For many years, Vermont was known as one of the most strictly regulated states for homeschooling. However, as of July 1, 2023, Vermont law underwent a significant transformation. The state shifted from an ‘approval-based’ system to a ‘notification-based’ system, greatly reducing the administrative burden on families while maintaining standards for a basic course of study.

The Legal Landscape

Homeschooling in Vermont is legally referred to as a Home Study Program. Under the revised 16 V.S.A. § 166b, parents or guardians have the primary responsibility for their child’s education. The state no longer ‘approves’ your curriculum; instead, you notify the state of your intent to homeschool and attest that you are meeting the legal requirements.

Compulsory Attendance

In Vermont, children must be in a formal educational program (public, private, or home study) if they are between the ages of 6 and 16. If your child turns 6 on or before September 1, they must be enrolled for that school year.

The Home Study Pathway

There is one main legal pathway for homeschooling in Vermont. Here is how to maintain compliance:

1. Annual Notice of Intent (NOI)

Every year, you must submit a Notice of Intent to the Secretary of Education. For families starting for the first time, you can file at any time. For returning families, the notice should be submitted by March 1 for the following school year, though the Agency of Education (AOE) accepts notices throughout the year.

What the NOI includes:

• Names and ages of the children.
• Contact information for the parents/guardians.
• An attestation that you will provide the ‘Minimum Course of Study’ (MCOS).
• An attestation that you will perform an annual assessment.

2. The Minimum Course of Study (MCOS)

While you no longer have to mail your curriculum plan to the state for review, you are still legally required to provide instruction in the following areas:

• Reading and writing
• Integrated language arts
• Mathematics
• Citizenship, history, and government (VT and US)
• Physical education
• Comprehensive health education
• English, American, and other literature
• Science
• Fine arts

3. Annual Assessments

Vermont requires that every homeschooled student be assessed annually to evaluate educational progress. You must keep these records for your own files. You are no longer required to submit these results to the Agency of Education unless your program is placed on probation (a rare occurrence).

Acceptable assessment methods include:

• A standardized achievement test.
• A review and report by a Vermont certified teacher.
• A report prepared by the parent/guardian or instructor together with a portfolio of the student’s work.

Record Keeping

Because you are no longer submitting your assessment to the state, diligent record-keeping is more important than ever. You should maintain a file for each child containing:

• A copy of the submitted Notice of Intent.
• A general outline of the curriculum used.
• The annual assessment results.
• Samples of student work (if using the portfolio method).

School Choice and Financial Assistance

Vermont does not currently offer an Education Savings Account (ESA) or tax credits for homeschoolers. While Vermont has a ‘Town Tuitioning’ program, it is generally reserved for students attending approved independent schools or public schools in other districts, and does not apply to home study students.

Special Education Services

Home study students in Vermont are entitled to certain special education services. If your child has a disability, you may be eligible for services provided by your local school district. It is recommended to contact your local Special Education Director to discuss an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or service plan.

Summary of Compliance Steps

1. File the NOI: Submit the Notice of Intent via the Vermont Agency of Education’s online portal or by mail.
2. Teach the MCOS: Ensure your curriculum covers the required subjects.
3. Assess Annually: Choose an assessment method and complete it by the end of the school year.
4. Maintain Records: Store your NOI and assessment results in a safe place. Do not mail the assessment to the state.