Wyoming is known for its resident-friendly approach to education, offering families a high degree of autonomy. The state views homeschooling as a ‘home-based educational program.’ Under Wyoming law, the responsibility for education lies firmly with the parent, and the state’s oversight is minimal compared to most other jurisdictions.

Wyoming Compulsory Attendance

In Wyoming, children must receive formal education if they are 7 years old by September 15. This obligation continues until the child reaches their 16th birthday or successfully completes the 10th grade. While many families choose to continue homeschooling through high school graduation (age 18), the legal requirement for state notification ends once the child meets the age or grade threshold.

The Home-Based Educational Program Pathway

There is one primary pathway for homeschooling in Wyoming, officially recognized as a ‘home-based educational program.’

1. Annual Curriculum Submission

Every year, parents must submit a curriculum to the local school district’s board of trustees. According to Wyo. Stat. § 21-4-102(b), this submission serves as evidence that the child is receiving instruction in the required subjects.

Important Note: The school board is not authorized to ‘approve’ your curriculum. Their role is limited to verifying that your program includes the legally required subjects and is ‘sequentially progressive.’ They cannot dictate which textbooks you use or require a specific educational philosophy.

2. Required Subjects

Your curriculum must cover the following seven fundamental areas of study:

• Reading
• Writing
• Mathematics
• Civics
• History
• Literature
• Science

3. Teacher Qualifications and Assessment

Wyoming does not require parents to have a high school diploma or any specific teaching credentials. Furthermore, standard homeschoolers are exempt from all state testing (WY-TOPP) and are not required to submit portfolios or undergo professional evaluations.

Step-by-Step Compliance

1. Prepare your Curriculum: Outline what you intend to teach in the seven required subjects. This can be a simple list of textbooks, a syllabus, or a description of your educational plan.
2. Submit to the Local District: Send your curriculum to your local school district office before the start of the school year. It is recommended to send this via certified mail or to request a date-stamped receipt.
3. Maintain Records: While the state does not require you to submit attendance or grades, it is best practice to keep a portfolio of your child’s work and a log of instruction days (aiming for 175-180 days) for future college admissions or transfers.

New for 2024: Wyoming Education Savings Accounts (ESA)

The Wyoming Legislature recently passed HB0166, creating the state’s first ESA program.

• What it is: A grant of $6,000 per student per year.
• Eligibility: Currently limited to families with a household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
• The Trade-off: If you accept ESA funds, your child is classified as an ‘ESA student.’ You will be required to administer a nationally norm-referenced test or the state assessment to the student annually and report the results to the state. This introduces a level of oversight (testing) that traditional Wyoming homeschoolers do not face.

Freedom from Regulation

Wyo. Stat. § 21-4-101(a)(vi) clarifies that a home-based educational program shall not be considered a private school, which protects homeschoolers from the more stringent regulations sometimes applied to private institutions. Wyoming’s ‘low-regulation’ status makes it one of the most flexible states in the nation for home educators.

Essential Resources

• Wyoming Department of Education Homeschool Resources
• Wyoming State Statutes - Title 21
• Homeschoolers of Wyoming (State Support Group)