts
Vermont families may qualify for Education Savings Account (ESA) programs that provide funding specifically for educational resources. Currently, Tuttle Twins materials aren't available through Vermont's Education Savings Account programs. However, families may explore other funding options or check back periodically, as ESA eligibility and approved resources can change. If you're in another state with active ESA programs, you may be able to use those funds for Tuttle Twins bundles.
Tuttle Twins Academy for Advanced Learners
Our Tuttle Twins Academy provides comprehensive online learning for teens who benefit from structure. The academy features 36 video courses and covers economics, civics, history, and critical thinking.
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Special Needs/Special Education
Home study students with documented disabilities require special consideration under Vermont law. While students with disabilities may enroll in a Home Study Program, here’s what families should know:
No School-Based Special Education Services
By enrolling in a Home Study Program, students aren't entitled to and may not receive special education support and services through the school. Home study means your child does not have access to school-provided special education resources.
Family Responsibility for Adaptations
Families enrolling students with documented disabilities are required to provide adaptations to support their child's education. These adaptations might include modified curriculum materials, assistive technology, specialized instruction approaches, or other accommodations necessary for your child to access the curriculum.
Planning Ahead
If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) from a previous enrollment, consult with your school district about transitioning to home study. Understand what adaptations you'll need to implement independently.
Graduation Requirements
Unlike traditional public schools, the Vermont Agency of Education does not issue diplomas to home-study students who complete high school. Instead, you're responsible for issuing your teen's diploma.
Vermont families may request verification from the Vermont Home Study office. This verification specifies the period during which your student was enrolled in the home study program. It's a useful document to include with college applications or employment records.
You're required to evaluate and assess each home study student throughout their high school years. If multiple students from your household are enrolled in home study, you must maintain separate assessments for each child.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can My Homeschooled Child Participate in Public Schools' Extracurricular Activities?
This varies by local school district. Some districts allow home study students to participate in sports, clubs, and activities; others don't. Contact your local school district to learn what's available.
Can the Certified Teacher Requirement Be Waived?
Vermont does not require a certified teacher to teach a home study program. However, you may need independent professional evidence of your ability to teach; this can be demonstrated through your own educational background, curriculum expertise, or assessment results.
Can I Use Online Academy Programs Within My Home Study Program?
Yes. Online learning options, like Tuttle Twins Academy, can supplement or comprise part of your home study curriculum, as long as the complete program addresses Vermont's required subjects and assessment requirements.
Conclusion
Vermont's home study framework gives parents real authority over their child's education. We've covered everything you need to get started, from complying with Vermont's homeschool laws to graduation requirements.
If you want a curriculum that inspires critical thinking and meaningful family conversations, Tuttle Twins integrates seamlessly into your home study program. However you build your education, trust that you're giving your child something uniquely valuable.