Homeschooling in Wyoming: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Wyoming became dramatically more homeschool-friendly in 2025. The Homeschool Freedom Act (HB 46), effective July 1, 2025, eliminated notification requirements and curriculum submission—changes that placed Wyoming among the dozen least-regulated homeschool states in the nation.

The timing coincides with the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship, Wyoming's universal ESA program providing $7,000 per student annually for educational expenses. Homeschool families can use these funds for curriculum, tutoring, educational technology, and much more.

What Wyoming still requires: a "basic academic educational program" with sequentially progressive curriculum covering seven subjects. No testing, no approval, no annual paperwork. This guide covers the simplified 2025/2026 requirements, the ESA opportunity, and practical strategies for homeschooling in the Cowboy State.

Wyoming Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

The 2025 Homeschool Freedom Act

House Bill 46, signed by Governor Gordon on February 27, 2025 and effective July 1, 2025, fundamentally simplified Wyoming homeschooling^[1].

What HB 46 eliminated: - Notification/letter of intent requirements - Curriculum submission to local school districts - Any interaction with local superintendents for homeschooling

What remains: - Providing a basic academic educational program - Sequentially progressive curriculum in seven subjects - Compulsory attendance ages 7-16

Only exception: If withdrawing a student previously enrolled in public school, notify the district of the withdrawal. After that, no ongoing reporting is required.

Practical impact: Wyoming families can begin homeschooling without filing paperwork or seeking approval. The state trusts parents to provide education without oversight. This positions Wyoming among states like Texas, Idaho, and Alaska in homeschool-friendly rankings.

Required Subjects

Wyoming requires a "basic academic educational program" with sequentially progressive curriculum in seven subject areas^[2]:

Required subjects: - Reading - Writing - Mathematics - Civics - History - Literature - Science

Sequentially progressive: Your curriculum should advance from simpler to more complex concepts as your child matures. This doesn't require specific materials—just evidence of progression over time.

What's not specified: - Health or physical education - Foreign language - Arts or music - Specific textbooks or curricula

Curriculum freedom: Wyoming doesn't approve, review, or recommend curricula. Select materials matching your child's learning style and your educational philosophy. Integrated approaches covering multiple subjects simultaneously are fine.

How to Start Homeschooling in Wyoming

Steamboat Legacy Scholarship (ESA)

Wyoming's Steamboat Legacy Scholarship provides $7,000 annually per student for educational expenses—one of the more generous ESA programs in the nation^[3].

Eligibility: - K-12: Universal eligibility for all Wyoming residents not enrolled in public school - Pre-K: Income-limited (household income at or below 250% federal poverty level)

Disbursement: Quarterly payments beginning July 2025

Eligible expenses: - Private school tuition and fees - Curriculum and textbooks - Tutoring services - Educational technology (computers, software) - Extracurriculars and summer programs - Educational therapies (speech, behavioral) - AP exams and college admission tests - Transportation to education providers - School uniforms

Application: Through the Wyoming Department of Education. Check edu.wyoming.gov for current application windows and procedures.

Legal note: The program faces a legal challenge (Wyoming Education Association lawsuit filed June 2025). Monitor updates, but the program remains operational while litigation proceeds.

Record-Keeping Practices

Wyoming law doesn't specify record-keeping requirements for homeschoolers. No attendance logs, portfolios, or progress reports are mandated. However, maintaining records protects your family and supports future needs.

Why keep records: - Documents education if questions arise - Supports high school transcript creation - Required for ESA expense documentation - Facilitates transitions if circumstances change

Recommended records: - Curriculum used for each subject - Work samples demonstrating progress - Attendance or instructional calendar - ESA expenditure receipts (if using scholarship) - Assessment results if you choose to test

Format flexibility: Choose an approach you'll maintain consistently. Detailed logs, weekly summaries, or periodic snapshots—any system works as long as you use it.

