Homeschooling in Vermont is flexible and straightforward. Parents must submit an enrollment notice and cover required subjects. There's no need for curriculum approval, and you can choose how to assess your child's progress.
Vermont is home to approximately 4,000 homeschooled students, making it one of the active homeschooling communities in the nation (NCES estimates, 2023). Homeschool regulations vary dramatically across the U.S. — 11 states have no requirement to notify the government, while 6 states require curriculum approval, standardized testing, or professional evaluations (HSLDA, 2024).
Vermont homeschool requirements at a glance
Required subjects by age
In Vermont, what you teach depends on your child's age. Younger kids follow a wider public school curriculum, while older students focus on core subjects.
Under age 13: Teach all subjects required for public school:
- Reading, writing, and language arts
- Math
- Citizenship and history
- Literature
- Natural sciences
- Fine arts
- PE and health
Ages 13 and older: Focus on core academics:
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social studies
Flexibility: You decide how to teach. You can pick the curriculum and materials. Integrated studies are fine too.
No approval needed: Vermont doesn’t review your curriculum. Just promise you’re teaching required subjects without needing to submit detailed plans.
How to start homeschooling in Vermont
Annual assessment requirements
You need to assess your child at the end of each year, but you have options on how to do it. Since 2023, you keep the assessment records instead of sending them to the state.
Assessment methods (pick one):
- Standardized testing by your district or an approved service
- Teacher evaluation by a Vermont-certified teacher
- Portfolio review with your child’s work samples
- Online school grades if using an accredited program
- GED completion for high school equivalency
Portfolio contents:
- Work samples from each subject
- Progress notes throughout the year
- Proof of meeting instructional days
- Any test results if included
Record keeping: Keep your assessments organized. Vermont may ask for records, but it’s rare. Organized files can help.
Instructional day requirements
Instructional day requirements
Vermont mandates 175 school days each year, similar to public schools.
What counts: Academic lessons, field trips, music lessons, PE, projects, and other educational activities. Most homeschool setups meet this easily.
Schedule flexibility: You don’t have to stick to public school calendars. You can school year-round, have four-day weeks, or take long summer breaks as long as you hit 175 days.
Tracking: Keep attendance records showing when you teach. There’s no specific format. Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or planner.
Public school access
Public school access
Vermont lets homeschoolers tap into public school resources while staying home.
Course access: Your child can take up to two core classes at the local public school. This is a great way to add subjects you may not want to teach, like lab sciences or advanced math.
Extracurriculars: You can also join public school activities if space is available. This includes sports, clubs, and music.
How to access:
- Talk to your local school principal or superintendent.
- Ask about available courses and activities.
- Fill out the necessary paperwork.
- Coordinate between home and school schedules.
Transportation: Usually, you’ll need to handle transport for your child.
High school, graduation & beyond
High school, graduation & beyond
As a homeschool parent in Vermont, you set the graduation requirements and give out diplomas. The state doesn’t have specific high school credit or course requirements.
Transcripts: For college applications, make detailed transcripts that show courses, credits, grades, and graduation requirements. Include course descriptions for colleges that are selective.
Vermont colleges: Schools like UVM and Vermont State University accept homeschool students. Check with admissions for their requirements.
Dual enrollment: High schoolers can take college courses at state colleges for credit. This helps them gain experience and save on college costs.
Public school courses: Taking courses at a public school during high school gives you documented academics to add to your homeschool transcript, which can be useful for college applications.
Special situations
Special situations
Starting mid-year: Send your enrollment notice at least 10 business days before you start teaching. You can begin at any time, no need to wait for the school year.
Multiple children: Each child needs their own enrollment notice. Assessments are needed for each student, but you submit one family notice.
Moving to Vermont: File your notice with the Vermont Secretary of Education as soon as you move. Bring records from your previous state.
Returning to public school: Reach out to your local school for enrollment. Returns aren’t based strictly on age or grade, so organized records help with proper placement.
Special needs: Vermont doesn’t provide special education for homeschooled kids. If you need extra help, you may need to find private services.
The bottom line
The bottom line
Vermont has a balanced approach to homeschooling. You need to file an enrollment notice, teach 175 days, and assess your kids annually, but there’s a lot of freedom in how you do it.
The 2023 changes make it easier since you keep your assessment records instead of sending them to the state. Also, accessing public school courses is a nice perk.
First step: Send your enrollment notice to the Vermont Secretary of Education at least 10 business days before starting. Then, choose your curriculum, decide on your assessment method, and enjoy your homeschool journey in the Green Mountain State.
