Homeschooling in Vermont
Vermont
Explore Homeschooling helps you take an overview look at homeschooling requirements and guidelines in Vermont. Homeschool requirements in Vermont are designed to ensure every child receives a proper education, however certain requirements are somewhat unusual when compared to other states. These requirements and level of direct oversight can make homeschooling in Vermont challenging. Vermont is no stranger to unusual laws and requirements. For example, here’s No. 15 of the Acts of 1999: When serving apple pie Vermont, a “good faith” effort shall be made to serve it with: (a) with a glass of cold milk, (b) with a slice of cheddar cheese, (c) with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Snapshot of Requirements
Complexity
Vermont has some unusual required subjects and requires a large amount of direct oversight in order to legally homeschool. Vermont ranks as a challenging state to homeschool in.Teaching
Vermont does not have requirements for any kind of teaching certification. Vermont has a lengthy list of required subjects, including the following: basic communication skills (including reading, writing, and the use of numbers); citizenship; history and government in Vermont and the U.S.; physical education and comprehensive health education (including the effects of tobacco, alcoholic drinks, and drugs on the human system and on society); English, American, and other literature; the natural sciences; and the fine arts.Testing
An annual assessment of your student must be sent to the secretary of education with whom you filed your notice of enrollment. There are several ways in which this assessment requirement may legally be fulfilled.
Registration
A written enrollment notice must be sent to the secretary of education annually. You must obtain an acknowledgement of compliance from the secretary of education before you begin homeschooling.Grade Level
Homeschooling is allowed in all grades. Vermont requires children between the ages of 6 and 16 to be schooled.Reporting
Under certain circumstances you must submit a "narrative" alongside your written enrollment notice. This narrative is a detailed outline describing the instructional content you will provide in each subject area. Vermont makes no other demand for homeschool reporting.
Advice For Homeschooling In Vermont
Legally speaking, Vermont has a fair amount of accountability built into their homeschool requirements. This is useful in making sure your student’s education is on track. Be sure to retain proof of instruction in all state mandated subjects and file annual assessments as required. While record keeping requirements are minimal in Vermont, it is advised that you keep good records of your student’s education. These records will support your right to homeschool and also benefit your child personally in future endeavors. Continuing their education, entering the military, or passing a background check for employment will all require some level of proof of education.
QUICK FACTS
Over 10,000 students homeschool in the Green Mountain State of Vermont!
Vermont has a variety of co-ops for homeschoolers!
Vermont parents have had the right to homeschool since 1987.
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!