Colorado Home Schooling: Laws, Requirements, and Options for Families in 2026

Colorado homeschooling is often described as "straightforward," yet many families feel uncertain once they start researching the actual rules.

Parents quickly run into questions:Do I need to notify the state? What testing is required? Can I choose my own curriculum? How much oversight is involved?

Colorado offers one of the more flexible homeschooling frameworks in the U.S., but that flexibility only works if families understand the legal pathways and expectations clearly.

This guide explains how homeschooling in Colorado works, the legal requirements families must follow, and the different ways parents choose to educate their children at home, so you can move forward confidently and stay compliant.

Takeaways

• Homeschooling in Colorado is legal and offers high flexibility, but families must choose a specific legal path and follow its requirements.

• Independent homeschooling requires filing a yearly Notice of Intent and completing evaluations in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, not every year.

• Parents have complete control: you choose the curriculum, set the schedule, and decide on teaching methods. The state does not approve or review your materials.

• Public online schools are not homeschooling under Colorado law, even though learning happens at home. These programs follow public school rules and testing requirements.

• Families can combine homeschooling with co-ops, learning pods, or microschools while maintaining legal responsibility and flexibility.

• Programs like The School House Anywhere (TSHA) support homeschool planning and hands-on learning while keeping parents fully in control of their child's education.

What Is Colorado Home Schooling?

Colorado homeschooling is a legally recognized option where parents assume full, direct responsibility for their child's education. This means you, not a school, not a district, not an online platform, are legally considered the educator.

Your child is not enrolled in a public school, even though the learning happens outside a traditional classroom.

This is an important distinction because many families think they're homeschooling when they're actually enrolled in a public virtual school or charter program. Those students are still public school students.

They follow district calendars, take mandatory state tests, and use the assigned curriculum. Parents in those programs act as learning coaches, not independent educators.

Actual homeschooling in Colorado means something different. It means you have the legal authority and responsibility to:

• Choose your own curriculum and teaching methods, from traditional textbooks to unschooling, project-based learning to online courses.

• Set your own schedule and learning pace, year-round schooling, four-day weeks, seasonal breaks, travel learning, whatever fits your family.

• Teach at home, in the community, or through co-ops and learning groups; the location doesn't define homeschooling; your legal responsibility does.

• Maintain legal responsibility for instruction and recordkeeping; you're accountable for meeting state requirements, not a school district.

Colorado law allows families to homeschool through three distinct legal pathways. Each pathway has different levels of oversight, paperwork, and flexibility.

Most families choose independent homeschooling because it offers the most significant autonomy, but understanding all three options helps you make an informed decision.

Here's what makes Colorado a homeschool-friendly state: the law doesn't micromanage how you educate your child. There's no curriculum approval process. No one checks your lesson plans. The state sets broad subject requirements but leaves the how, when, and where entirely up to you.

That flexibility is liberating, but it also means you need to understand which legal option you're using and what that option requires. Let's start by clarifying the legal landscape.

Is Homeschooling Legal in Colorado?

Yes, homeschooling is entirely legal in Colorado, and state law clearly defines how families may homeschool. However, Colorado does not treat all homeschooling the same way. Families must choose one of three legal options, each with different rules for oversight, reporting, and assessments.

Understanding these options is essential, as your legal responsibilities depend entirely on the path you choose.

The Three Legal Ways to Homeschool in Colorado

Colorado Revised Statutes §22-33-104.5 outlines three lawful options for home-based education. Only the first two are considered actual homeschooling under state law:

1. Independent Home School (Notice of Intent)

This is the most common and most flexible option. Parents operate a private home school completely independently.

How it works: You file a one-page Notice of Intent directly with any Colorado school district (not necessarily your local one, any district in the state). This establishes your home as a private educational program. From that point forward, you make all educational decisions: curriculum, schedule, teaching methods, and extracurricular activities.

What you control: Everything. You choose what to teach, when to teach it, and how to teach it. You decide whether to use textbooks, online programs, literature-based learning, unschooling, or a mix. You set your own calendar, traditional school year, year-round, seasonal blocks, whatever works.

What you're responsible for: Filing the annual Notice of Intent, providing instruction in required subjects, maintaining basic records, and completing evaluations (testing or written assessment) in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.

Best for: Families who want maximum flexibility and are comfortable managing compliance independently. If you want to customize every aspect of your child's education and don't mind keeping your own records, this is your path.

2. Enrollment in a Private "Umbrella" School

In this option, your child is legally enrolled in a private school, but you still teach at home under the school's supervision.

