The history of homeschooling in Colorado began with the battle for homeschool freedom in the 1980s, and then God worked through the very first small homeschool conference held in 1990 to grow a movement that continues today. Now, CHEC continues to expand and reach families with our vision of home discipleship that is Christ centered, parent directed, and free from government control.
Join us in thanking God for His faithfulness!
1973
Colorado is considered to be one of the top 10 most dangerous states in which to homeschool. Families face truancy charges and are forced to develop escape plans or even flee after facing threats from antagonistic school districts. The Home School Legal Defense Association fights many battles in court on behalf of Colorado homeschool families.
1985
Colorado holds its first Homeschool Conference with just under 100 attendees.
1987
Two Colorado homeschool moms lead a fledgling group of homeschool parents in crafting a bill that would establish homeschool freedom. Their first attempt fails due to stiff opposition from both sides of the aisle.
1988
Colorado’s first Homeschool Law passes both houses and becomes law on May 10, 1988. (Learn more about the history of homeschool law in Colorado here.)
Watch this video of the original homeschool leadership team reminiscing about the passing of the Colorado homeschool law — challenges, victories, and where we stand today.
1990
Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC) forms when several homeschool groups band together. • CHEC publishes its first newsletter, Pathlight. • CHEC sponsors the Colorado Homeschool Conference. • CHEC hires its first executive director.
1992
The CHEC Homeschool Conference grows out of all previous church facilities and moves to the Holiday Inn Conference and Events Center
1994
CHEC moves operations into a Denver office building. • A part-time office manager works in the office and handles thousands of phone calls, large volumes of mail, and prolific volunteer efforts. • The CHEC Homeschool Conference expands to three days and attendance increases to 4,000. • In response to the national battle for parent-led homeschooling, CHEC sponsors the first Colorado Homeschool Day at the Capitol event. • HSLDA, CHEC, and CPC (Concerned Parents of Colorado) work together to pass Senate Bill 94-4, updating and improving the original homeschool law from 1988 and opening the door for parent-directed grade levels and expanded evaluation options.
1995
The CHEC Guidebook, 1st Edition, is released. • CHEC introduces its new, free magazine, The Homeschool Update, to inform and encourage families as they disciple their children.
CHEC sponsors its first speech/debate workshop. • The CHEC database tops 12,000 names. • CHEC hosts monthly Homeschool Introductory Workshops.
2000
The CHEC Office moves to Parker. • Homeschoolers rally together to defeat an intrusive piece of legislation aimed directly at homeschooling; instead, Senate Bill 186 is passed and expands homeschool freedom and recognition throughout Colorado.
CHEC sponsors the Generations Radio Program, running on a weekly basis and hosted by Kevin Swanson, at that time the executive director of CHEC. • The first Colorado Father Son Retreat is co-hosted by CHEC at Crooked Creek Ranch.
2004
CHEC Family Books and Resources, CHEC’s own bookstore, opens its doors at the Parker CHEC Office location.
CHEC completes a full rebranding with a new logo and look; a new CHEC.org and RockyMountainHomeschoolConference.com are launched to become the go-to site for information regarding home education in Colorado. • The CHEC office expands to include a team of staff working from their homes around the state and beyond.
CHEC publishes US & Colorado Civics, a K12 civics and history curriculum for homeschooling families.
2019
ColoradoHomeschool.com is launched, featuring a free video course educating families on how to homeschool in Colorado. • The CHEC Homeschool Conference moves to the Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center.
2020
CHEC doubles our online events at HomeschoolSummits.com in response to COVID-19 lockdowns and an increased need for homeschool training and encouragement. • The CHEC Independent School grows by 40%. • CHEC sent a postcard to 280,000 households with young children to promote Christian home education.
For over 25 years, CHEC has worked to provide information, leadership, and resources to equip families to educate their children for the glory of God. Will you stand with us?
720.842.4852
Email
Mailing Address: