How to Homeschool in Colorado

If you’re interested in learning how to homeschool in Colorado — just exploring, ready to begin, or moving from another state — then you’ve come to the right place! Get everything you need to understand the requirements for homeschooling in Colorado. Confidently decide if it’s right for you, and then get started with the support and community you need.

Since 1990, CHEC (that’s us, Christian Home Educators of Colorado) has helped tens of thousands of families to successfully educate their children at home. We love homeschooling because we’ve experienced it ourselves (as both parents & graduates). The research shows that it’s:

• a safe and nurturing learning environment
• proven to be academically successful
• customizable to your child’s needs
• free from public school regulations and restrictions
• ideal for building strong character, work ethic, and faith

And now, we’re here to help YOU every step of the way. Let’s get started!

1. Get your Colorado how-to-homeschool basics.

First up, we’ve created the free Introduction to Homeschool Course. Designed to give you exactly what you need to begin this journey. We’ve made it easy for you to do your research!

It’s completely free — our gift to you! — and includes:

• E-course: Homeschooling in Colorado Educational Mini-Course
• PDF: “Guide to Homeschooling in Colorado“
• Ebook: Upgrade: 10 Secrets to the Best Education for Your Child

Click here to receive for your free intro course!

You might also want to attend a Homeschool Introductory Seminar. These one-day events are held in Castle Rock and Colorado Springs with sessions to equip you for getting started homeschooling. Mingle with new & veteran homeschool parents, browse homeschool resources, and ask your burning questions on the spot!

(A video recording option is also available.)

Want to dig even further? The CHEC Homeschool Guidebook for Colorado is your one-stop comprehensive guide to home education in Colorado. You’ll have step-by-step instructions for beginning, sample schedules, choosing (and researching) curriculum with thorough overviews of various options, and in-depth sections on struggling/special learners and high school. Every homeschool family in Colorado should have this within easy reach. We promise — it’s that good. Get your copy here.

2. Choose your legal option to homeschool in Colorado.

Colorado law provides three different options for you to homeschool, including:

1. Under the Colorado Homeschool Law, you can file a Notice of Intent with a Colorado school district and follow the law’s requirements.
2. Under the Colorado Non-Public School Law, you can enroll with a Colorado-based independent (or private) school and follow the school’s policies. (We think this is such a great idea, we started our own CHEC Independent School to provide families with security, privacy, and all-access benefits.)
3. Obtain a current Colorado teaching license [according to CRS 22-33-104 (2)(b)(i)(I)], with no further requirements.

We encourage you to visit the Colorado Homeschool Law page to study the simple table comparing options 1 & 2 and read the law for yourself so you can set up your homeschool plan with all the important things in place. (That page also includes details about what Colorado requires for attendance records, standardized testing/assessments, and homeschool graduation.)

We promise, it’s not too complicated! By educating yourself on exactly what Colorado’s state requirements are, your homeschool journey will be off to a great start.

Did we mention we think option 2 is a great idea? 🙂 Make sure you consider the CHEC Independent School while you’re researching your choices.

3. Choose your curriculum.

This could get super-complicated. With literally thousands of options out there for homeschool curriculum — online, textbooks, videos, blended, unit-study, and so on. But if it’s your first year, we encourage you to keep it simple and enjoy the journey!

• Consider your child’s learning style (here & here are great places to start) — and don’t forget to consider how you’re most comfortable teaching, too!
• Browse our page of Recommended Resources for all-in-one curriculum kits, subject-specific packages, and more
• Check out our products page for Civics Curriculum, Flag Etiquette, and more
• Attend the online Homeschool Curriculum Summit (a project of CHEC) or our annual Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference (hosted in June) here in Colorado to browse and compare curriculum options
• Join the Homeschool Summits Facebook group to search for the discussions about curriculum you’ve got your eyes on, or start a new post to ask for feedback

Finally — make your choice, and plan to stick with it for a year. It’s simple to change it up later, and honestly, your curriculum is only part of your homeschool journey. Which brings us to the next step.

4. Get connected with your Colorado local homeschool community.

That’s where we come in! CHEC brings thousands of families from across Colorado into one large community where you can find support and encouragement.

• Join the CHEC Colorado Homeschool Discussion Facebook group
• Add in field trips and free days for some extra spice in your homeschool schedule via our Community Calendar
• Participate in a homeschool group (or support group) in your area for field trips, co-op classes, and parent encouragement with other homeschooling families
• Subscribe to the free Homeschool Update magazine for upcoming events, homeschooling how-tos, and parenting encouragement

Finally, we highly recommend that every family join the Home School Legal Defense Association. HSLDA provides prepaid legal services for homeschooling families and has been instrumental in preserving homeschool freedoms nationally. Including right here in Colorado, teaming with our own Colorado Homeschool Freedom team. (A discounted membership is available for CHEC supporters and CHEC Independent School members.)

A few more Homeschool How-To resources: