Hours / Days
No specific requirement
State Code
DE
Subjects
0 required
Filing Requirements
Nonpublic School Registration
No later than September 30 annuallyFile simple NPS registration form with Delaware Department of Education. No curriculum details required.
How to Comply with Delaware's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in Delaware
Legal Classification
Nonpublic School (Home-Based Private School)
Compulsory Education Ages
5-16
Available Legal Pathways
Home-Based Private School
Open and register a nonpublic school with the Delaware Department of Education. Provide instruction at home with daily attendance tracking and year-end attendance reporting.
Authorized Organization Homeschool
Associate your homeschool with an authorized organization that provides oversight and support while you maintain teaching responsibility.
Private School Program
Enroll in a brick-and-mortar private school or its satellite program for a more structured educational environment.
Steps to Get Started
Understand Delaware's Nonpublic School Registration
Delaware requires homeschools to be registered as nonpublic schools with the Delaware Department of Education. This is a straightforward administrative process that essentially opens your home as a school and registers your children as students in that school.
Delaware's requirement to register as a nonpublic school is unique, but the process is simple and involves no curriculum approval.
Register Your Nonpublic School by September 30
Contact the Delaware Department of Education to open a nonpublic school and enroll your children. The enrollment deadline is September 30 (changed from October 5). You'll complete a registration form with your school name, address, and student information.
- Your home is your school—you'll register your address as the school location
- Complete the enrollment form with each child's information
- Submit your registration to the Department of Education
- Keep a copy of your registration confirmation
Even though you're the only employee, Delaware requires that you formally open your nonpublic school.
Maintain Daily Attendance Records
Track attendance for each day you provide instruction. Attendance is required to show that educational instruction is being provided. You're not submitting these daily records, but you must maintain them for potential review.
- Use a simple calendar or spreadsheet to record school days
- Include the date and note the subject areas covered if you can
- Keep these records organized and accessible
A wall calendar with X marks for school days or a simple spreadsheet is perfectly adequate.
Submit Year-End Attendance Report
At the end of the school year (by July 31), submit an attendance report to the Delaware Department of Education summarizing the instruction provided. This is the only required reporting.
- Calculate the total days of instruction provided during the school year
- Submit the report on the form provided by the Department
- Maintain copies for your records
Delaware is much less regulatory than most states—this is your only annual filing.
Choose Your Curriculum and Subjects
Delaware has no mandated subjects, curriculum approval requirements, or specific teaching qualifications. You have complete freedom to choose what and how your child learns. Select curricula that align with your educational philosophy and your child's learning style.
- You can use traditional curriculum, classical education, unschooling, or any approach
- Online programs, textbooks, and hands-on materials are all acceptable
- You can combine subjects through unit studies or teach them separately
Delaware's lack of curriculum mandates is one of its greatest strengths for creative homeschoolers.
Keep Portfolio and Progress Records
While Delaware doesn't require formal testing or assessments, maintaining a portfolio of your child's work helps you track progress and demonstrates educational activity.
- Save samples of completed work, projects, and assignments
- Keep test results if you administer any assessments
- Document field trips, classes, and enrichment activities
- Take photos of hands-on projects and learning evidence
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in public school, register your nonpublic school and enroll your child. If you later want to return to public school, contact the school's enrollment office.
Public School Access
Delaware homeschoolers may participate in some public school activities depending on district policy. Contact your school district's athletic director or principal to inquire about sports and extracurricular participation.
Special Education
Delaware allows families with students with special needs to homeschool. If your child previously had special education services, coordinate with your district about what services or support you want to continue.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Use a calendar or spreadsheet to track attendance days throughout the school year
- Create subject folders with samples of work from each subject area
- Save receipts for curriculum materials and educational resources purchased
- Document field trips, museum visits, and educational activities attended
- Keep a simple portfolio with representative samples of your child's learning
Assessment Requirements
None required
Record Keeping
Enrollment at beginning of year; attendance reported by July 31 annually.
Key Facts About Delaware
Simple annual registration process with no curriculum approval
No mandated subjects or hours
No testing requirements
Delaware distinguishes single-family vs. multi-family homeschools
Ages 5-16 (by August 31 cutoff) must receive instruction
“Every family's homeschool journey in Delaware is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NPS registration?
NPS registration is Delaware's simple notification process for homeschools. You register as a nonpublic school by September 30 each year. No detailed curriculum or educational plan is required.
Are there subject or hour requirements?
No. Delaware does not mandate specific subjects, instructional hours, or days. You have complete freedom to choose your curriculum and teaching pace.
Does Delaware require testing?
No testing is required. You assess your child's progress through your chosen method.
What records do I need to keep?
Report enrollment at the beginning of the year and attendance by July 31. No detailed record-keeping format is mandated.
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