Is Homeschooling Legal in Kansas After the 2026 Law Changes?

Yes, Kansas law explicitly permits homeschooling under K.S.A. 72-1113, recognizing it as an alternative to public or private education. The state does not require parental certification, standardized testing, or curriculum approval, though local school districts may request annual enrollment verification.


Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Kansas

  • Annual Notification Requirement: Parents must submit a formal declaration of intent to homeschool to their local school district by September 1 of each academic year, or within 14 days of withdrawing a child from public school. Failure to comply may trigger district inquiries under K.S.A. 72-1113(b).
  • Subject-Matter Mandates: Instruction must align with Kansas’s minimum standards, covering reading, writing, mathematics, history, government, and science. While no specific textbooks are prescribed, districts may review course outlines upon request.
  • Immunization and Health Records: Homeschooled students remain subject to Kansas’s immunization laws (K.S.A. 72-5209), requiring proof of vaccinations or exemptions filed with the local health department. Annual health assessments are not mandated but may be requested during district audits.

Local education agencies, including the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), monitor compliance through random audits. A 2026 legislative proposal seeks to standardize reporting forms, potentially adding digital submission requirements. Homeschooling families should retain attendance records and curriculum samples for three years to substantiate compliance.