Homeschooling in Vermont: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Vermont takes a middle-ground approach to homeschool oversight—more than Texas but far less than New York. The Green Mountain State requires enrollment notice, minimum instruction days, and annual assessment. What it doesn't do is tell you how to teach or what materials to use.

A 2023 law change simplified the process considerably. Parents still conduct year-end assessments, but they keep records themselves rather than submitting them to the state. This shifted Vermont from a submission model to an attestation model—you affirm you're meeting requirements without proving it annually.

Vermont also offers something valuable: homeschoolers can take courses at their local public school and participate in extracurricular activities. This hybrid option lets families customize education while accessing public resources. This guide walks through Vermont's requirements, the notification process, and practical strategies for successful home study in the Green Mountain State.

Vermont Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Required Subjects by Age

Vermont's subject requirements differ based on student age, with younger students following the broader public school curriculum and older students focusing on core academics^[1].

Under age 13: All subjects required for public school students under Section 906. This typically includes: - Reading, writing, and language arts - Mathematics - Citizenship and history - Literature - Natural sciences - Fine arts - Physical education and health

Age 13 and older: Core academic focus: - English - Mathematics - Science - Social studies

Practical flexibility: While subjects are specified, methods aren't. You choose curriculum, materials, and teaching approaches. Integrated studies covering multiple subjects are common and perfectly acceptable.

No curriculum approval: Vermont doesn't review or approve your curriculum choices. You attest that you're providing instruction in required subjects without submitting detailed plans.

How to Start Homeschooling in Vermont

Annual Assessment Requirements

Vermont requires year-end assessment but gives you options for how to conduct it. Since 2023, you keep assessment records rather than submitting them to the state^[2].

Assessment methods (choose one): - Standardized testing: Administered by district or approved testing service - Teacher evaluation: Assessment by a Vermont-certified teacher - Portfolio review: Parent-maintained portfolio with work samples demonstrating progress - Online school grades: If using an accredited online program - GED completion: For students demonstrating high school equivalency

What to include in a portfolio: - Work samples from each subject area - Progress documentation throughout the year - Evidence of meeting instructional day requirements - Any test results if you chose to include them

Record retention: Keep assessment documentation in case questions arise. Vermont may request records to verify compliance, though such requests are uncommon. Maintaining organized files protects your family.

Instructional Day Requirements

Vermont requires 175 days of instruction per school year—roughly comparable to public school calendars^[1].

What counts: Academic instruction, educational field trips, music lessons, physical education, projects, and similar purposeful activities. Most comprehensive homeschool programs easily meet this threshold.

Scheduling flexibility: Those 175 days don't need to follow public school schedules. Year-round homeschooling, four-day weeks, extended summer breaks—Vermont doesn't dictate your calendar as long as you reach 175 days.

Tracking recommendation: Keep an attendance record showing dates of instruction. Vermont doesn't specify format. A calendar with instructional days marked, a spreadsheet, or a homeschool planner all work.

Essential Records to Maintain

Public School Access

Vermont offers a valuable benefit: homeschoolers can access public school resources while maintaining home study status^[3].

Course access: Homeschooled students may take up to two core courses at their local public school. This lets you supplement home instruction with subjects you prefer not to teach yourself—laboratory sciences, foreign languages, or advanced math, for example.

Extracurricular participation: Vermont allows homeschoolers to participate in public school extracurricular activities "as space permits." This includes sports, clubs, music programs, and other activities.

How to arrange access: 1. Contact your local school principal or superintendent 2. Discuss available courses and activities 3. Complete required enrollment paperwork for specific programs 4. Coordinate scheduling between home and school activities

Practical consideration: Transportation is typically your responsibility for courses or activities. Factor distance and scheduling into your decision.

High School, Graduation & Beyond

Vermont homeschool parents determine graduation requirements and issue diplomas. The state doesn't specify required high school credits or courses for home-educated students.

Building transcripts: For college applications, create comprehensive transcripts documenting courses, credits, grades, and graduation requirements. Include course descriptions for selective colleges.

Vermont colleges: State schools including UVM and Vermont State University accept homeschool applicants. Requirements typically include transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and application materials. Contact admissions offices for specific guidance.

Dual enrollment: Vermont offers dual enrollment opportunities at state colleges. Your high schooler can take college courses for credit, gaining experience and reducing future college costs.

The 2-course option: Taking courses at public school during high school years provides documented academic credentials alongside your homeschool transcript—potentially valuable for college applications.

Special Situations

Starting mid-year: File your enrollment notice at least 10 business days before beginning instruction. Vermont allows starting at any point—you don't need to wait for a traditional school year start.

Multiple children: Each homeschooled child requires enrollment on your notice. The assessment requirement applies to each student individually, but you submit one family notice.

Moving to Vermont: File your enrollment notice with the Vermont Secretary of Education upon establishing residency. Bring records from your previous state for continuity and transcript purposes.

Returning to public school: Contact your local school about enrollment. Vermont places returning students based on assessment of their academic level, not strictly by age or previous grade designation. Organized records facilitate appropriate placement.

Special needs: Vermont doesn't provide special education services to homeschooled students. Families needing specialized support face a choice between homeschool freedom and access to services. Some arrange private therapies or evaluations outside the public system.

The Bottom Line

Vermont balances homeschool oversight with family flexibility. The enrollment notice, 175 instructional days, and annual assessment create a framework that ensures educational engagement without micromanaging your approach.

The 2023 changes made compliance simpler—keeping assessment records yourself rather than submitting them to the state reduces paperwork while maintaining the assessment expectation. Public school course access adds valuable flexibility many states don't offer.

Your first step: submit your enrollment notice to the Vermont Secretary of Education at least 10 business days before you plan to begin. From there, select curriculum covering required subjects, establish your assessment method, and begin the rewarding journey of home study in the Green Mountain State.