Hours / Days
172 days per year; 4 hours per day minimum
State Code
CO
Subjects
9 required
Filing Requirements
Notice of Intent
14 days prior to beginning homeschoolingFile NOI with your local school district. Notify them again if you withdraw from homeschooling.
How to Comply with Colorado's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in Colorado
Legal Classification
Home School Program
Compulsory Education Ages
6-17
Steps to Get Started
Send a Letter of Intent
Submit a letter of intent at least 14 days before you begin homeschooling to a Colorado school district of your choice. This doesn't have to be your residential district. You'll need to submit a new letter of intent each school year.
- Address it to the superintendent of the school district you choose
- Include your name, address, phone number, and children's names
- Keep a copy for your records
You can choose any Colorado school district to work with—not necessarily your residence district.
Teach Required Subjects
Colorado requires instruction in nine core subjects: reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and the United States Constitution. These subjects must be taught with intellectual rigor and appropriate to your child's age and ability.
- Reading, writing, and speaking can be integrated through language arts
- History and civics can be combined in a social studies program
- Literature can be taught through quality books and discussion
- Science includes life, earth, and physical science
- The Constitution can be taught within civics or history
The nine subjects can be integrated into units or projects that cover multiple subjects at once.
Meet Instructional Hour Requirements
Your homeschool must provide a minimum of 172 days of instruction per school year, averaging 4 contact hours per day. Contact hours are when your child is actually engaged in instruction—not including homework, breaks, or independent study time.
- This equals approximately 688 instruction hours per year (172 days × 4 hours)
- You can distribute these hours however you want throughout the year
- Days don't have to be consecutive—you can spread them across the year
Most Colorado homeschools average about 4-5 hours of actual instruction daily, leaving afternoons and summers flexible.
Evaluate Student Progress
Students must be academically evaluated in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. This evaluation must be performed by either a nationally standardized achievement test (like the SAT, ACT, or similar) or by a qualified evaluator chosen by the parent.
- Qualified evaluators include: Colorado-licensed teachers, teachers at independent/parochial schools, licensed psychologists, or those with a master's degree in education
- Evaluations don't have to be submitted—keep them on file at home
- Evaluations help you track progress and identify any learning gaps
Many Colorado homeschoolers use standardized testing in spring (grades 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) and use other years for portfolios or independent evaluations.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain permanent records for each child that include attendance, test and evaluation results, and immunization records. These records should be kept at home and are not submitted to the state.
- Track attendance showing 172 days of instruction minimum
- Document evaluation results from assessment years
- Keep immunization records up to date
- Maintain samples of work, projects, and learning evidence
A simple folder or digital file for each child with these items organized is sufficient.
Renew Your Letter of Intent Annually
Each school year you must submit a new letter of intent 14 days before starting. Mark your calendar so you don't miss the deadline for annual renewal.
If nothing changes, you can often use the same letter format with updated dates.
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in public school, simply submit your letter of intent and begin homeschooling. If you want to return to public school, contact the school's enrollment office.
Public School Access
Colorado homeschoolers may be able to participate in some public school activities and sports depending on district policy. Contact your school district about dual enrollment, extracurricular activities, or other opportunities.
Special Education
Colorado allows families with students with special needs to homeschool. If your child has an existing IEP or has been identified for special education, coordinate with your school district about services and supports.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Use a simple spreadsheet or planner to track 172 instructional days annually
- Create a folder for each grade year with samples of work in each subject area
- Keep all evaluation and test results organized by grade and year
- Maintain immunization records in an easily accessible location
- Take photos of hands-on projects, experiments, and learning activities
Required Subjects
Assessment Requirements
Required in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. Can use nationally standardized test OR evaluation by qualified evaluator (Colorado teacher, independent/parochial teacher, licensed psychologist, or master's degree holder).
Record Keeping
Required. Maintain attendance records, test results, and immunization records.
Key Facts About Colorado
Evaluator option provides testing flexibility
No parent teaching certificate required
Strong subject requirements including US Constitution
Evaluation by qualified educator is always an acceptable alternative to standardized testing
“Every family's homeschool journey in Colorado is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Notice of Intent include?
The NOI is a simple form indicating you will homeschool. File it with your local school district at least 14 days before you start. No detailed curriculum plans are required.
Can I use an evaluator instead of standardized testing?
Yes. In grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, you can either administer a nationally standardized test OR have your child evaluated by a qualified evaluator (Colorado teacher, licensed psychologist, or holder of a master's degree).
What is the 172-day and 4-hour requirement?
Colorado requires a minimum of 172 instructional days per year with at least 4 hours of instruction per day. This is slightly less than the typical 180-day public school year.
Do I need teaching credentials in Colorado?
No. You do not need a teaching license or certification to homeschool in Colorado. Parents of any educational background can homeschool.
Looking for requirements in another state?