Homeschool laws · State guide
Homeschooling in Connecticut
Connecticut law requires instruction equivalent to public school in listed subjects but sets no filing, testing or records requirement; the State Department of Education recommends notifying your district.
Connecticut at a glanceLevel: No notice
- Notice to the state
- No
- No filing is required, but a parent must be 'able to show that the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction' (C.G.S. §10-184). The state suggests notifying your local district as a best practice.
- Testing
- No
- None required by statute.
- Record-keeping
- Not required
- None required by statute. SDE suggests, as best practice, keeping an attendance log (days and hours) and a portfolio for each child.
- Immunization
- Not required
- Immunization rules cover enrollment in public or nonpublic school programs, not homeschooling (C.G.S. §10-204a(a)). They apply if your child enrolls in a school program.
- Required subjects
- Yes, 8
- Reading, Writing, Spelling, English grammar, Geography, Arithmetic, United States history, Citizenship (town, state and federal government)
- Instruction time
- Not specified
- Parent qualifications
- None stated
- Compulsory school age
- 5 to under 18
- parents may delay a 5-year-old to 6, and a 6-year-old to 7, by signing an option form at the district office; C.G.S. §10-184
Ways to homeschool here: Equivalent instruction at home (C.G.S. §10-184)
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Overview
Under C.G.S. §10-184, parents must have children ages 5 to under 18 attend public school unless they can show the child ‘is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction in the studies taught in the public schools.’ The statute lists subjects parents must teach. The State Department of Education suggests, as best practice, contacting the local superintendent to learn how the district prefers notice, creating an educational plan, keeping an attendance log, and keeping a portfolio. The Office of Legislative Research’s 2025 comparison lists Connecticut notification as ‘not required.’
Legal options
- Equivalent instruction at home (C.G.S. §10-184)
Requirements at a glance
- Notice: No filing is required by C.G.S. §10-184; a parent must be ‘able to show that the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction.’ The State Department of Education asks parents to contact their local district and provide notice of their intention to homeschool as a suggested best practice.
- Testing or assessment: None required by statute.
- Records: None required by statute. SDE suggests, as best practice, keeping an attendance log (days and hours) and a portfolio for each child.
- Subjects: Reading, Writing, Spelling, English grammar, Geography, Arithmetic, United States history, Citizenship (town, state and federal government)
- Instruction time: Not specified
- Parent/teacher qualifications: None stated
- Compulsory attendance ages: 5 to under 18 (parents may delay a 5-year-old to 6, and a 6-year-old to 7, by signing an option form at the district office; C.G.S. §10-184)
SDE notes it does not accredit homeschooling and districts are not required to award high school credit for homeschool work in grades 9–12 (C.G.S. §10-221a).
Sources
This page summarizes the statutes and official pages listed in the sources block, as read on the last-checked date. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm current requirements with your state or local education agency.