How it works: You enroll with a Colorado-based private school that offers homeschool oversight (often called an umbrella school or covering school). The school handles compliance paperwork, maintains official transcripts, and provides structure or guidance if you want it.

What changes: You don't file a Notice of Intent; the school handles that. The school sets its own requirements, which may include progress reports, curriculum approval, or specific testing. You have less autonomy than independent homeschooling, but also less administrative responsibility.

Important note: Requirements vary widely between umbrella schools. Some are hands-off and provide legal coverage. Others require regular check-ins, curriculum submissions, or attendance tracking. Ask detailed questions before enrolling.

Best for: Families who want guidance, support, or oversight. Parents who feel uncomfortable managing legal compliance on their own. Those who value having an official private school transcript from the beginning.

3. Enrollment in a Public School Program

This option includes public virtual schools, online charter schools, and district-run at-home learning programs.

Critical distinction: Despite the name "public homeschool," this is NOT homeschooling under Colorado law. Your child is a public school student learning at home.

How it works: You enroll your child in a public virtual school or charter program. The school provides curriculum, assigns a certified teacher, sets pacing guides, and requires regular check-ins. Your role is a learning coach, not an independent educator. All public school rules apply: mandatory attendance, state testing, district calendar, and assigned curriculum.

What you give up: Curriculum choice, scheduling flexibility, teaching methods, and assessment options. The school controls the educational program. Many programs require significant screen time: 4 to 6 hours daily in some cases.

What you gain: Free curriculum and materials, access to certified teachers, official public school transcripts, participation in state testing, and sports.

Best for: Families who want structure, teacher support, and free resources, and who don't mind following public school requirements. Parents who prefer minimal planning responsibility.

Only the first two options are considered actual homeschooling under Colorado law.Public online or virtual schools fall under public education statutes, not homeschooling statutes.

Why This Legal Distinction Matters

Many families accidentally enroll in public programs thinking they're homeschooling, only to discover later that they have limited control and can't easily switch paths mid-year.

Your chosen option determines:

• Whether you must submit a Notice of Intent to the state or enroll with a specific school.

• Who controls curriculum decisions and daily instruction, you or the school?

• Whether standardized testing is required annually or only at specific grade levels.

• Who keeps official academic records and issues transcripts?

• How do you withdraw from homeschooling or re-enroll in traditional school later?

Understanding these pathways is the foundation. Now let's dive into the specific requirements for independent homeschooling, the option most families choose when they want true flexibility.

Colorado Home Schooling Requirements

If you choose independent home schooling in Colorado, here's what you actually need to do, and what you don't.

Colorado's requirements are surprisingly minimal once you understand them. The state focuses on broad accountability measures rather than micromanaging your daily teaching. Let's break down each requirement with practical clarity.

Filing a Notice of Intent (NOI)

This is the most critical piece of paperwork for independent homeschoolers. Think of it as your declaration that you're operating a private home school.

When to file: At least 14 days before you begin homeschooling. If you're withdrawing your child from public school, you can file within 14 days of the withdrawal date. For families starting homeschool at the beginning of the school year, mid-August is common.

Where to file: Here's something many families don't realize: you can file with ANY Colorado school district. It doesn't have to be your local district. Some districts have simpler forms or more responsive staff than others. Many homeschool families file with districts known for being homeschool-friendly.

Alternatively, you can file with a private school that accepts NOIs. Some private schools in Colorado offer to hold NOIs as a service, though most families file directly with a district.

What's included on the form:

• Your child's full name, age, or birthdate, and home address

• Parent or guardian signature

• A statement confirming you will provide instruction in the required subjects for at least 172 days

That's it. You don't list your curriculum. You don't describe your teaching methods. You don't submit a calendar or lesson plans. The form is typically one page, and many districts provide a simple PDF template you can download, complete, and email back.

How often: The Notice of Intent must be filed annually. Many families set a reminder in their calendar to refile each summer before the new school year begins.

Once filed, this document formally establishes your homeschool as a private educational program under Colorado law. It's your legal shield, proving that your child is receiving instruction and is not truant.

Required Subjects in Colorado

Colorado law mandates instruction in eight core subject areas. Notice the word "instruction", not mastery, not grade-level proficiency, not specific content standards. Just instruction.

The required subjects are:

• Reading

• Writing

• Speaking

• Mathematics

• History

• Civics

• Literature

• Science

Now here's what Colorado does NOT require:

• Specific curriculum or textbooks

• Teaching methods or approaches

• Grade-level standards or benchmarks

• Separate, distinct lessons for each subject

• Minimum hours per subject per day

This means you have complete freedom to teach however you like. Here's what that looks like in practice:

Reading & Literature: This could mean phonics workbooks for a first grader, classic novels for a teenager, or audiobooks during car rides. You can use library books, e-readers, online programs, or a mix of them. The format is entirely yours to choose.

