How to homeschool in Vermont

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: No

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Vermont homeschooling laws and options

Vermont offers families the opportunity to homeschool their children through a single legal pathway, but it also has specific requirements families must meet. Understanding Vermont’s compulsory education laws is essential for compliance. These laws apply to children between the ages of 6 and 16.

Notification: Parents must send a written notice of intent to homeschool to the Vermont Agency of Education annually.
Parent qualifications: There are no formal education requirements for parents.
Subjects required: Parents must ensure that instruction includes basic communication skills such as reading and writing, math, history, citizenship and government, physical education, comprehensive health education (including safety and first aid), fine arts, and natural sciences.

For more detailed information, visit the Vermont Agency of Education Homeschooling Page.

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 Vermont

Starting your homeschooling journey in Vermont is straightforward when paired with the tools and support offered by Time4Learning. Follow these steps to get started:

Submit your notice of intent to the Vermont Agency of Education, including a detailed outline of your intended curriculum. You can submit this form online or via mail; the form and detail instructions can be found at the Vermont AOE's Home Study enrollment page.
Develop a curriculum that covers Vermont’s required subjects. Time4Learning provides a comprehensive PreK-12 curriculum including core subjects, electives, and additional resources to help you meet these requirements.
Keep a portfolio of student work to demonstrate progress. Time4Learning’s automated grading and reporting features make recordkeeping a breeze.
Plan yearly assessments as part of your ongoing evaluations, even though standardized testing isn’t required.

Enrolling in Time4Learning ensures you’ll have expert-backed support for designing an engaging, standards-aligned educational experience.

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Vermont’s high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschoolers in Vermont are not bound by the state’s traditional high school diploma requirements, which apply to public school systems. Instead, parents act as the administrators of their homeschool program and have the flexibility to set their own graduation criteria based on their child’s future goals.

Homeschoolers also have the option to:

Issue their own homeschool diploma as proof of completing their high school education.
Take the GED if they wish to obtain an equivalency credential.

Time4Learning’s high school courses can be tailored to meet a student’s unique needs and provide transcripts for use in pursuing higher education or career opportunities.

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Standardized test requirements for Vermont homeschoolers

Vermont does not require homeschoolers to participate in standardized testing. Parents have the flexibility to evaluate their children’s progress through methods that align with their chosen curriculum. However, families may still choose to administer standardized tests for benchmarking purposes or as preparation for college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT.

Time4Learning offers tools and practice materials to assist students in preparing for standardized assessments, should families opt to include them in their homeschooling plan.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Vermont

Homeschoolers in Vermont can leverage their unique educational experiences when applying to colleges and universities. Admissions offices are increasingly familiar with homeschool applicants and often recognize the creativity and independence homeschooling fosters.

Tips for applying to college as a homeschooler:

Create a comprehensive transcript that clearly outlines coursework, grades, and extracurricular experiences.
Include standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT) if required by the institution.
Highlight unique experiences such as independent projects, internships, or volunteer work.
Write a compelling personal statement that emphasizes initiative, self-discipline, and a passion for learning.

Time4Learning’s reporting tools can help parents create professional transcripts and document academic achievements.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Vermont

Currently, Vermont does not offer an Education Savings Account (ESA) program specifically for homeschool families. However, families looking to offset the costs associated with homeschooling should explore other avenues such as:

Tax deductions or credits related to education expenses (check federal guidelines).
Free or low-cost community resources like libraries or online courses.

Stay informed about any potential future education funding initiatives by regularly visiting the Vermont Agency of Education.