Hours / Days
K-6: 900 hours/year; 7-12: 990 hours/year; 180 instructional days
State Code
NY
Subjects
8 required
Filing Requirements
Notice of Intent + Quarterly Reports
Annually; quarterly progress reports requiredFile NOI annually with school district. Submit quarterly progress reports.
How to Comply with New York's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in New York
Legal Classification
Home Instruction in Individualized Education Plan (IHIP)
Compulsory Education Ages
6-16/17
Steps to Get Started
File Your IHIP Within 28 Days
You must submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) to your school district superintendent within 28 days of beginning homeschooling. The IHIP is your formal notification and educational plan. It must include your child's age and grade level, curriculum details, instruction plan, assessment schedule, and instructor information. This is a comprehensive filing that establishes your legal homeschool program.
- Complete the required IHIP form from your school district
- Include curriculum and materials you'll use
- Outline your teaching plan and subjects
- Include quarterly reporting schedule
- Provide name and qualifications of instructor
- Submit within 28 days of starting
The IHIP is detailed but straightforward—it helps your district understand your educational approach.
Teach Required Subjects
New York requires instruction in subjects appropriate to your child's grade level. These include English language arts (reading, writing, grammar, literature), mathematics, social studies (including history and government), science, physical education, visual and performing arts, and health education. The subjects you teach must match your child's grade level.
- English language arts (reading, writing, speaking, listening)
- Mathematics (age and grade appropriate)
- Social studies (history, geography, civics, government)
- Science (life, earth, and physical science)
- Physical education
- Visual and performing arts
- Health education
Subject requirements vary slightly by grade—check your district's specific requirements.
Submit Quarterly Reports
You must submit quarterly (4 times per year) progress reports to your school district superintendent documenting your child's learning progress. These reports should show what has been taught and learned during each quarter.
- Submit reports at least 4 times per school year
- Document subjects taught and progress made
- Include descriptions of learning activities and accomplishments
- Show evidence of educational progress
Quarterly reports help you stay organized and keep your district informed of progress.
Conduct Annual Assessments
New York requires annual academic assessments. The assessment method varies by grade: grades 1-3 can use standardized tests or written narratives; grades 4-8 require standardized tests every other year; grades 9-12 require standardized tests annually. You can administer the test yourself or hire a test administrator.
- Grades 1-3: Annual standardized test OR written narrative evaluation
- Grades 4-8: Standardized test at least every other year
- Grades 9-12: Annual standardized test
- Submit test results or narrative with your 4th quarterly report by June 30
- Any nationally recognized standardized test is acceptable
Spring is the best time to administer tests—schedule early to ensure availability.
Maintain Records and Portfolio
Keep comprehensive records showing instruction and progress. These records don't need to be submitted unless your district requests them, but they document your educational activity and student progress.
- Samples of completed work and projects
- Test results and assessment documents
- Reading lists and books used in instruction
- Lesson plans and curriculum materials
- Attendance records showing regular instruction
Understand New York's Oversight
New York has more oversight than most states, but it remains parent-friendly. Your district approves your IHIP and reviews your quarterly reports and assessments. This oversight ensures educational quality while still giving you autonomy in curriculum choice.
New York's oversight means regular communication with your district—maintain a good relationship.
Renew or Update Your IHIP Annually
Each school year you should review and update your IHIP as needed. If there are significant changes to your curriculum or approach, notify your district. If your plan remains the same, a simple confirmation is usually sufficient.
Annual review ensures your IHIP stays current and aligned with your actual instruction.
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in public school, submit your IHIP to the superintendent and your child is considered withdrawn. No separate withdrawal form is needed. If you later want to return to public school, contact the school's enrollment office.
Public School Access
New York homeschoolers may be able to participate in some public school extracurricular activities depending on district policy. Contact your school district for specific eligibility requirements and opportunities.
Special Education
New York allows families with students with special needs to homeschool. If your child has an IEP, coordinate with your district regarding services available through public school.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Create subject folders with work samples from each subject area
- Keep all test results, assessment reports, and evaluation documents
- Maintain a reading list of books and materials used throughout the year
- Document field trips, educational activities, and special classes attended
- Write or save quarterly progress reports for your records
Required Subjects
Assessment Requirements
Required. Grades 1-3: narrative evaluation OR standardized test. Grades 4-8: standardized testing every other year, with narrative evaluation in alternate years. Grades 9-12: annual standardized testing required.
Record Keeping
Quarterly progress reports required; maintain detailed records.
Key Facts About New York
One of 5 strictest states (with MA, VT, RI, PA)
Annual filing with quarterly progress reporting
Substantial hour requirements (900-990 hours)
Testing requirements vary by grade
Complex regulations
“Every family's homeschool journey in New York is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are quarterly progress reports?
You must submit progress reports every quarter (4 times per year) showing your child's progress in each subject.
What are the hour requirements?
K-6 students need 900 hours per year. Grades 7-12 need 990 hours per year, or approximately 5 hours per day over 180 days.
What are the testing requirements?
Grades 1-3: narrative evaluation OR standardized test. Grades 4-8: standardized test every other year. Grades 9-12: Regents exams or approved alternatives.
Is New York very strict?
Yes. New York is one of the five strictest states with substantial reporting, testing, and hour requirements.
Looking for requirements in another state?