Yes, homeschooling is legal in Vermont under state statute 16 V.S.A. § 1121, provided families comply with annual notification, instructional hour, and assessment requirements. Vermont’s Agency of Education monitors compliance through local school districts, with recent 2026 amendments tightening oversight of core subject instruction and portfolio reviews.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Vermont
- Annual Notification: Families must submit a Notice of Intent to the local school district by August 1 or within 14 days of withdrawing a child, including the child’s name, age, and proposed curriculum.
- Instructional Requirements: Homeschoolers must provide at least 175 days of instruction annually, covering the same subjects as public schools: reading, writing, math, history, science, and physical education.
- Assessment Mandates: By April 1 of each year, parents must submit either standardized test results (e.g., Iowa Assessments) or a comprehensive portfolio review conducted by a certified educator, with local superintendents retaining authority to request additional documentation.
Local school boards, such as those in Chittenden County or Windham Southeast, may impose supplementary requirements, including teacher qualifications or subject-specific credits for high school students. Failure to comply risks compulsory attendance enforcement under 16 V.S.A. § 1128, though appeals may be filed with the State Board of Education. Vermont’s 2026 updates emphasize alignment with federal Title I accountability standards, particularly for students receiving special education services through an IEP.