Is homeschooling legal in Colorado?
Yes, homeschooling is fully legal in Colorado. Homeschooling is fully legal in Colorado, it just comes with a little more structure than most western states: an annual notice, minimum instruction time, and testing or evaluation in certain grades. None of it is hard once you see the whole picture, so here it is in plain English.
Colorado homeschool requirements at a glance
| Notice required | Yes, written notice to any Colorado district 14 days before you start, then yearly. |
|---|---|
| Required subjects | Yes, reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, literature, science, U.S. Constitution. |
| Testing / assessment | Yes, test or qualified evaluation in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. |
| Recordkeeping | Yes, attendance, test/evaluation results, immunization records kept permanently. |
| Parent qualifications | None. |
Colorado homeschool law in detail
We link the governing law so you can read it yourself instead of taking our word for it. The governing law is C.R.S. 22-33-104.5 (Education, Nonpublic home-based educational program).
Notice / letter of intent
Written notice to a school district at least 14 days before beginning, and again each year. It can go to ANY Colorado district (not only your local one) and must state each child's name, age, residence, and hours of attendance. No state form required. Notice isn't required until the child reaches age 6.
Required subjects
Communication skills (reading, writing, speaking), math, history, civics, literature, science, and regular instruction in the U.S. Constitution. The statute says "shall include, but need not be limited to", these are the minimum.
Required days or hours
At least 172 days per year averaging four instructional contact hours per day (it's an average, individual days can vary).
Recordkeeping
Keep records permanently for each child, attendance, test/evaluation results, immunization records. Kept by you, not filed. A superintendent can request them only with probable cause of noncompliance and 14 days' written notice.
Testing and assessment
Required in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, a nationally standardized achievement test or an evaluation by a qualified person (a Colorado licensed teacher, an independent/parochial school teacher, a licensed psychologist, or someone with a graduate degree in education). Submit results to your notice district or a Colorado independent/parochial school. A composite score above the 13th percentile keeps your program in good standing; at or below it can require school enrollment until the child retests higher.
Withdrawing from public school
Send the school/district a brief written notice that you're withdrawing to begin a nonpublic home-based program, paired with your Notice of Intent. The statute prescribes no separate form or deadline; a dated written letter is standard.
Good to know
Umbrella/independent-school enrollment and certified-teacher instruction are alternative legal paths that bypass the statute's notice and testing requirements.
How to start homeschooling in Colorado
- Confirm your child's age, notice is required once your child turns 6; the formal program starts at age 7.
- If currently enrolled, send the school a short written withdrawal note.
- Write your Notice of Intent: each child's name, age, residence, and number of hours of attendance. Send to any Colorado school district.
- Mail or deliver it at least 14 days before your first homeschooling day. Certified mail gives you proof of date.
- Start teaching, and set up a permanent records folder, attendance, test/evaluation results, and immunization records from day one.
File your notice
Colorado requires a written letter of intent submitted to a school district (not the state) at least 14 days before starting and renewed yearly, but there is no official statewide form, so notify your chosen district in writing or use that district's own form.
No login and no fee to file. If you need wording, our fill-in-the-blank letter template is just below.
Form links checked when we built this page.
Homeschool funding in Colorado
We're verifying Colorado's funding programs against official sources right now, dollar amounts and rules change yearly, and we'd rather be right than first. Check back soon.
Free Colorado Notice of Intent template
Fill-in-the-blank and ready to send. Free, no email required.
Download the free templateFind homeschool families near you in Colorado
Co-Op
- Academy Enrichment Academy · Colorado Springs
Supports Christian homeschooling families with academic classes, workshops, and parent support groups
Visit website - Aspire Education Co-op · Denver Metro Area
Christian homeschool cooperative offering classes, field trips, and family events for all ages
Visit website - Evergreen Christian Outreach Homeschool Group · Evergreen area
Faith-based co-op providing academic classes, enrichment, and community service opportunities
Visit website - Mountaintop Enrichment · Colorado Springs area
Secular co-op offering enrichment classes, field trips, and family activities
Visit website - North Star Academy Homeschool Enrichment · Highlands Ranch
Public charter enrichment program for homeschooled students offering weekly classes
Visit website - Summit Classical Academy Homeschool Co-op · Boulder/Loveland area
Offers hybrid support for classical homeschool families with part-time academic classes and social opportunities
Visit website
Forest & Nature School
- BeWild Forest School · Fort Collins area
Nature-immersion education for children ages 3-12 emphasizing curiosity, exploration, and seasonal rhythms
Visit website - EarthChild Forest School · Colorado Springs area
Nature-based homeschool enrichment programs focused on resilience, earth skills, and holistic development
Visit website - Thorne Nature Preschool · Denver/Boulder area
Outdoor-based preschool focused on child-led exploration, place-based learning, and nature immersion
Visit website - Wild Bear Nature Center · Nederland, CO
Year-round nature enrichment programs in Nederland, CO for homeschoolers and families
Visit website
Waldorf School
- Denver Waldorf School · Denver Metro area
Offers early childhood through high school programs grounded in Waldorf philosophy, with a strong arts and humanities focus
Visit website - Mountain Song Community School · Colorado Springs
Tuition-free public Waldorf charter school serving Kindergarten through 8th grade
Visit website - Shining Mountain Waldorf School · Boulder area
Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school guided by the principles of Waldorf education
Visit website - Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork · Carbondale
Pre-K through Grade 8 Waldorf school blending academics, arts, and outdoor learning
Visit website
Homeschooling in nearby states
Colorado homeschooling FAQ
Do I have to use my local district for the Notice of Intent?
No. Colorado lets you file with any school district in the state. That district then receives your test or evaluation results.
Do I need a teaching license or college degree?
No. A parent (or a designated adult relative) may teach and is not subject to educator licensing.
When does my child have to start being homeschooled?
Compulsory attendance covers ages 7 through 16. Notice is required at age 6, and the formal program at age 7.
What happens if my child scores low on the required test?
A composite score at or below the 13th percentile can require enrollment in a public, independent, or parochial school until the next testing period. Above the 13th percentile keeps you in good standing. Testing only happens in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.
Do I have to send records or lesson plans to the state?
No. You keep records permanently yourself. A superintendent can ask to review them only with probable cause of noncompliance and 14 days' written notice.
Is there another way to homeschool besides the homeschool statute?
Yes, enroll in an independent or umbrella school that allows parent-led instruction, or have a Colorado-certified teacher provide instruction (then the notice and testing requirements don't apply).
Sources
- CDE, Homeschool Law
- CDE, Homeschool FAQ
- HSLDA, How to Comply with Colorado's Homeschool Law
- HSLDA, Colorado (cites C.R.S. § 22-33-104.5)
This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change, always confirm current requirements with your state's official sources before relying on them.