Writing: Daily journaling, creative stories, research papers, blog posts, letters to grandparents, or narration exercises all count. Writing can be integrated into every subject, such as science lab reports, historical essays, and math word problems.

Speaking: This is the most overlooked requirement, but it's actually the easiest. Speaking includes family discussions at dinner, narrating what they've learned back to you, presenting book reports, participating in co-op classes, or even explaining a science experiment to a sibling.

Mathematics: Traditional textbooks, online programs like Khan Academy, real-world math through cooking and budgeting, logic puzzles, coding, it's all mathematics instruction.

History & Civics: These can be taught together through historical fiction, documentaries, museum visits, timelines, or current events discussions. There's no mandate to cover specific time periods in particular grades.

Science: Nature walks, kitchen chemistry, astronomy apps, anatomy models, science kits, nature journaling, or formal lab work all qualify as science instruction.

Subjects don't need to be taught separately or at specific times. Many homeschool families integrate subjects naturally. A unit study on ancient Egypt covers history, reading (books about Egypt), writing (reports on pyramids), math (Egyptian numerals), science (mummification), literature (Egyptian myths), civics (government systems), and speaking (presenting findings).

The key is that you're providing meaningful instruction in these areas over the course of the year. How you do that is entirely up to you.

Instructional Time Requirement

Colorado requires 172 days of instruction per year. But before you panic and start creating a traditional school calendar, understand what this actually means in practice.

Colorado does not define:

• Minimum hours per day

• When those days must occur (traditional school year vs. year-round)

• What activities count as instruction

This flexibility is tremendous. Here's how different families interpret 172 days:

Traditional schedule family: Follows a September-to-May calendar similar to public schools, with summers off and conventional holiday breaks. School happens Monday through Friday, three to four hours per day in the morning.

Year-round family: Schools are open four days a week throughout the year, taking week-long breaks every six weeks. This spreads the 172 days more evenly and prevents summer learning loss.

Project-based family: Some weeks involve intensive daily work on a big project (building a chicken coop, staging a historical reenactment, writing a novel). Other weeks are lighter. As long as meaningful instruction occurs 172 days a year, the rhythm can vary widely.

Travel family: Homeschools while traveling, counting museum days, historical site visits, nature studies, and travel journaling as instructional days. They might go to school six days a week for several months, then take a month off.

A "day of instruction" doesn't mean sitting at a desk for six hours. It means a day when intentional learning occurred. Did your child read? Write? Explore mathematics? Discuss history? Experiment? That's an instructional day.

Most homeschool families keep a simple attendance log and check off days on a calendar. This serves as documentation if anyone ever questions whether you're meeting the 172-day requirement, though in practice, districts rarely ask to see this unless there's a truancy concern.

Testing and Evaluation Requirements

This is where families often feel the most anxiety, but once you understand how it works, it's actually quite manageable.

Colorado requires homeschool students to be evaluated only at specific grade levels: grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Not every year, just those five grades.

You have two options for meeting this requirement, and you can choose each time differently:

Option 1: Nationally Standardized Test

Your child takes a nationally normed achievement test. Common choices include the Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test, or Woodcock-Johnson. These tests can be administered at home (you order the test, follow the instructions, and mail it back for scoring) or at a testing center.

Cost: Typically $30-$75 for a basic battery, depending on the test and provider.

When this works well: Your child tests comfortably, you want objective numeric data for your records, you're preparing for college admissions and want documented academic progress, or you're using a structured curriculum that aligns with standardized content.

Option 2: Written Evaluation by a Qualified Person

A licensed teacher, school administrator, or other qualified evaluator reviews your child's work and writes a brief assessment confirming they're making appropriate progress.

What this looks like in practice: You compile samples of your child's work from the year, math worksheets or problem sets, writing samples (essays, stories, reports), science journals or lab notes, history projects, and reading logs. You schedule a meeting with the evaluator (often 30 minutes to an hour), who reviews the portfolio and talks with your child. The evaluator then writes a short letter or form confirming that the student is progressing appropriately.

Cost: Usually $50-$150, depending on the evaluator and location.

When this works well: Your child learns in non-traditional ways (project-based, interest-led, Charlotte Mason methods). Standardized tests don't capture your child's actual learning. You want a more holistic assessment of progress. Your child has test anxiety or learning differences that make standardized testing stressful.

