Homeschooling in Delaware offers three main options. Each gives you the freedom to choose your curriculum and teaching style, without state interference. Annual reports ensure accountability, but you control what your child learns.
Delaware is home to approximately 5,000 homeschooled students, making it one of the active homeschooling communities in the nation (NCES estimates, 2023). As of 2024, 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, with Arizona's program alone serving over 75,000 students — making state-funded homeschooling more accessible than ever (EdChoice, 2024).
Delaware homeschool requirements at a glance
In Delaware, you have three main ways to homeschool legally. Each option lets you teach without testing or a set curriculum, but they differ in how you report your progress.
Option 1: Single-Family Homeschool
This is the most common choice. You teach your kids at home using your own curriculum. You just need to send annual enrollment and attendance reports to the Delaware Department of Education. This option gives you the most freedom and least oversight.
Option 2: Multi-Family Homeschool
This is for families who want to learn together. You might share teaching, hold group classes, or just report together. Multi-family homeschools file as a group but enjoy the same freedoms as single-family ones.
Option 3: District-Coordinated Homeschool
Here, you work with your local school district to set up your homeschool. This gives you more structure and might give you access to some district resources, but it also means more interaction with the district. Some families like the support, while others find it complicated.
For most families, Option 1 is the best mix of freedom and ease. Unless you have a good reason to choose another option, start there.
How to start homeschooling in Delaware
To start homeschooling, you need to enroll through the Delaware Department of Education's online system. It’s pretty straightforward. Just follow the instructions and keep track of your attendance.
Annual Reporting Process
Each year, you’ll file an enrollment and attendance report online. It’s not about checking your curriculum, just basic info:
- Your home address
- Names and ages of your kids
- Proof that you’ve taught them
- Attendance records showing regular lessons
You don’t need to report:
- What curriculum you used
- Test scores
- Samples of your kids' work
- How you teach
Timing:
Reports are due annually, so mark your calendar. Late reports can lead to issues. Delaware has an online system, which is simple, but give yourself time to learn it the first year. After that, it gets easier.
Curriculum freedom in Delaware
Delaware gives you total freedom over your curriculum. You decide what to teach, how to teach it, and when to teach it. No one from the state checks your choices.
What this means:
You can pick any teaching style you like—classical, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, or traditional textbooks. Focus on what interests your child and what they need to learn. You can move faster in strong areas and spend more time on challenging subjects.
What it doesn’t mean:
Just because there are no state mandates doesn’t mean you can ignore education. Delaware trusts you to teach. Most families find that standard homeschool curriculums cover important subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and history.
Practical Tip:
Choose a curriculum that fits your goals and your child's learning style. Forget about state requirements—focus on what your child needs.
Record-keeping: Required and recommended
In Delaware, you must keep attendance records for your annual report. But good record-keeping can help you.
Required:
You need to show that instruction happened regularly. The state doesn’t say how many hours or days—just proof of ongoing education.
Recommended:
- Document what you taught and what materials you used.
- Keep samples of your kids' work.
- Record books they read.
- Write notes on their progress.
- Track activities like co-ops and field trips.
Why keep extra records?
- For planning: They help you track progress and plan future lessons.
- For transitions: If your child goes back to school or moves, thorough records support smooth changes.
- For peace of mind: Good documentation answers any questions about your homeschooling.
High school, graduation & beyond
As a homeschool parent in Delaware, you set the graduation requirements and issue diplomas. There’s no state diploma, no required credits, and no exit tests.
Diploma Authority:
You create and issue your child’s diploma. This is how it works in most states—parents give diplomas, not the government. You can make it formal and even hold a graduation ceremony if you want.
Transcript Creation:
For college, you’ll need to make transcripts that include:
- Course titles and descriptions
- Credits earned
- Grades and GPA
- Extracurricular activities
Delaware colleges accept homeschoolers. They have different requirements—most want SAT/ACT scores and transcripts. It’s best to check with admissions offices for their specific policies.
Delaware Technical Community College welcomes homeschoolers and offers dual enrollment options. This can help with building your child's transcript and cutting college costs.
Sports and extracurricular access
There’s no state law in Delaware that guarantees homeschoolers access to public school sports or activities. It all depends on your school district.
Current Reality:
Most districts don’t let homeschoolers join sports teams, but some do. If sports are important to you, check your district’s policies before committing to homeschooling.
DIAA (Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association):
They haven’t made statewide policies for homeschool participation, so it’s up to individual schools.
Alternative Options:
- Join homeschool sports leagues.
- Look into private club sports.
- Check community programs and YMCA leagues.
- Participate in regional homeschool co-op activities.
Legislative Status:
There’s been some push for equal access, but no major changes have happened as of 2026.
No state funding available
Delaware doesn’t provide financial help for homeschooling families. There are no ESAs, vouchers, or tax credits for your expenses.
What this means:
You’ll cover all costs, including curriculum, materials, and activities. Budget carefully.
Free and Reduced-Cost Resources:
- Check out Delaware public libraries for resources.
- Use free online curricula like Khan Academy.
- Buy used curricula at fairs or online.
- Look for community programs at museums or nature centers.
Future Outlook:
There are occasional proposals for school choice, but Delaware hasn’t been a leader in funding programs. Don’t expect changes soon.
Special situations
You can start homeschooling in Delaware anytime. Just submit your withdrawal letter from your current school, register with the DOE, and begin teaching—no waiting period.
Moving to Delaware:
When you arrive, register with the DOE. You don’t need records from your old state, but keep them for your own reference.
Returning to Public School:
Schools will assess your child based on what they know. Good records will help with appropriate grade placement.
Special Needs Students:
You don’t need special permission to homeschool a child with disabilities. You won’t automatically get services from your old school’s IEP, but you can tailor education to your child’s needs better than in traditional settings.
Multi-Family Considerations:
If you choose the multi-family option, set clear agreements on reporting and teaching. Informal co-ops can operate under the single-family option without formal designations.
The bottom line
Delaware's homeschool laws give you a good mix of accountability and freedom. Annual reports keep you on the state's radar, but you get to choose your curriculum and teaching approach.
The reporting requirement isn’t as hard as it sounds. Just create your DOE account, submit your enrollment info, and keep basic attendance records. That’s all you need to do legally.
Everything else—curriculum, teaching methods, and pacing—is up to you. Delaware trusts parents to provide a real education. Respect that trust, and your family will do great.
