Homeschooling in Colorado
Colorado
Explore Homeschooling helps you take an overview look at homeschooling requirements and guidelines in Colorado. Colorado has a moderately high level of requirements for homeschool families, but they offer more than one approach to how those requirements may be fulfilled. Home to 58 mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet, known locally as “14ers,” Colorado offers some unique nature hiking and trail experience for homeschool families to take advantage of.
Snapshot of Requirements
Complexity
With some degree of reporting and accountability required, Colorado ranks as a moderately challenging state to homeschool in.Teaching
Colorado does not require homeschooling parents/guardians or parent-appointed adult relatives to hold a teaching certificate or degree. Required subjects are the United States Constitution, reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, literature, and science.Testing
Colorado requires students in grades 3,5,7,9, and 11 to take and pass a nationally standardized achievement test or pass evaluation by a Colorado certified teacher, licensed psychologist, or a person with a graduate degree in education.
Registration
Colorado requires a notice of intent to homeschool to be filed with any state school district 14 days before you begin your homeschool program.Grade Level
Homeschooling is allowed in all grades. Colorado requires children between the ages of 6 and 17 to be schooled.Reporting
Colorado requires that attendance records, test and evaluation results, and immunization records be kept for all homeschooled students. Access to these records may be requested by the school district superintendent with probable cause of non-compliance and 14 days notice.
Advice For Homeschooling In Colorado
Legally speaking, Colorado has a fair amount of accountability built into their homeschool requirements. This can be a useful perspective for keeping your student’s education on track. Colorado offers great flexibility on delegating who is responsible for teaching your child at home. This is great for cousins, etc., who can be homeschooled together and have the teaching responsibility be shared by a parent from each household, if desired. Remember to file an immunization exemption form if you do not plan to immunize, as Colorado requires immunization records to be filed with homeschooling records.
QUICK FACTS
Over 75,000 students homeschool in the Centennial State of Colorado!
Colorado has over 50 homeschool tutorials, co-ops, and enrichment programs!
Colorado parents have had the right to homeschool since 1988.
Explore Homeschooling Community Kindness Ideas
Looking for field trip ideas? Follow the link below to explore how to use field trips as a platform for acts of kindness in your community.
FOCUS THIS MONTH
History Museums
Do you ever wonder if your field trips are effective? With this download, you'll learn how to plan a history field trip, what to take along with you, and how to follow up on the trip with activities to reinforce learning. We've also included activity worksheets to use while on the field trip to help you make the most of your hands-on history exploration!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Nature Study
How do you handle nature studies when nature isn't your thing? You find help! This download defines and describes nature studies, provides a list of materials you need, offers practical ideas for implementing a nature study, and includes a book list for reinforcement. We've even included worksheets to guide you each step of the way.
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Aquariums & Zoos
Zoos and aquariums are always fun to visit. But, with a little extra time and energy investment, you can turn your visit into an academically enriching activity! In this download, you'll find tips for planning your trip well, activities to complete during your visit, follow-up activities discussion guides, and a list of books to reinforce what your students have learned.
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Libraries
Did you know that you can turn something as simple as a trip to the library into a delightful field trip? In this download, you'll learn how to lay the groundwork for a fun trip, discover all of the exciting ways to enjoy a library visit, and find age-appropriate follow-up activities.
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Historical Sites
Historical sites bring history to life in amazing ways. With so many options available, it might feel overwhelming to try to plan a trip. This month's download is here to help! Find tips for planning, carrying out, and following up on a historical site visit—then get ready to enjoy!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Outdoor Family Fun
A summer break from formal curriculum is a healthy and good thing. But, you can still keep your child learning, even during the break! In this e-book, you'll find tips for ways to combine summer learning and summer fun.
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Art Museums
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Art Museum Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next art museum field trip. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Community Kindness
Have you heard of the Random Acts of Kindness movement (RAK)? That's what this month's field trip focus is all about!
In this Community Kindness Activity Guide, you'll find suggestions for showing kindness to people in your community. You'll also discover volunteer options for every stage of learning. Download your e-book today, and start planning your RAK fun!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
My Town
How much do you know about your town? Notebooking can be a great way to process through learning about your city or town! In this My Town Activity E-Book, you'll find suggestions for completing notebooking activities to help you learn about both the geography and history of your community, town, or city. When you complete all of the research, you can add a cover and use a binder or folder to create a lasting version of your exploration!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Indoor Field Trips & Factories
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Factory Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next indoor field trip, with a special focus on factories of all kinds. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Holiday Crafts & Recipes
No matter what the holiday, there are always fun ways to celebrate through crafts and cooking! In this Holiday Crafts & Recipes Activity E-Book, you'll find a wealth of craft options for all ages, as well as recipes you can whip up together. Use the results of your creativity to decorate your home, brighten the day of a friend, or even show appreciation to the people who serve your town or community!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Science Museum
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Science Museum Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next science museum field trip. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!