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Independent School

School Finance Act
SB26-023

How does the School Finance Act, SB26-023 affect you?

This bill adds new restrictions and oversight to government funded part-time enrichment programs.

Watch the recording of the special webinar that CHEC and HSLDA partnered on to address this important topic.
Please review the frequently asked questions below. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. If you have specific legal questions or concerns, please consult a licensed legal professional.

Frequently Asked Questions SB26-023

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General Questions

What is changing for homeschool families?

Nothing is changing as far as the legal options to homeschool in Colorado. Recent legislative changes only affect how homeschool families can participate in government funded enrichment programs. In those cases, families will now need to file a Notice of Intent (NOI) to satisfy the compulsory attendance law (and follow the Home-Based Education Law) if they want to access government funded enrichment programs.

To be clear, the changes in the School Finance Act ONLY affect homeschool families who choose to participate in government funded enrichment programs.

Independent Homeschool Umbrella Schools

Can my child participate in a government-funded part-time homeschool enrichment program and satisfy their compulsory school attendance requirement through an independent school (sometimes referred to as an independent “homeschool umbrella” school)?

No. A homeschool student who is enrolled in a government-funded part-time homeschool enrichment program must satisfy their compulsory school attendance requirement by filing a Notice of Intent (NOI) with a school district and by complying with ALL of the requirements of the home-based education law. The government-funded part-time homeschool enrichment program will also require the family to provide a copy of the NOI to verify their eligibility for the program.

Can my child participate in a government-funded enrichment program and also receive support services through an independent “homeschool umbrella” school?

Yes. See CDE guidance HERE under “FAQs for Families”.

Does this affect sports participation in the local public school?

High School sports programs are not considered tax-payer funded enrichment programs. Therefore, the School Finance Act does not affect the ability to participate in a sports program in public school, but the school may ask for a copy of your Notice of Intent (NOI) which will have to be filed in the district where the sports program is taking place. One cannot file separate, or multiple NOIs in different districts for tax-payer funded enrichment programs and sports participation.*

*When enrolled in a Private, Parochial, or Independent School (commonly referred to as an “Umbrella School”), different rules apply. (View the CHEC Independent School Policies here!)

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Notice of Intent (NOI)

What is a Notice of Intent (NOI)?

A Notice of Intent (NOI) is a formal filing with a school district declaring your intent to homeschool. It means that you will comply with all aspects of the Home-based Education Law, including record keeping and assessments, among other things.

When do I need to file an NOI?

You must file the Notice of Intent (NOI) 14 days before beginning your home-based education program, according to the Home-based Education Law (CRS 22-33-104.5). 

We recommend using CHEC’s NOI template found HERE.

Where do I file the NOI and do I need to file multiple NOIs?
  1. Families can file their Notice of Intent (NOI) in any district, not necessarily where they live. A copy should be presented to the publicly funded part-time homeschool enrichment program. The NOI is filed annually at the beginning of the school year. If participation in public high school sports is desired, the participation must occur where the NOI is filed.
  2. Only one NOI is filed for the family.
Does filing an NOI increase requirements?

Filing a Notice of Intent (NOI) means that you will comply with the requirements of the Home-based Education Law. These include testing or evaluations, record keeping, teaching certain subjects, attendance requirements, and age requirements, among other things. (Read the Colorado Homeschool Law here!)

Enrichment Programs

What is considered a government funded part-time homeschool enrichment program?

Any program funded by government education dollars that homeschool students attend part-time, including academic or skill-based classes.

What does part-time mean?

Any program that is 90 or more hours per semester but less than 360 hours (full-time) per semester. This is typically a 1 or 2 day-per-week program funded by government education dollars.

Do I have to file an NOI if I use a non-government-funded enrichment program?

No. We strongly recommend you check out these privately funded homeschool groups, co-ops, and enrichment programs! Also, some government-funded enrichment programs have a self-pay option that will allow you to avoid the Notice of Intent (NOI) requirement.