Where to submit results: You send the test scores or written evaluation to whichever district or private school is holding your Notice of Intent. Many districts accept simple email submissions.

Pro tip: You can switch methods from year to year. Many families use written evaluations in elementary years (grades 3 and 5) when learning is more exploratory, then switch to standardized testing in high school (grades 9 and 11) to create college-ready documentation.

The evaluation requirement exists to provide a checkpoint that learning is happening, not to enforce specific grade-level standards or compare your child to traditional school students. Colorado trusts parent-led education but wants periodic confirmation that instruction is occurring.

If you're looking for financial support to make homeschooling more affordable, there are grants and financial aid options available. Learn more in Homeschool Grants: Where to Find Funding and Financial Aid.

Other Legal Options for Colorado Home Schooling

Independent homeschooling is only one of the legal paths in Colorado. The state offers additional options that appeal to families who want less paperwork, more structure, or public-school support, but each option changes who controls the education.

Understanding these differences helps families avoid enrolling in a program that doesn't match their expectations.

Feature	Independent Homeschool	Umbrella School	Public Online School
Legal Status	Private home school operated by parents	A student enrolled in a private school	Student enrolled in public school
Parent Control	Complete autonomy over all educational decisions	Moderate control; the school sets some requirements	Minimal control; the school directs the curriculum and pacing
Testing Requirements	Evaluations in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 only (test or written eval)	Varies by school; may require annual testing	Mandatory state testing per public school requirements
Curriculum Choice	Unlimited; parents choose all materials and methods	Generally flexible, but school may require approval	Assigned by school; little to no parent choice
Schedule Flexibility	Complete freedom; any calendar, pace, or daily structure	Moderate; school may set deadlines or check-ins	Low; must follow district calendar and attendance rules
Best For	Families wanting maximum customization and minimal oversight	Families wanting guidance and administrative support	Families wanting structure, teacher support, and free materials

If you're curious about how homeschooling laws and resources compare across different states, check out this guide on the best states for homeschooling in the U.S. It provides a detailed look at which states offer the most homeschool-friendly policies and support.

How to Start Home Schooling in Colorado

Starting homeschool in Colorado is legally straightforward; the state doesn't create unnecessary barriers. But the emotional overwhelm is real. Suddenly, you're responsible for everything: curriculum choices, daily structure, socialization, recordkeeping, and ensuring your child actually learns what they need to know. That weight can feel crushing, especially in the early weeks.

The good news? You don't need to figure everything out before you begin. Homeschooling is iterative by nature. You'll adjust, refine, and redesign as you go. The key is to start in the correct legal position and build from there.

Here's a step-by-step roadmap that keeps you compliant from day one while giving you space to find your rhythm:

Step 1: Choose Your Legal Path First

Before you buy a single curriculum box or set up a learning space, make one critical decision: which legal homeschooling pathway will you use?

This isn't about what curriculum sounds interesting or what your neighbor is doing. This is about establishing your legal foundation. Everything else, paperwork, testing requirements, and recordkeeping responsibilities, flows from this choice.

Your three options:

• Independent homeschool (you file a Notice of Intent and operate autonomously; this is the most flexible option)

• Private umbrella school (you enroll with a private school that handles compliance and provides oversight)

• Public homeschool program (you enroll in a virtual charter or online public school, legally NOT homeschooling)

Most families seeking true flexibility choose independent homeschooling. If you want to customize curriculum, set your own schedule, and avoid mandatory state testing every year, this is your path.

If you want more support or feel uncomfortable managing compliance on your own, an umbrella school might be a better fit. If you wish to structure, teacher guidance, and free materials, consider public options, but understand you're giving up curricular control.

Make this decision deliberately. It sets the framework for everything that follows.

Step 2: File Your Notice of Intent (NOI)

If you chose independent homeschooling, your next step is filing the Notice of Intent. This is mandatory; it's the legal document that establishes your homeschool and protects you from truancy concerns.

When to file:

• At least 14 days before you begin homeschooling

• Or within 14 days of withdrawing your child from public school

Many families file in mid-August if they're planning a traditional fall start. If you're starting mid-year (after winter break, for example), file two weeks before your intended start date.

Where to file:

With any Colorado school district, it doesn't have to be your local district. Some districts are notoriously homeschool-friendly with simple forms and quick responses. Others are bureaucratic and slow. Ask other homeschool families in your area which districts they recommend, or choose one with a straightforward online form.

You can also file with a private school that accepts NOIs, though most families file directly with a district.

