Colorado Homeschool Laws & Requirements
Here's what Colorado requires of homeschooling families, reviewed for the 2026 school year.
What Colorado requires
Notification / Filing
Letter of intent must be filed with the school district (not CDE). Records must be provided to the school district that received the written notification at the district's request.
Required Subjects
U.S. Constitution, Reading, Writing, Speaking, Math, History, Civics, Literature, Science
Instructional Days
172 days of instruction averaging 4 hours per day. Attendance records must be maintained.
Standardized Testing
Students must have academic progress evaluated in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Students are not required to take the state standardized test, but can take a nationally standardized achievement test or be evaluated by a qualified person (someone with a Colorado teacher license, teacher in independent/parochial school, licensed psychologist, or master's degree in education). Results submitted to the school district where letter of intent was filed.
Immunization
Immunization records as required by C.R.S sections 25-4-901, 25-4-902, and 25-4-903 must be kept on a permanent basis by the parent and provided to the school district upon request
Withdrawing from Public School
Submit notification of intent 14 days before beginning homeschool.
Additional Notes
Colorado requires annual notification, mandated subjects, and periodic testing. Parents must keep attendance records, test results, and immunization records. Compulsory ages are 6 (by Aug 1) through 17. No teacher qualifications required.
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Colorado homeschooling FAQ
Does Colorado require homeschool notification?
Letter of intent must be filed with the school district (not CDE). Records must be provided to the school district that received the written notification at the district's request.
How many instructional days or hours does Colorado require?
Colorado requires at least 172 instructional days per year.
Is standardized testing required for homeschoolers in Colorado?
Students must have academic progress evaluated in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Students are not required to take the state standardized test, but can take a nationally standardized achievement test or be evaluated by a qualified person (someone with a Colorado teacher license, teacher in independent/parochial school, licensed psychologist, or master's degree in education). Results submitted to the school district where letter of intent was filed.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Colorado?
Colorado requires instruction in: U.S. Constitution, Reading, Writing, Speaking, Math, History, Civics, Literature, Science.
Does Colorado require homeschoolers to keep a portfolio or records?
No. Colorado does not require a formal portfolio, though keeping records is always recommended.
Source: https://hslda.org/post/how-to-comply-with-colorados-homeschool-law
Last verified June 28, 2026.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with your state's department of education.
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