Connecticut Homeschool Requirements
Low regulationEverything Connecticut asks of homeschool families, organized by topic. Each point links to the official source we drew it from.
- Topics:
- 12
- Last reviewed:
- June 4, 2026
- Funding programs:
- 0 state · 3 national
Notice / Letter of Intent
Low regulationRequirements to notify the state or local district of intent to homeschool.
Connecticut has no statute requiring parents to file a notice of intent to homeschool. The State Board's Suggested Procedure recommends an annual notice, but this is advisory only, not law.
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CGS §10-184 contains no notification requirement. The C-14 Guidelines (1994) recommend but do not require annual notice to the local superintendent. Parents may file voluntarily or not file at all.
- CGS §10-184 — Duties of parents · Statute · primary
“Each parent shall cause such child to attend a public school regularly unless the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction.”
Required Subjects
Low regulationSubjects the state mandates be taught.
CGS §10-184 requires instruction in reading, writing, spelling, English grammar, geography, arithmetic, US history, and citizenship including town, state, and federal government. No other subjects mandated.
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The first sentence of CGS §10-184 lists the eight required subjects. No science, PE, health, or foreign language is required by statute for the home-instruction exemption.
- CGS §10-184 · Statute · primary
“Instruct them in reading, writing, spelling, English grammar, geography, arithmetic and United States history and in citizenship.”
Instructional Days / Hours
Low regulationMinimum instructional days or hours per year.
Connecticut does not mandate minimum instructional days or hours for home-educated students. The 1959 amendment removed any statutory hour requirement.
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CGS §10-184 requires only 'equivalent instruction' with no hour or day specification. The C-14 guidelines recommend instruction during normal school hours but this is advisory only.
- CGS §10-184 · Statute · primary
“The child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction in the studies taught in the public schools.”
Assessment / Testing
Low regulationStandardized testing, portfolio review, or other assessment requirements.
Connecticut does not require standardized testing or portfolio reviews for homeschooled students. The equivalent instruction standard applies only if educational neglect is alleged in court.
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No assessment requirement exists in CGS §10-184. The C-14 Suggested Procedure recommends an annual portfolio review by the superintendent, but this is voluntary. No statute authorizes routine testing of homeschooled children.
- CGS §10-184 · Statute · primary
“The child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction in the studies taught in the public schools.”
Recordkeeping / Portfolio
No state oversightRecords, attendance logs, or portfolios the family must maintain.
Connecticut imposes no mandatory recordkeeping on homeschooling families. The C-14 guidelines suggest records but this is voluntary best practice.
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CGS §10-184 contains no recordkeeping provision. Voluntary recordkeeping is recommended for practical purposes including defense against educational neglect allegations.
- CGS §10-184 · Statute · primary
“Each parent shall cause such child to attend a public school regularly unless the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction.”
Parent Qualifications
No state oversightEducation level, certification, or other qualifications required of the teaching parent.
No credential, degree, or certification required. CGS §10-184b protects parental authority to provide equivalent instruction from limitation by the Commissioner of Education.
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CGS §10-184 has no qualification requirement. CGS §10-184b states the Commissioner of Education shall not limit parental authority to provide equivalent instruction. No background check required.
- CGS §10-184 and §10-184b · Statute · primary
“The Commissioner of Education shall not limit the authority of a parent to provide equivalent instruction.”
Immunization / Health
No state oversightImmunization, vision/hearing screening, or health requirements for homeschooled students.
School immunization requirements under CGS §10-204a apply to enrolled students, not homeschooled children who are exempt under §10-184.
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CGS §10-204a requires immunizations for enrolled public/private school students. Homeschooled children are not enrolled and therefore not subject to school immunization reporting.
- CGS §10-184 · Statute · primary
“Unless the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction.”
Special Needs / IEP
No state oversightProvisions for students with disabilities or IEPs in a homeschool setting.
Under CGS §10-184a, boards of education are not required to provide special education services to homeschooled children whose parents decline district services.
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CGS §10-184a explicitly states boards of education are not required to provide special education to children whose parents choose home instruction under §10-184 and decline services. IDEA child find may apply in limited circumstances.
- CGS §10-184a · Statute · primary
“Boards of education shall not be required to provide special education programs and services to children whose parents choose to provide home instruction.”
Withdrawal / Enrollment
Low regulationProcess to withdraw from public school or formally enroll as a homeschool student.
Parents should submit a Letter of Withdrawal to the school to prevent the child from appearing truant. No formal state process or approval required.
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CGS §10-184 does not specify a withdrawal process. CGS §10-198a defines truancy for enrolled students with excessive unexcused absences. A Letter of Withdrawal ends enrollment and truancy rules no longer apply.
- CGS §10-184 · Statute · primary
“Each parent shall cause such child to attend a public school regularly unless the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction.”
Compulsory Education Age
Low regulationAge range during which education is compulsory.
Compulsory education applies ages 5-17. Parents of a 5-year-old may delay until age 6, and parents of a 6-year-old may delay until age 7, by signing an opt-out form at the district office.
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CGS §10-184 covers children age 5 and over, under age 18. Parents may opt out for ages 5 and 6 by appearing at the district office and signing an option form. Students 18+ may withdraw independently.
- CGS §10-184 · Statute · primary
“Each parent of a child five years of age and over and under eighteen years of age shall cause such child to attend a public school regularly.”
Graduation / Diploma
No state oversightRules around issuing a homeschool diploma or equivalent.
No graduation requirements for homeschooled students. Parents issue their own diplomas and transcripts. A homeschool diploma satisfies the compulsory education exemption for graduates.
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CGS §10-184 excuses from attendance any child who is a high school graduate. A parent-issued diploma satisfies this condition. No state registry for homeschool diplomas exists.
- CGS §10-184 · Statute · primary
“Unless such child is a high school graduate.”
Sports / Extracurricular Access
No state oversightWhether homeschooled students may participate in public school sports or activities.
Connecticut has no statute guaranteeing homeschoolers access to public school sports. Participation is at district and CIAC discretion. No Tim Tebow law enacted.
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CIAC policies restrict participation to enrolled member school students. Some districts may allow participation by local policy. Families typically use private leagues and homeschool co-ops.
- CGS §10-184 · Statute · primary
“Unless the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction.”
Funding programs for Connecticut families
All funding →Curiosity Harbor doesn't award or administer any of these. We track them so you can apply directly with the funder.
National programs
Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation · Scholarship · National
High school seniors (homeschoolers eligible), minimum unweighted GPA 3.75, SAT/ACT/AP/IB scores required, maximum household income $95,000. Must apply during senior year (no gap years).
Up to $55,000 · up to $55,000 per year, last-dollar award supplementing institutional aid
HSLDA Curriculum Grant
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) · Curriculum stipend · National
Must hold current HSLDA membership, demonstrate significant financial need, have homeschooled at least one child (ages 6-19) for minimum 3 months, fund homeschool privately (no public funds or ESAs), and have legal custody.
$300 – $400 · per child, may reapply annually
HSLDA Disaster Relief Grant
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) · Disaster relief · National
Must have suffered damage from a regional natural disaster within past 18 months, be homeschooling at least one child aged 6-19, privately fund schooling, and hold a free My HSLDA Account.
Up to $650 · up to $650, delivered by check
Have a question about homeschooling in Connecticut?
The assistant answers from these same requirements and cites the official source.
Ask Curiosity HarborThis page is general information, not legal advice. Curiosity Harbor Foundation summarizes Connecticut law from the sources cited above; statutes and agency guidance change. Confirm with the official source or your state education agency before making decisions for your family.