Vermont Homeschool Requirements

Under 16 V.S.A. § 166b(a), the enrollment notice must include the child's name, age, and birth date; parents' contact information; an attestation of annual assessment; disability documentation (for first-time enrollees not previously in a Vermont public or home study program); and an attestation of 175 days of instruction in the minimum course of study. The notice is submitted on a form developed by the Agency of Education (AOE). Per § 166b(b), the Secretary must issue a written enrollment acknowledgment within 10 business days. Per § 166b(k), continuing families must submit an annual renewal notice at least 10 business days before the intended start date each year.

Under 16 V.S.A. § 166b(a)(5) and § 906, the full MCOS for children under 13 includes: (1) basic communication skills (reading, writing, numbers); (2) citizenship, history, and government in Vermont and the U.S.; (3) physical education and comprehensive health education; (4) English, American, and other literature; (5) the natural sciences; and (6) the fine arts. For children 13 and older, areas (3) physical education/health and (6) fine arts are not required, leaving five core areas. Parents attest to MCOS compliance on the enrollment form but do not submit a curriculum document to the state.

Under 16 V.S.A. § 166b(a)(5), the parent must attest that each child will be provided the equivalent of at least 175 days of instruction in the minimum course of study per year. Vermont does not specify a daily minimum number of hours; the standard is equivalence to 175 school days. The 175-day requirement mirrors the public school instructional year.

Under 16 V.S.A. § 166b(a)(3), permitted assessment methods include: (A) a standardized assessment administered by the local school district, a testing service, or in a manner approved by the testing company; (B) review of student progress by a person holding a current Vermont teacher's certificate; (C) a parent/guardian report and portfolio including a summary of learning and at least four work samples; (D) grades from an online academy or school; or (E) evidence of passing the GED. Since 2023 amendments (Act 66, effective July 1, 2023), parents retain assessment records at home and do not submit them to the AOE.

Under 16 V.S.A. § 166b(a)(3), the parent attests to maintaining the record of annual assessments. Following 2023 legislation (Act 66, eff. July 1, 2023), parents no longer submit the Minimum Course of Study or assessment results to the AOE; they simply keep them on file. Withdrawal must be reported in writing to the Secretary within 10 business days per § 166b(c).

16 V.S.A. § 166b does not prescribe educational credentials, degrees, or certification for parents conducting home study. The enrollment notice requires only the signatures of parents or guardians with legal custody and authority to make educational decisions. This distinguishes Vermont from states requiring a high school diploma or teaching certificate.

Vermont's home study statute (16 V.S.A. § 166b) does not mandate immunization documentation for home study enrollment. Vermont's immunization requirements under 18 V.S.A. § 1121a apply to children enrolled in schools. A religious or philosophical exemption is available for school-enrolled students, but home study families generally are not subject to the school immunization mandate. Parents should consult the Vermont Department of Health for current guidance.

Under 16 V.S.A. § 166b(a)(4), for each child not previously enrolled in a Vermont public school or Vermont home study program, the enrollment notice must include independent professional evidence about whether the child has a documented disability and how the disability may affect educational progress. For students with documented disabilities, § 166b(a)(5)(C) requires the parent to attest to providing adaptations to support the student. The Vermont Agency of Education provides guidance on home study for students with special needs.

Under 16 V.S.A. § 166b(c), the parent or guardian must notify the Secretary in writing within 10 business days of the date any student is withdrawn from home study. There is no specific statutory waiting period for re-enrollment in public school. School districts must accept students returning from home study and may assess the student's appropriate grade level placement.

Under 16 V.S.A. § 1121, any person having control of a child between ages 6 and 16 must cause the child to attend a public school, approved independent school, approved education program, or home study program for the full number of days the school is held, unless the child is physically or mentally unable, has completed 10th grade, is excused by the superintendent or school directors, or is enrolled in an approved postsecondary school.

Vermont has no statute establishing a state-issued home study diploma. Home study families typically issue a parent-generated diploma upon completing a secondary program. Alternatively, students may earn a GED, which is explicitly recognized as an acceptable means of assessment under 16 V.S.A. § 166b(a)(3)(E). Vermont colleges generally consider homeschool transcripts and test scores for admission. Vermont homeschoolers aged 16+ may also access Running Start-type dual enrollment at community colleges.

Vermont does not have a blanket exclusion prohibiting home study students from accessing public school extracurricular activities. Vermont AOE guidance indicates that homeschoolers can take courses at their local public school and participate in extracurricular activities, subject to local school board policies and eligibility rules. Specific access may vary by district. Home study students may also access specialized courses and services through part-time enrollment under applicable district policies.