What the form includes:

• Your child's full name, age or birthdate, and home address

• Parent or legal guardian signature

• A simple assurance statement that you'll meet state requirements (teach required subjects for 172 days)

That's it. You don't submit curriculum details, lesson plans, or daily schedules. The form is typically one page. Most districts accept email submissions; you fill out a PDF, sign it, scan it, and send it. Some districts even accept digital signatures.

Save a copy of your filed NOI and the district's confirmation (if they send one). This is proof that you're legally homeschooling.

Important reminder: You must refile annually. Set a recurring calendar reminder each summer

so you don't forget.

Step 3: Plan to Cover Required Subjects (Your Way)

Colorado requires instruction in eight subject areas: reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, and science. But here's what the law doesn't require, and this is where your freedom begins:

The state doesn't mandate:

• Specific curriculum or textbooks

• Grade-level standards or learning targets

• Separate lessons for each subject

• A particular teaching method or philosophy

• Minimum time spent on each subject

This means you decide:

• How subjects are taught: Textbooks? Online courses? Hands-on projects? Living books? Documentaries? Field trips? All of the above? Your choice.

• The order and pacing: You can teach chronologically (ancient history in 3rd grade, modern history in 8th), or thematically (animals, then space, then inventions), or interest-led (whatever your child is curious about right now).

• Whether learning is integrated: Most homeschool families don't teach subjects separately. A project on ancient Rome covers history, reading (myths and biographies), writing (reports), math (Roman numerals), science (aqueducts and engineering), civics (republic vs. empire), literature (primary sources), and speaking (presenting findings)—all eight subjects in one integrated unit.

You don't need to figure out your entire year before you start. Many families begin with a structured curriculum for core subjects (math and language arts) and build the rest of the curriculum organically based on their child's interests and seasonal opportunities.

The key is intentionality. You're not just letting your child do whatever they want all day (that's not instruction). But you're also not replicating school at home (that's not necessary). You're designing learning experiences that are meaningful, engaging, and cover the required ground, which looks suitable for your family.

Step 4: Understand Evaluation Requirements (And Plan Ahead)

Colorado requires evaluations at specific grade levels: 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th. These aren't annual; they are just those five checkpoints throughout your child's K-12 education.

You have two evaluation options, and you can choose each time differently:

Option A: Standardized Testing

Your child takes a nationally normed achievement test (Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test, or similar). You can administer it at home or at a testing center. Tests typically cost $30-$75.

Choose this if: Your child tests well, you want objective numeric data for your records, or you're building a college-ready transcript that benefits from documented test scores.

Option B: Written Evaluation

A licensed teacher, school administrator, or qualified evaluator reviews your child's portfolio of work and writes a brief assessment confirming appropriate progress. Cost is usually $50-$150.

Choose this if: Your child learns in non-traditional ways, has test anxiety, or you're using project-based/interest-led methods that don't translate well to standardized tests.

Where to submit results:

Send the test scores or the written evaluation to the district holding your NOI. Most accept email submissions. Keep a copy for your own records.

Planning tip: If your child is in 3rd grade this year, put a note in your calendar now for spring testing or evaluation. Don't wait until the last minute. Many families schedule testing in April or May, giving themselves time to find an evaluator or order materials if needed.

Step 5: Set a Learning Rhythm (Not a School Schedule)

New homeschoolers often make the mistake of trying to replicate a traditional school day: six hours of sit-down lessons, structured subjects, and rigid schedules. This approach usually leads to frustration, tears, and burnout within weeks.

Colorado law doesn't require:

• A set number of hours per day

• Specific school days per week

• Attendance logs or hour tracking (though keeping a simple log is smart for your records)

What matters is 172 days of instruction throughout the year. How you structure those days is entirely up to you.

Here are some everyday rhythms families use:

Morning-focused routine: Tackle core subjects (math, language arts) in a focused 2-3 hour morning block while minds are fresh. Afternoons are for reading, projects, outdoor time, art, or co-op classes.

Block scheduling: Spend an entire week or two diving deep into a single subject or theme (a science unit, a historical period, a literature study), then shift the focus. This prevents subject-switching fatigue and allows for immersive learning.

Four-day school week: School Monday through Thursday, leaving Fridays for field trips, co-ops, catch-up, or rest. This provides flexibility without sacrificing consistency.

Year-round with breaks: School for 6-8 weeks, then take a week off. Repeat throughout the year. This prevents burnout, accommodates travel, and keeps learning fresh.

Seasonal approach: Lighter academics in summer (reading, nature study, hands-on projects), more intensive work in fall and winter. Adjust to your family's natural rhythm and energy levels.

