Delaware Homeschool Funding Options (2026)

Delaware offers no state funding for homeschool families. No ESA, no voucher program, no tax credits. As one of the smallest states in the country, Delaware's homeschool community is tight-knit but must work without government financial support.

The good news? Delaware's homeschool requirements are manageable, and the state's size means you're never far from supportive resources and fellow homeschool families.

What Funding Is Available for Delaware Homeschoolers?

Delaware provides no state funding for homeschool families. The state has never passed school choice legislation, and given its political composition, such programs aren't on the immediate horizon.

Your options are limited to federal tax-advantaged accounts and private resources. Delaware's homeschool families have learned to be resourceful and community-minded in offsetting costs.

Understanding Delaware Homeschool Structure

Delaware offers two ways to homeschool, neither of which includes funding:

Single-Family Homeschool: You report attendance to the Delaware Department of Education and must offer instruction in English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Annual enrollment is required.

Multi-Family Homeschool: Two or more families join together, with similar requirements to single-family homeschools. This option can help share costs and teaching responsibilities.

Both options require notification to the DOE but provide flexibility in curriculum choices and teaching approach.

Federal and Alternative Funding Options

Delaware homeschool families rely on federal programs and community resources:

• Coverdell ESA — Save up to $2,000 per year per child. Growth and qualified withdrawals for educational expenses are tax-free.^[2]
• 529 Plan — Delaware's 529 plan offers state tax benefits for contributions. While primarily for college, federal law allows up to $10,000 annually for K-12 private school tuition.
• Multi-family homeschool cost-sharing — Joining with other families can significantly reduce curriculum and materials costs.
• Delaware homeschool co-ops — Several active co-ops offer shared classes and group purchasing.
• Library resources — Delaware libraries offer free curriculum support and educational programming.

The Advantage of a Small State

Delaware's size—second smallest in the nation—creates unique advantages for homeschoolers:

Tight-knit community: Delaware homeschool families tend to know each other. Support groups, co-ops, and informal networks are accessible and personal.

Easy access to resources: From Wilmington to Dover to the beach communities, nothing in Delaware is far away. Field trip opportunities, museums, and educational resources are all within reasonable driving distance.

Proximity to major metros: Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. are all accessible for educational excursions, exposing homeschoolers to world-class museums, historical sites, and cultural opportunities.

Delaware Homeschool Funding at a Glance

Delaware Homeschool Community Resources

Delaware's homeschool community has developed strong support networks:

Delaware Home Education Association (DHEA): The primary statewide organization connecting homeschool families, offering support, resources, and community events.

County-based groups: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties each have active homeschool groups that organize activities, field trips, and co-op classes.

Sports and activities: Some Delaware school districts allow homeschool students to participate in extracurricular activities. Policies vary—contact your local district.

The Bottom Line

Delaware doesn't offer state funding for homeschoolers, and that's unlikely to change soon. What the state does offer is a manageable regulatory environment and a supportive, close-knit homeschool community.

Federal Coverdell ESAs, Delaware's 529 plan tax benefits, and community cost-sharing through multi-family homeschools and co-ops can help make homeschooling affordable. The state's small size means resources and fellow homeschoolers are always nearby.

Homeschooling doesn't have to be expensive. Libraries are free, quality used curriculum is available, and Delaware's tight-knit community means you'll never have to figure things out alone.