Curriculum Notification is the process of informing your state about your homeschooling plans. It includes details about what you'll teach and sometimes how you'll teach it. This is different from just notifying your state of your decision to homeschool.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is curriculum notification?
Curriculum Notification isn't just telling the state you're homeschooling. It involves sharing what you plan to teach and, in some cases, how you'll teach it. This is different from a simple notice of intent, which only tells the state you’re homeschooling. For example, New York wants an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) with subjects listed by grade level. Pennsylvania asks for educational goals. States like Massachusetts and Rhode Island actually need you to get approval for your curriculum plan before you can start homeschooling.
States with curriculum requirements
The strictest rules are in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. New York requires an IHIP with subjects by grade and quarterly updates. Pennsylvania needs educational objectives, but these can’t be used to check if you’re following the rules. Massachusetts and Rhode Island want your curriculum approved by local school districts before you start. Most other states just ask for a basic notice of intent or don’t require any notification at all. Recently, Wyoming became the 12th state to remove curriculum submission requirements.
What information is required
Usually, you need to provide your child's name and age, your contact info, a list of subjects, and sometimes a curriculum description or objectives. Some district forms may ask for extra info, like Social Security numbers, but you only have to give what the law requires. If you're unsure, check your state's homeschool law instead of just relying on district forms, which might ask for more than necessary.
Filing deadlines
Most states that require notification set August 15th as the deadline for the next school year. In New York, you need to submit your letter of intent within 14 days of starting or by July 1st for fall starters. The IHIP is due by August 15th. Virginia also has an August 15th deadline. If you withdraw from public school mid-year, most states want your paperwork filed within 14-30 days of starting homeschool. Keep copies of everything you send and think about sending them by certified mail for proof.
Notification vs. approval
It's important to understand the difference. In most states, Curriculum Notification means you inform the district and start homeschooling right away—there’s no need to wait for permission. Only Massachusetts and Rhode Island require approval before you can begin. Even in states with detailed requirements, like New York, you usually can start homeschooling before your plan is formally accepted. Knowing this helps you avoid delays and stress about kicking off your homeschool year.
The bottom line
Curriculum Notification rules can vary a lot by state. Some states have no requirements, while others need detailed plans and district approval. Knowing what your state requires helps you meet legal obligations without oversharing or waiting for unnecessary approval. Filling out your paperwork correctly protects your family from truancy issues and makes your homeschool a legitimate educational program in the eyes of the state.