Expect the first few months to feel experimental. You're figuring out when your child is most alert, how long they can focus, what time of day works best for challenging subjects, and how to balance structure with spontaneity. Permit yourself to adjust as you learn what works.

Consistency matters more than perfection. A sustainable rhythm you can maintain beats an ambitious schedule you abandon after three weeks.

Step 6: Keep Basic Records (Even Though It's Not Mandated)

Colorado doesn't require detailed recordkeeping, lesson plan submissions, or portfolios. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep records. Future you will be grateful you did.

Here's what to maintain:

Copies of your NOI filings: Keep a digital or paper copy of every Notice of Intent you submit, along with any confirmation emails from the district. This proves you're legally homeschooling.

Test or evaluation results: Save every standardized test score report or written evaluation from grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. You'll submit these to the district, but keep your own copies.

Samples of student work: Especially for middle and high school students, keep representative samples: essays, math tests, science lab reports, projects, and artwork. These help build high school transcripts and demonstrate learning if your child returns to a traditional school.

Simple attendance log: A calendar with checkmarks for school days. This takes 10 seconds per day and provides documentation that you're meeting the 172-day requirement.

Reading lists or curriculum notes: A running list of books read, curriculum used, or topics covered. Doesn't need to be detailed, just enough that you remember what you did when you're building transcripts years later.

Why keep records if they're not required? Three reasons:

1. High school transcripts: When your child reaches high school, you'll create a transcript that shows the courses completed, grades, and credits. Having records makes this process straightforward instead of stressful.

2. College applications: Colleges want to see documented learning, especially for grades 9-12. Course descriptions, reading lists, and work samples demonstrate rigor.

3. Transfers or questions: If your child returns to traditional school, you'll need records to help with grade placement. If a district ever questions your homeschool (rare, but possible), records demonstrate compliance.

You don't need elaborate portfolios or lesson plan books. Simple, consistent documentation is

enough.

Step 7: Permit Yourself to Adjust

Here's something experienced homeschoolers know that new families often don't: homeschooling is inherently flexible, and that flexibility is your greatest asset.

Colorado law explicitly allows families to:

• Change curriculum mid-year: Bought a math program that isn't working? Switch. You don't need permission or approval.

• Shift teaching styles: Started with textbooks, but your child thrives with project-based learning? Adjust. Education should fit your child, not the other way around.

• Join co-ops or learning groups: Sign up for a weekly co-op for science and art classes. Your child is still legally homeschooled, and you share instruction with other families.

• Take breaks when needed: Had a hard family month? Take a week off, regroup, and resume when you're ready. You're meeting the 172-day requirement over the entire year, not rigidly week by week.

• Adapt as children grow: What worked in 2nd grade won't work in 7th. Your homeschool should evolve as your child's needs, interests, and maturity change.

Homeschooling isn't a fixed system you implement once and maintain unchanged for years. It's a living, responsive approach to education. The families who struggle are often the ones trying to force rigidity where flexibility belongs.

Give yourself at least a whole semester, ideally an entire year, before evaluating whether homeschooling is working. The first few months are always the hardest as everyone adjusts. Most families hit their stride around month four or five, when rhythms settle, and confidence builds.

Be patient with yourself. Be patient with your child. Trust the process.

Starting Colorado homeschooling is legally straightforward, but families often feel overwhelmed because the responsibility shifts entirely to the parent.

The key is to follow the steps in the correct order, so you stay compliant from day one, without overcomplicating the process.

Colorado Homeschooling and College Admissions

Instead of chasing the "perfect" curriculum (which doesn't exist), understand the main categories available and choose what aligns with your teaching style, your child's learning needs, and your family's bandwidth. Most families use a mix of programs rather than a single program.

Here are the primary types of homeschool programs Colorado families use:

1. Parent-Led Structured Curriculum Programs

These are comprehensive, pre-planned curricula that parents purchase and teach at home. They provide detailed guidance, lesson plans, pacing schedules, and teaching scripts, but parents remain entirely in control. You're not enrolling in a school; you're using their materials as a tool.

What they typically offer:

• Daily or weekly lesson plans telling you precisely what to teach and when

• Textbooks, workbooks, or digital materials included

• Built-in assessments or quizzes to check understanding

• Teacher guides with answer keys and instructional notes

Popular examples Colorado families use:

• Oak Meadow: Waldorf-inspired curriculum emphasizing creativity, nature, and arts integration. Project-based with minimal screen time.

• Sonlight: Literature-rich, Christian worldview, organized around reading great books together. Strong history and geography focus.