Recommended Records to Maintain

Optional Testing

Wyoming requires no standardized testing for homeschoolers. However, free state assessments are available if you want them^[2].

Why test voluntarily: - Benchmark progress against grade-level expectations - Identify strengths and areas needing attention - Prepare for college entrance exams (ACT, SAT) - Satisfy personal curiosity about academic standing

State assessment option: Contact your local school district or the Wyoming Department of Education about participating in state assessments. Participation is voluntary with no consequences for results.

Private testing: Services like BJU Press testing, CAT tests, or Iowa assessments through homeschool providers offer detailed feedback independent of state involvement.

High School, Graduation & Beyond

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

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

Wyoming universities: University of Wyoming and community colleges accept homeschool applicants. Requirements typically include transcripts, ACT scores, and standard application materials. Contact admissions for specific guidance.

Dual enrollment: Wyoming community colleges often allow high schoolers to take courses for credit. This provides college experience, documented coursework, and a head start on higher education.

Career readiness: Wyoming's economy includes energy, agriculture, tourism, and healthcare. Consider how your high school program prepares your student for regional opportunities alongside traditional college paths.

Sports and Extracurricular Access

Wyoming provides some homeschool access to public school activities, with legislation potentially expanding opportunities.

Current status: Homeschoolers can participate in public school activities at the high school level under certain conditions. Participation requirements vary by district.

Pending legislation: Bill 26LSO-0197 (2026 session) would expand homeschool student participation in public school activities to grades 6-12, broadening access beyond high school only.

How to explore options: 1. Contact your local school's principal or activities director 2. Ask about policies for homeschool student participation 3. Understand eligibility requirements if access is available 4. Monitor legislation for expanded access

Homeschool alternatives: Wyoming's homeschool community offers co-ops, sports leagues, and activities, particularly in more populated areas like Cheyenne and Casper.

Financial Assistance

Wyoming's Steamboat Legacy Scholarship provides significant financial support for homeschool families—$7,000 per student annually^[3].

Quick ESA summary: - Amount: $7,000/year per student - Eligibility: Universal for K-12 (income limits for Pre-K) - Uses: Curriculum, tutoring, technology, extracurriculars, testing, therapies, and more

For complete details on eligibility, application process, and approved expenses, see our Wyoming Homeschool Funding Guide.

Beyond ESA: Coverdell Education Savings Accounts can also cover K-12 expenses on a federal level. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.

Special Situations

Starting mid-year: Wyoming requires no filing, so you can begin homeschooling at any point. Simply withdraw from public school if applicable and start providing instruction.

Moving to Wyoming: No notification required. Begin homeschooling upon establishing residency. Apply for the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship if interested in funding support.

Returning to public school: Contact your local school about enrollment. Wyoming places students based on school assessment. Having organized records facilitates appropriate placement.

Rural homeschooling: Wyoming's sparse population means distance to co-ops or homeschool groups can be significant. Online resources, virtual communities, and the ESA for technology expenses help bridge geographic challenges.

Special needs: Wyoming doesn't provide special education services to homeschooled students. The Steamboat Legacy Scholarship can fund educational therapies, tutoring, and specialized materials. Some families find the ESA enables support that wouldn't otherwise be affordable.

The Bottom Line

Wyoming offers exceptional homeschool freedom paired with generous financial support. The 2025 Homeschool Freedom Act eliminated notification and curriculum submission requirements. The Steamboat Legacy Scholarship provides $7,000 annually for educational expenses. Together, these make Wyoming one of the most supportive states for home education.

Requirements are minimal: provide a basic academic program with sequentially progressive curriculum in seven subjects. No testing, no approval, no ongoing paperwork.

Your first steps: decide on curriculum covering required subjects, apply for the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship if you want funding support, and begin homeschooling. Wyoming trusts parents to educate their children—a philosophy that's shaped the Cowboy State's approach for years and strengthened with 2025's reforms.