Funding for homeschooling in Vermont

Homeschooling in Vermont doesn't come with direct funding. Instead, families can explore town tuitioning and federal options like Coverdell ESAs. Understanding local policies and requirements is key.

With approximately 4,000 homeschooled students, Vermont has a significant homeschool community that benefits from understanding available funding options (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).

Can I get paid to homeschool in Vermont?

Vermont doesn't provide state-funded payments or ESAs for homeschooling. But, there's a town tuitioning system that might help families in areas without public schools. Just remember, you need to do an annual assessment. You can access federal Coverdell ESAs for $2,000 a year.

What funding is available for Vermont homeschoolers?

There’s no direct state funding for homeschool families in Vermont. No ESAs, vouchers, or education tax credits are available. Vermont’s strong support for public education makes it unlikely for homeschool funding programs to pop up. The unique town tuitioning system exists, but it usually doesn’t apply to homeschoolers.

Town tuitioning: A Vermont peculiarity

About 90 towns in Vermont don’t have public schools. In these “tuitioning towns,” public funds pay for students to attend approved public or private schools elsewhere. Here’s how it works:

• Towns without schools pay tuition for students to go to other schools
• Covers both public and private schools historically
• Average tuition is around $15,000-$18,000 per student.

Does this cover homeschooling? Not usually. Town tuitioning pays for approved school enrollment, not for parent-led homeschooling. Some families get creative, like enrolling part-time in a private school, but it’s not common. Recent legal battles have allowed religious schools to join the town tuitioning program, but this doesn’t apply to homeschooling. If you’re in a tuitioning town, check local policies carefully, but don’t expect funding for homeschooling.

Federal funding options

Since Vermont doesn’t have state programs, families must look to federal options for support.

Understanding Vermont's requirements

Vermont has moderate requirements for homeschooling:

• Enrollment notification: You must file a notice with the Vermont Department of Education when you start. Include basic student info and a curriculum overview. Renew it every year by September 1.
• Required subjects: Include reading, writing, math, history, government, physical education, health, English, literature, natural sciences, and fine arts.
• Annual assessment: Choose one of these:
  1. Teacher assessment (licensed teacher reviews progress)
  2. Report from an approved Vermont independent school
  3. Standardized testing
  4. Other approved method.

What’s NOT required: You don’t need to log specific hours, provide detailed lesson plans, or have evaluator certification (just for option 1).

Public school access

Vermont allows some access for homeschoolers to public schools:

• Sports and activities: Homeschool students can participate in public school sports. Check local school board policies since they can vary.
• Part-time enrollment: You can take individual public school courses while still homeschooling. This is great for specialized subjects or socializing.
• Special education: If your child qualifies, Vermont law provides access to certain services. Contact your local district for details.

Community resources

Vermont’s homeschool community is small but organized:

• Vermont Home Education Network (VHEN): The main statewide organization for support and advocacy.
• Regional support groups: Found in places like Burlington and Montpelier.
• Homeschool co-ops: For shared instruction and activities.
• Vermont Association of Home Educators: A faith-based support network.

Online communities and local gatherings are also important for connecting families.

Legislative outlook

School choice legislation faces challenges in Vermont. The state’s progressive nature and focus on public education limit support for ESA or voucher programs. The existing town tuitioning system offers some choice, but it doesn’t extend funding to homeschoolers. Families should plan their budgets based on current federal options instead of waiting for new state programs.

The bottom line

Vermont doesn’t directly fund homeschooling. The town tuitioning system adds complexity to education funding but typically doesn’t help homeschoolers. Families need to self-fund, but federal Coverdell ESAs and Vermont’s 529 tax credit can help. You can also benefit from public school sports participation and dual enrollment. Vermont’s reasonable requirements—like annual assessments—are doable. With public school access, homeschooling here is practical, even without direct funding.