Kansas is recognized as one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the U.S. due to its low regulatory burden. In the eyes of the state, homeschooling is not a separate legal category but is instead governed by the laws regarding private schools. To homeschool legally in Kansas, you must operate your home instruction as a Non-Accredited Private School (NAPS).

The Non-Accredited Private School (NAPS) Pathway

Most Kansas families choose the NAPS pathway. This requires a simple, one-time registration process and provides families with significant autonomy over their child’s education.

1. Registration

You must register the name and address of your private school with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). This is a one-time filing; you do not need to re-register every year unless your school name or your physical address changes. There is no fee for this registration.

2. Teacher Qualifications

Kansas law requires that the instruction be provided by a “competent instructor.” The state does not define “competent” by degrees, certifications, or college credits. In practice, this means parents are generally presumed competent to teach their own children.

3. Required Subjects

While Kansas law (K.S.A. 72-3214) specifies that schools should provide instruction in subjects such as reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, spelling, English grammar, civil government, United States and Kansas history, and health/hygiene, the state does not monitor your curriculum or lesson plans. The legal standard is simply that the instruction must be “competent.”

4. Instruction Time

Your school must be in session for a period of time “substantially equivalent” to the public school year. This is defined as:

• 1,116 hours per school year for grades 1 through 11.
• 1,086 hours per school year for grade 12.
• 465 hours per school year for kindergarten.

5. Assessment and Testing

Unlike many other states, Kansas does not require homeschoolers to participate in state standardized testing, nor are there requirements for annual progress reports or professional evaluations.

Compulsory Attendance

Children in Kansas must attend school starting at age 7. Compulsory attendance continues until the child reaches age 18.

Important Note: If you enroll your child in a public school or a private school at age 6, they immediately become subject to compulsory attendance laws. If you plan to homeschool from the beginning, you are not legally required to start the NAPS process until the child turns 7.

Virtual Schools and Online Programs

Many families use virtual schools (like Kansas Virtual Academy). If the program is operated by a Kansas public school district, your child is technically a public school student learning at home. In this case, you do not need to register as a NAPS, but you must follow the public school’s requirements for attendance, testing, and curriculum.

Record Keeping Recommendations

While Kansas law does not require you to submit records to the state, it is highly recommended that you maintain the following to document your compliance:

• A copy of your initial NAPS registration confirmation.
• Attendance records (to prove the required hours were met).
• A log of subjects covered and samples of student work.
• A high school transcript (essential for college admissions or military enlistment).

Education Savings Accounts (ESA) and School Choice

As of the current legislative session, Kansas does not have a universal Education Savings Account (ESA) program for homeschoolers. The “Sunflower Education Savings Account” has been proposed in the legislature but has not become law.

There is a Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, but it is primarily designed for students moving from public schools to accredited private schools. Since most homeschools are non-accredited, they generally do not qualify for these funds.

Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

1. Name your school: Choose a name for your private school (e.g., “Maple Tree Academy”).
2. Register with KSDE: Visit the Kansas State Department of Education website and fill out the Non-Accredited Private School registration form.
3. Plan your curriculum: Ensure you cover the basic subjects required by state law.
4. Track your hours: Keep a simple calendar or log to ensure you meet the 1,116-hour requirement.
5. Maintain records: Keep your own files of progress and attendance for your child’s future needs.

Official Resources

• KSDE Non-Accredited Private Schools (Homeschooling) Page
• Kansas Statutes Chapter 72, Article 31 (Attendance)