Curriculum notification is a formal document submitted to education authorities detailing your planned homeschool subjects and educational program, required in some states as part of the legal homeschooling process.
What is Curriculum Notification?
Curriculum notification goes beyond simply informing the state that you're homeschooling. It requires providing details about what you plan to teach and sometimes how you plan to teach it. This is distinct from a basic notice of intent, which merely announces your decision to homeschool without describing your educational program. States like New York require an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) listing specific subjects by grade level. Pennsylvania asks for educational objectives. A few states, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, actually require approval of your curriculum plan before you can legally begin homeschooling.
Key Takeaways
- Different from a simple notice of intent, which only announces homeschooling without curriculum details
- Requirements range from basic subject lists to detailed educational plans requiring approval
- Most states have specific deadlines, often in August before the school year begins
- Information requested beyond state requirements is typically optional
- Filing protects families from truancy allegations and legal complications
States with Curriculum Requirements
The strictest requirements exist in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. New York requires an IHIP with specific subjects listed by grade level and quarterly reports. Pennsylvania requires educational objectives (though by law these cannot be used to determine compliance). Massachusetts and Rhode Island require actual approval from local school districts before homeschooling begins. Most other states either require only a basic notice of intent or no notification at all. Wyoming recently became the 12th state to drop curriculum submission requirements entirely.
What Information is Required
Typical requirements include child's name and age, parent contact information, list of subjects to be taught, and sometimes a curriculum description or objectives. Be aware that some district forms request optional information not required by law, such as Social Security numbers. You're only legally obligated to provide what state statute mandates. When in doubt, check your state's actual homeschool law rather than relying solely on district forms, which sometimes overreach.
Filing Deadlines
Most states with notification requirements set August 15th as the deadline for the upcoming school year. New York requires the letter of intent within 14 days of starting or by July 1st for fall starts, with the IHIP due by August 15th. Virginia's deadline is August 15th annually. For mid-year withdrawals from public school, most states require filing within 14-30 days of beginning homeschool. Keep copies of everything you submit and consider sending documents via certified mail for proof of filing.
Notification vs. Approval
This distinction matters enormously. In most states, curriculum notification is exactly that: notification. You inform the district and proceed with homeschooling; you don't wait for permission. Only Massachusetts and Rhode Island require actual approval before beginning. Even in states with detailed requirements like New York, you can typically start homeschooling before your plan is formally accepted. Understanding this difference prevents unnecessary delays and anxiety about starting your homeschool year.
The Bottom Line
Curriculum notification requirements vary dramatically by state, from no requirements at all to detailed plans requiring district approval. Understanding exactly what your state requires helps you meet legal obligations without providing unnecessary information or waiting for approval you don't actually need. Filing properly protects your family from truancy concerns and establishes your homeschool as a legitimate educational program in the eyes of the state.