• BookShark: Secular version of Sonlight, same literature-based approach, without religious content.

• Moving Beyond the Page: Unit studies designed for gifted or advanced learners, heavy on discussion and critical thinking.

Best for:

Families who want clear structure and daily guidance but still control pacing and adjustments. Parents who value having a roadmap but don't want to create lesson plans from scratch.

Especially helpful for new homeschoolers who need confidence and direction as they learn to teach.

What to watch for:

These programs can be expensive ($500-$1500 per child per year). They also assume a particular teaching style; if your child doesn't fit the program's approach, you'll end up fighting the curriculum instead of using it as a tool.

2. Literature-Based and Project-Based Programs

These programs emphasize deep reading, meaningful discussion, hands-on exploration, and real-world application rather than worksheets, tests, and screen-based lessons. The philosophy is "less is more", fewer subjects, deeper engagement, and integrated learning.

What they focus on:

• Reading high-quality literature instead of textbooks

• Integrated subjects: history and science blend naturally with reading, writing, and art

• Hands-on projects, nature study, and creative expression

• Flexible pacing that follows the child's developmental readiness rather than arbitrary grade levels

Common choices:

• Blossom and Root: Nature-based, gentle, project-rich curriculum with beautiful book lists and seasonal themes.

• Build Your Library: Literature-focused with Charlotte Mason influences. Organized around living books, narration, and nature journals.

• Torchlight: Short lessons designed around adventure, exploration, and curiosity-driven learning.

Best for:

Hands-on learners who struggle with traditional workbook-heavy approaches. Families who value depth over breadth. Parents are comfortable with less structure and more organic learning. Children who thrive when given time to explore interests deeply, rather than skimming many topics superficially.

What to watch for:

These programs require more parental involvement; you're not just handing your child a workbook. You're reading aloud, facilitating discussions, and setting up projects. If you're short on time or energy, this approach can feel overwhelming. Also, they produce less "visible" work (fewer worksheets and tests), which can make some parents nervous about whether learning is actually happening.

3. Online Curriculum Platforms (Parent-Directed)

These programs deliver instruction digitally through video lessons, interactive activities, and automated grading. The key distinction: parents are still legally homeschooling. You're using an online tool, not enrolling in a public school.

What they include:

• Pre-recorded video lessons teaching concepts

• Interactive exercises and quizzes with instant feedback

• Automated tracking and grading, you can see progress reports without grading papers yourself

• Self-paced progression (though parents control access and can adjust pacing)

Examples:

• Time4Learning: Popular, affordable, covers K-12 for most subjects. Gamified interface appeals to kids.

• Miacademy: Animated lessons with mascot characters. Designed for younger learners (K-8).

• Power Homeschool: Accredited online curriculum with official transcripts. Often used for high school.

Important clarification:

These are NOT public schools. Parents remain legally responsible. You still file a Notice of Intent. You control when and how your child uses the program. You're purchasing a curriculum tool, not enrolling in a school system.

Best for:

Families who need independent learning tools (parents working from home, multiple children at different levels). Students who enjoy screen-based learning and respond well to gamification. Situations where you need something that runs itself with minimal daily parental teaching time.

What to watch for:

High screen time, some programs require 3-4 hours daily in front of a computer, which many families find excessive. Also, while convenient, these programs don't build the same parent-child learning relationship as hands-on teaching. They're tools, not replacements for engaged education.

4. Homeschool Co-ops and Learning Pods

Co-ops aren't complete curricula; they're shared learning communities where multiple homeschool families come together for classes, enrichment, and socialization, usually one or two days per week.

What co-ops typically offer:

• Weekly or biweekly classes taught by parent volunteers or hired instructors (science labs, art, drama, history, foreign languages)

• Group activities like dissections, chemistry experiments, or collaborative projects that are hard to do alone at home

• Field trips, presentations, or performances (end-of-year showcases, science fairs)

• Community and social time, kids build friendships, parents build support networks

How this works legally in Colorado:

Parents still file individual NOIs. You remain legally responsible for your child's education. The co-op is supplemental enrichment, not your primary educational program. Most co-ops meet once a week; you handle the other four days at home.

Best for:

Families who want community and shared learning without giving up homeschool flexibility.

Parents who need group accountability or want their children to experience classroom-style instruction in specific subjects. Situations where you lack expertise (high school chemistry, foreign languages) and want to outsource those classes.

What to watch for:

Co-ops require commitment; you can't just drop your kid off (most require parent participation). They also add structure and deadlines to your otherwise flexible homeschool, which can feel constraining for some families. Make sure the co-op's philosophy aligns with yours before committing.

