Kansas Homeschool Requirements

Kansas does not specifically authorize 'homeschooling' by statute; instead, home schools operate as non-accredited private schools (NAPS). Under KSA §72-4345–72-4347, the official custodian of a NAPS must register the school's name and physical address with the Kansas State Board of Education via the KSDE online form. This is a one-time registration, not an annual filing. The KSDE confirms: 'There is no approval process or review by the State Board of Education for a NAPS and there is no cost associated with the registration.' Note: many sources cite KSA §72-3120 as the compulsory attendance statute that NAPS must satisfy, and KSA §72-4345–4347 governs the registration itself.

KSA §72-3120 requires instruction by a 'competent instructor' but does not specify subject areas. Kansas NAPS are 'responsible for acquiring their own books and curriculum materials.' The KSDE fact sheet states: 'No books, curriculum materials, guidelines, or technical assistance on curriculum development are available from the State Department of Education for non-accredited private schools.' Kansas curricular standards are described as 'guidelines that may be used to develop curriculum' and are not mandatory for NAPS.

KSA §72-3120(a)(2) requires that private schools be 'taught by a competent instructor for a period of time which is substantially equivalent to the period of time public school is maintained in the school district.' The KSDE clarifies this means 'at least 186 days of not less than 6 hours per day, or 1116 hours per year for grades 1-11.' The KSDE has confirmed that 'substantially equivalent' time includes direct instruction, experiential activities, and various educational formats, not just traditional classroom time.

KSA §72-3120 and the NAPS framework do not impose any assessment, testing, or portfolio requirement on non-accredited private school students. The Kansas State Department of Education confirms that it provides no oversight of NAPS academic programs. Academic assessment is entirely at the parent's discretion. If a student transfers to an accredited school, that school may test the student for placement purposes under KSDE guidance.

KSA §72-3120 and the NAPS statutes do not mandate record-keeping for home schools. The KSDE Homeschool Fact Sheet states: 'It is in the best interest of students attending non-accredited private schools that accurate and complete records of their progress be kept. These records will be needed if the student transfers to a public or an accredited school, or applies for admission to a college or university.' When a student transfers to a NAPS, the parent must notify the previous school. The previous public school must notify the NAPS of any requested records.

KSA §72-3120(a)(2) requires that private schools (including NAPS/home schools) be 'taught by a competent instructor.' The KSDE confirms that NAPS 'are not required to employ teachers who are licensed by the state, but their courses must be taught by competent instructors.' Kansas statute does not define 'competent instructor.' The Kansas Attorney General has affirmed that NAPS teachers do not need state teaching licenses, college degrees, or professional educational certifications; competence is self-determined.

Kansas school immunization requirements (KSA §72-6262) apply to students 'attending' school, with the primary application to public and accredited private schools. NAPS students are not required to comply with school-based immunization requirements. General public health vaccination programs apply to all children under the Kansas Department of Health and Environment rules, but home school enrollment does not trigger the school immunization mandate.

The KSDE provides a resource titled 'Home School and Special Education Information' (PDF) for NAPS families. KSA §72-3120 applies to all students including those identified as exceptional under the Special Education for Exceptional Children Act, though exceptional children under that Act are generally subject to special education requirements rather than standard compulsory attendance. Families may voluntarily contact their resident school district for evaluation and services under federal IDEA.

The KSDE states: 'When a student transfers to a NAPS, the school previously attended must be notified by the parent/guardian that the student is changing schools. If a student simply stops coming to school, the school is required by law to report the student as truant.' There is no required form; a written notice identifying the child and the NAPS is sufficient. Families must also register the NAPS with the KSDE if not already registered. KSA §72-3120(h) allows NAPS students to enroll part-time in the public school district.

KSA §72-3120(a) states: 'every parent or person acting as parent in the state of Kansas, who has control over or charge of any child who has reached the age of seven years and is under the age of 18 years and has not attained a high school diploma, a general educational development credential or a high school equivalency credential, shall require such child to be regularly enrolled.' Children under 7 who voluntarily enroll are subject to compulsory attendance until withdrawn by a parent under §72-3120(c). Attendance in a NAPS satisfies this requirement.

The KSDE states: 'Private schools, including non-accredited schools issue their own high school diplomas. These diplomas are not recognized by the State of Kansas as meeting any requirements. The State does not issue diplomas.' The KSDE recommends (but does not require) NAPS to follow Kansas minimum graduation requirements: 4 units ELA, 3 units History and Government, 3 units Science, 3 units Mathematics, 1 unit Physical Education, 1 unit Fine Arts, and 6 units Electives. Most colleges require a GED or additional criteria for NAPS graduates.

KSA §72-3120(h)(1) requires each school board to allow any child enrolled in a NAPS to enroll part-time in the school district to attend 'any courses, programs or services offered by the school district.' The student must request part-time enrollment and meet age eligibility requirements. This part-time enrollment option provides a pathway to interscholastic activities. The KSDE website links to the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) for eligibility information. Kansas does not have a stand-alone statute granting NAPS students direct access to interscholastic activities without part-time enrollment.