How to homeschool in New York

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: Yes

ESA Option

: No

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New York homeschooling laws and options

New York offers families a single legal option for homeschooling and requires parents to follow specific guidelines to homeschool legally in the state. Here’s an overview of the essential legal requirements:

Legal homeschooling options: Families in New York are required to notify their local school district of their intent to homeschool. This is done by submitting a Letter of Intent followed by an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP). The IHIP must outline the subjects being taught, materials being used, and an instructional schedule.
Compulsory education laws: Children in New York must begin school by September of the calendar year when they turn 6 years old. Homeschooling is an acceptable alternative to traditional school, provided that parents comply with reporting requirements.
Parent education requirements: New York does not mandate that parents hold a teaching certificate or specific degree to homeschool their children.
Required subjects: New York requires specific subjects to be taught in each grade. These include math, English, social studies, physical education, health, and more. Some subjects vary by grade level. For full details, visit the New York State Education Department website.
Recordkeeping requirements: Yes, New York requires parents to maintain detailed homeschool records. This includes submitting an annual Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) at the start of each school year, along with quarterly reports outlining the student's progress in each required subject.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in New York

Homeschooling in New York may seem daunting due to strict regulations, but Time4Learning can simplify the process. Here’s how to get started:

Submit your Letter of Intent to your local school district to inform them of your decision to homeschool.
Create and submit your Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), listing the subjects, required hours, and resources or curriculum being used.
Use Time4Learning as your primary or supplementary curriculum. With built-in lesson planning and progress tracking, Time4Learning helps meet New York's rigorous documentation requirements.
Maintain quarterly reports documenting your child’s performance and hours of instruction.
Ensure compliance by filing an annual assessment, whether that's a standardized test or written narrative.

Time4Learning’s flexible curriculum covers all required subjects and includes tools for easy tracking and reporting, saving parents valuable time.

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New York’s high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschoolers in New York do not receive a state-issued high school diploma. However, homeschool students can provide proof of completion through other means:

Creation of a homeschool transcript that outlines completed coursework.
Earning a High School Equivalency Diploma by passing the GED.
Enrollment in college credits as an equivalent credential, as per New York laws.

For more information, visit the New York State Education Department page on homeschool equivalency.

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Standardized test requirements for New York homeschoolers

New York requires annual assessments to ensure academic progress. These assessments can either be:

A standardized test, such as the CAT, IOWA, or Stanford, administered in grades 4, 6, and 8-12.
A written narrative by a certified teacher or another approved individual in the remaining years.

Standardized test results must show that the student is working at or above a level demonstrated by 33% of students nationwide.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in New York

Homeschooled students can successfully apply to colleges in New York and nationwide. Follow these tips to build a compelling application:

Submit your homeschool transcript reflecting coursework, grades, and key achievements.
Provide GED test scores, if applicable.
Include letters of recommendation and extracurricular achievements.
Share details about unique educational experiences, such as internships, dual enrollment, or specialized projects.

Time4Learning’s reporting tools and transcript template simplify the process of creating a polished, professional transcript. To ensure a smooth application experience, we encourage reaching out to admissions offices for guidance and support.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in New York

New York does not currently have an Educational Savings Account (ESA) program. This limits state financial aid opportunities for homeschoolers. However, families can explore private scholarships and national grants designed for homeschooling needs to offset costs.

For resources, families can explore sites such as HSLDA’s Compassion Grants and other nationwide homeschooling financial tools that may complement their educational expenses.