Colorado is a popular state for homeschooling due to its clear statutory framework and the flexibility offered by multiple legal pathways. Whether you prefer the traditional route of notifying your local district or joining an independent “umbrella” school, understanding the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) is essential for compliance.

The Three Legal Pathways to Homeschool

Colorado law provides three distinct ways to educate your child at home. Choosing the right one depends on your desire for autonomy versus your comfort with state-mandated testing.

1. The Home-Based Education Statute (C.R.S. 22-33-104.5)

This is the most common route. Families operate their own home school and interact directly with a public school district.

• Notification: You must file a written “Notice of Intent” (NOI) to homeschool every year. This should be submitted to a Colorado school district 14 days before you begin your program.
• Instruction Requirements: You must provide 172 days of instruction, averaging 4 hours per day.
• Subjects: You are required to teach reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and the Constitution of the United States.
• Assessments: Children must be tested or evaluated in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. You can use a nationally standardized achievement test or a professional evaluation by a qualified person. Results must be submitted to the district where you filed your NOI.

2. Independent or Umbrella Schools (C.R.S. 22-33-104(2)(b))

Many Colorado families choose to enroll their children in a private “independent school” that exists specifically to support homeschoolers. In this scenario, your home is considered a satellite of the private school.

• Notification: You do not file an NOI with the school district. Instead, you enroll in the independent school and follow their specific requirements.
• Benefits: These schools often provide more privacy and may have different assessment requirements than the state statute. You are subject to the private school’s rules rather than the public district’s oversight.
• Records: The independent school is responsible for maintaining your records.

3. Instruction by a Certified Teacher (C.R.S. 22-33-104(2)(i))

If the child’s parent or a hired tutor holds a valid Colorado teaching certificate, you can bypass the NOI and testing requirements of the home-based education statute.

• Requirements: The teacher must have a current certificate issued by the Colorado Department of Education.
• Notification: No annual notification to the district is required under this specific provision.

Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

1. Select Your Pathway: Decide if you will file an NOI with the district or join an umbrella school.
2. Submit Documentation: If using the Home-Based Education statute, send your Notice of Intent to any Colorado school district (it does not have to be your resident district, though most parents choose their local one).
3. Plan Your Calendar: Ensure you track at least 172 days of instruction. Many families use a simple planner or digital app to log these days.
4. Cover the Core Subjects: Ensure your curriculum includes the mandatory subjects, especially Civics and the U.S. Constitution.
5. Maintain Records: Keep a folder with attendance records, immunization records (or a legal exemption), and any assessment results.
6. Schedule Assessments: During the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grade years, arrange for a standardized test (like the Iowa or Stanford tests) or a teacher evaluation. Submit these results to the district where you originally filed your NOI.

Assessment & Testing Deep Dive

If you are following the standard Home-Based Education statute, the testing requirement is non-negotiable.

• Standardized Tests: Your child must score at or above the 13th percentile. If they score below this, the district may require a follow-up or a different educational plan.
• Evaluations: A “qualified person” includes a Colorado certified teacher, a psychologist, or a person with a graduate degree in education. The evaluator must certify that the child is making sufficient academic progress according to their ability.

Record Keeping and Privacy

Under C.R.S. 22-33-104.5, the school district can only request to see your records if they have “probable cause” to believe your program is not in compliance with the law. They must provide 14 days’ written notice before an inspection. Required records include:

• Attendance data
• Immunization records
• Assessment/Testing results

Education Savings Accounts (ESA) and School Choice

As of 2024, Colorado does not have a state-funded ESA or voucher program for homeschoolers. All costs associated with homeschooling (curriculum, testing, and supplies) are the responsibility of the parent. However, homeschool students have a right to participate in public school extracurricular activities and sports in their district of residence, subject to certain eligibility requirements.

Links to Official Resources

• Colorado Department of Education Homeschool Page
• Full Text of C.R.S. 22-33-104.5
• HSLDA Colorado State Profile