5. Microschools and Hybrid Programs

Microschools are small, flexible learning communities, usually 5-15 students, where families pool resources to create a shared educational environment. They're more structured than co-ops but more flexible than traditional schools.

How microschools work in Colorado:

• Each family files a Notice of Intent individually, and you remain legally independent homeschoolers

• Learning happens in a shared space (someone's home, rented classroom, community center) several days per week

• A lead parent or hired facilitator guides instruction, often using a mix of group lessons and independent work

• Families share costs (space rental, materials, instructor fees if applicable)

Examples of microschool models:

• Forest schools: Outdoor-based learning in nature, several days per week

• Acton Academy-style: Self-directed learning with project-based challenges and peer collaboration

• Classical Conversations groups: Shared classical education with formal instruction one day per week, parents continue at home

Legal status:

As long as each family files their own NOI and retains legal responsibility, microschools are considered homeschooling in Colorado. You're not enrolling in a school; you're collaborating with other homeschool families in a shared learning environment.

Best for:

Families who want more structure than solo homeschooling but more flexibility than traditional school. Parents who want to share teaching responsibilities or create a richer social environment for their children. Situations where you have a group of like-minded families with similar educational philosophies.

What to watch for:

Microschools require significant coordination, clear agreements about costs and responsibilities, and compatible families. If one family leaves or philosophies clash, it can disrupt the entire program. Also, you're still legally responsible; if the microschool isn't meeting state requirements, it's on you as the parent.

Want a curriculum that gives you the freedom to personalize your child's education?

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a unique, flexible curriculum tailored to your child's interests and learning style.

Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed to spark curiosity and make learning an adventure with screen-free learning, hands-on activities, engaging stories, and interconnected subjects.

Here's how TSHA supports your homeschooling freedom:

• No Strict Schedule: You don't have to rush! You can teach your child at a speed that works for them, and you can change the lessons to fit what they need to learn.

• Variety of Activities: The AEC offers a wide range of activities, from hands-on projects to engaging discussions, keeping your child motivated and excited about learning.

• Supportive Community: Connect with other homeschooling families and experienced educators for guidance and encouragement.

With TSHA, you can create a homeschooling experience that's as unique as your child! Sign up today!

Conclusion

Colorado homeschooling offers flexibility, but success depends on choosing the legal path and learning approach that truly fit your family.

Some parents prefer complete independence, others want added structure. What matters most is clarity about your responsibilities, your child's needs, and how education will grow over time.

If you want support without giving up control, The School House Anywhere (TSHA) helps families stay organised, reduce planning stress, and keep learning hands-on and parent-led through the American Emergent Curriculum.

Explore TSHA to build a flexible, compliant homeschool that works for your family.

FAQs

1. Is homeschooling legal in Colorado?

Yes, homeschooling is completely legal in Colorado. State law explicitly allows families to educate their children at home through independent home schools or private umbrella schools. Colorado is considered one of the more homeschool-friendly states due to its flexible requirements and minimal government oversight.

2. Do I have to notify the state to homeschool in Colorado?

If you choose independent homeschooling, yes, you must file a Notice of Intent (NOI). You submit it to any Colorado school district (not necessarily your local one) at least 14 days before beginning homeschool, and you must refile it annually.

If you homeschool through a private umbrella school, the school handles notifications, not you. If you enroll in a public online program, you're not legally homeschooling, so the NOI doesn't apply.

3. What testing is required for Colorado homeschoolers?

Independent homeschoolers must complete an evaluation only in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, not every year. You can choose either a nationally standardized test (like the Iowa Assessments or Stanford Achievement Test) or a written evaluation by a qualified evaluator, such as a licensed teacher. You submit the results to the district holding your NOI. No testing is required in grades K-2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12.

4. Do parents need teaching credentials to homeschool in Colorado?

No. Colorado does not require parents to have a teaching license, a college degree, or any formal certification to homeschool their children. The law recognizes parents as inherently qualified to educate their own children. You don't need to complete training, pass tests, or prove educational credentials. Your status as the parent is sufficient.

5. Are public online schools considered homeschooling in Colorado?

No, they are not. This is a common source of confusion. Public virtual schools, online charter programs, and district-run remote learning programs are all public schools, not homeschools. Students enrolled in these programs are public school students learning at home.

They follow public school rules: mandatory attendance, assigned curriculum, required state testing, and district oversight. Parents act as learning coaches, not independent educators. Homeschool laws and homeschool flexibility do not apply.