Homeschooling in New York: Laws & Requirements (2026)

New York has earned its reputation as one of the most heavily regulated states for homeschooling. The requirements are extensive: you'll file an Individualized Home Instruction Plan each year, submit quarterly progress reports, administer annual assessments, and demonstrate adequate progress through formal documentation. For families accustomed to less regulated environments, the paperwork can feel relentless.

Yet thousands of New York families homeschool successfully, and many find the structure provides helpful milestones and documentation. The key is understanding exactly what's required, building efficient systems, and connecting with the strong homeschool community across the state. This guide walks through each requirement, the precise timeline, and practical strategies that experienced New York homeschoolers rely on.

New York Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Understanding New York's Regulatory Framework

New York's homeschool regulations are codified in Section 100.10 of the Commissioner's Regulations. The law creates a structured accountability system with four main components: annual notice and plan submission, quarterly progress reports, annual assessments, and district oversight.

The philosophy behind the requirements: New York takes a "substantial equivalence" approach—your home instruction must be substantially equivalent to public school instruction. The required subjects, hour minimums, and assessment requirements all flow from this standard.

District relationships vary dramatically: Some school districts work cooperatively with homeschool families, while others take an adversarial stance. Urban districts (especially NYC) tend to have specialized homeschool offices with standardized processes. Suburban and rural districts vary widely. Understanding your district's approach matters—connect with local homeschool families before you file.

The documentation reality: You'll spend time on paperwork. Experienced families estimate 1-2 hours monthly on record-keeping and reporting once systems are established. The first year takes more effort as you learn the requirements and find your rhythm.

The Annual Compliance Timeline

The Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP)

The IHIP is your annual curriculum plan—a detailed outline of what you'll teach in each required subject throughout the year. It's due within four weeks of your district acknowledging your Letter of Intent.

What to include: For each child, list the required subjects with planned content. Include textbooks, workbooks, curricula, or other materials you'll use. If you're not using formal curricula, describe your approach and resources. The plan should cover all required subjects for your child's grade level.

IHIP format: There's no mandated format. Some districts provide forms; others accept any format that covers required elements. Use whatever system works for you—detailed narratives, bullet points, curriculum publisher scope-and-sequences, or simple lists.

Flexibility within your IHIP: The IHIP describes your plan, not a contract you can't modify. You can change curricula or approaches during the year if something isn't working. Major changes should be noted in your quarterly reports.

District response: The district has 10 business days to respond to your IHIP. They must accept it if it covers required subjects adequately. If they have concerns, they'll request clarification or amendments. Most IHIPs are approved without issue.

Required Subjects in New York

New York mandates instruction in specific subjects, with requirements varying by grade level. The list is extensive—more comprehensive than most states.

Grades 1-6 required subjects: Arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, English language, geography, US history, science, health education, music, visual arts, physical education, bilingual education or English as a second language (where appropriate).

Grades 7-8 required subjects: English (2 units), history and geography (2 units), science (2 units), mathematics (2 units), physical education, health (one semester), art (one semester), music (one semester), practical arts and home economics (2 units).

Grades 9-12 required subjects: English (4 units), social studies (4 units including US history, participation in government, and economics), mathematics (2 units), science (2 units), art/music (1 unit), health (1/2 unit), physical education (every year), plus electives to reach 22 total units.

Special requirements: All grades must include instruction in patriotism and citizenship, highway safety and traffic regulations, fire and arson prevention, and New York history. This sounds daunting but can be integrated naturally into other subjects.

Subjects Required Across All Grades

• Patriotism and Citizenship — Including the pledge of allegiance, US flag respect
• Highway Safety and Traffic Regulations — Age-appropriate traffic safety
• Fire and Arson Prevention Safety — Fire safety awareness
• Substance Abuse Prevention — Age-appropriate drug/alcohol education
• New York State History — Can be integrated with US history

Quarterly Reports

New York requires four progress reports per year—more frequent documentation than any other state. This is where many families feel the weight of compliance.

Report due dates: Districts set specific dates, typically around November 15, January 31, April 15, and June 30. Your district will specify exact dates in their response to your IHIP.

What to include: Each quarterly report must show the number of hours completed per subject, a summary of material covered that quarter, and a narrative of your child's progress. Include grade-level work samples if requested by your district.

Hours tracking: Document cumulative instructional hours. The annual requirement is 900 hours for grades 1-6 and 990 hours for grades 7-12. Each quarterly report should show progress toward these totals.

Practical approach: Keep a simple log throughout the quarter noting subjects, activities, and hours. Then compile into the report format at submission time. Many families find that 20-30 minutes weekly of logging keeps quarterly reports manageable.

District review: Districts review reports for completeness. If your child isn't making adequate progress, the district may request a conference or additional documentation. Substantial compliance typically satisfies requirements.

Annual Assessments

Every year, you must demonstrate your child's educational progress through a formal assessment. The type of assessment depends on grade level.

Testing years (grades 4, 6, 8, and annually 9-12): Your child must take a standardized achievement test covering reading and math (elementary) or appropriate subjects (secondary). The test must be approved by the district and administered by a qualified person. Popular options include Iowa Tests, Stanford Achievement Test, or commercially available achievement tests.

Score requirements: Your child must score at or above the 33rd percentile on the standardized test. If scores fall below this threshold, the district can require a remediation plan. Two consecutive years below the 33rd percentile can trigger probationary status.

Non-testing years (grades 1, 2, 3, 5, 7): You submit a written narrative evaluation prepared by a certified teacher, a peer review panel of two or more persons, or another individual approved by your district. The evaluation assesses whether your child is making adequate progress.

Alternative assessments: For high school students, the Regents examinations can serve as assessments. Some families use these to build a transcript that's easily recognized by colleges.

High School and Graduation

High school homeschooling in New York involves annual testing and specific credit requirements. Parents issue diplomas, but meeting documentation standards matters for college applications.

Credit requirements: New York recommends 22 units (credits) for graduation, distributed across English (4), social studies (4), math (2), science (2), art/music (1), health (0.5), physical education (2), and electives. Each unit represents approximately 180 hours of instruction.

Regents exams (optional but valuable): Homeschoolers can take New York Regents examinations at their local public school. While not required, Regents scores provide objective, state-recognized assessments that colleges understand. Consider Regents for core subjects like English, math, and science.

Transcripts: Create detailed transcripts showing course titles, credits, grades, and GPA. Include course descriptions for non-traditional classes. Document any dual enrollment, community college courses, or AP/CLEP exams.

College admissions: New York colleges are experienced with homeschool applicants. SUNY and CUNY systems have established processes. Strong SAT/ACT scores, transcripts, and sometimes portfolios or interviews demonstrate readiness. Regents scores add credibility with New York institutions.

Dealing with Your School District

Your relationship with your school district significantly impacts your homeschool experience. New York districts vary widely in their approach—from supportive to adversarial.

Know your rights: Districts cannot add requirements beyond state regulations. They cannot require home visits, approve your curriculum choices, or dictate teaching methods. They can request clarification on your IHIP and review quarterly reports for completeness.

NYC specific: New York City has a dedicated Office of Homeschooling that handles all five boroughs. Their processes are standardized, which can be helpful. Use their forms and follow their timelines precisely.

Suburban and rural districts: Practices vary. Some districts are hands-off; others scrutinize every filing. Connect with local homeschool families to understand your district's reputation before you file.

If conflicts arise: Document everything in writing. If a district oversteps legal boundaries, contact HSLDA or another homeschool legal organization. Most issues resolve through clear communication about regulatory requirements.

Building relationships: Some families find that occasional positive contact—sharing achievements, thanking helpful staff—creates goodwill that smooths future interactions.

Annual Compliance Checklist

Special Situations

Starting mid-year: You can begin homeschooling at any point. Submit your Letter of Intent within 14 days of starting and your IHIP within 4 weeks after that. Quarterly reports follow from your start date. If withdrawing from public school, submit written withdrawal notice to the school.

NYC specifics: New York City has unique compulsory attendance ages (6-17) and uses the central Office of Homeschooling for all processing. Use NYC-specific forms when available.

Special needs students: You can homeschool children with IEPs, but you forfeit public school special education services. Some families access private therapists or evaluators. The assessment and reporting requirements remain the same.

Moving to New York: File your Letter of Intent within 14 days of establishing residency. Previous homeschool records support grade placement. Be prepared to meet New York's more extensive subject requirements.

Moving from New York: Keep copies of all your documentation. Your detailed records will serve you well in any state—most require far less than New York.

Resources and Support

New York has a robust homeschool community despite—or perhaps because of—the regulatory requirements.

State organizations: LEAH (Loving Education at Home) provides support, legal guidance, and legislative advocacy. NYCHEA serves New York City homeschoolers specifically. Multiple regional groups offer local connections.

Support groups and co-ops: Co-ops are active across the state, offering group classes, field trips, and community. Many facilitate group testing for required assessments at reduced costs.

BOCES services: Some BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) offer services to homeschoolers, including testing, extracurricular activities, and specialized classes. Availability varies by region.

Library resources: New York libraries often support homeschoolers with programs, resources, and meeting spaces. Many libraries offer free or discounted access to educational databases and digital resources.

The Bottom Line

New York's homeschool requirements are demanding—there's no sugarcoating the paperwork load. Annual IHIPs, quarterly reports, and assessments with score requirements create ongoing compliance obligations that require consistent attention.

The families who thrive develop systems: weekly logging that makes quarterly reports simple, organized files that keep IHIPs efficient, and connections with local homeschoolers who share insights on district relationships and group testing opportunities.

Your first steps: submit your Letter of Intent by July 1 (or within 14 days if starting mid-year), prepare your IHIP carefully, and set up a tracking system you'll actually use. Connect with local support groups—they're your best resource for navigating district-specific expectations.