Is homeschooling legal in Montana?
Yes, homeschooling is fully legal in Montana. Homeschooling in Montana is straightforward: one notice a year to your county superintendent, a basic course of study, and an attendance log you keep at home. No testing, no curriculum approval. Here's the whole picture in plain English.
Montana homeschool requirements at a glance
| Notice required | Yes, once a year to your county superintendent. |
|---|---|
| Required subjects | Yes, the same basic subjects public schools teach. |
| Testing / assessment | No. |
| Recordkeeping | Yes, keep attendance; share only if the county superintendent asks. |
| Parent qualifications | None. |
Montana 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 MCA 20-5-109.
Notice / letter of intent
Notify the superintendent of schools for the county where your homeschool is located, once each school fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) (MCA 20-5-109(2)(a)). No official statewide form; a simple written notice works. It goes to the county, not your local district.
Required subjects
An organized course of study with the same basic subjects required of public schools (MCA 20-5-109(2)(d)), in practice the seven core areas: English language arts, math, social studies, science, health, the arts, and career/vocational-technical education.
Required days or hours
At least 720 hours per year for grades 1-3 and at least 1,080 hours per year for grades 4-12 (MCA 20-1-301).
Recordkeeping
Keep an attendance record and make it available to the county superintendent on request (MCA 20-5-109(2)(b)). No routine reporting. As of 2025 the old immunization-record requirement was removed (HB 778).
Testing and assessment
None, no testing, portfolio, or progress reporting.
Withdrawing from public school
No formal statutory procedure; send the current school a brief written withdrawal letter so they stop tracking attendance. Filing your notice with the county superintendent is what establishes your legal homeschool.
Good to know
Part-time public school enrollment is available at a parent's request under recent Montana law; athletic eligibility specifics vary by district/MHSA.
How to start homeschooling in Montana
- If your child is currently enrolled, send a short written withdrawal letter to their school.
- Find your county superintendent of schools (a county office, not your local district) and get the mailing address.
- File a notice of intent with that county superintendent for the current school fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
- Plan an organized course of study covering the basic public-school subjects.
- Start a simple attendance record (a calendar or log) and keep it in case the county superintendent requests it.
File your notice
Montana requires annual notification of intent to the county superintendent of schools, but there is no statewide form; a written letter is accepted and some counties post their 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 Montana
We're verifying Montana'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 Montana 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 Montana
Co-Op
- Five Valleys Homeschool Co-op · Missoula, Ravalli and Mineral counties
Serving Missoula, Ravalli and Mineral counties with various homeschool support activities
- Flathead Homeschool Support and Curriculum Group · Kalispell / Whitefish and surrounding areas
Provides support and resources for homeschoolers
Visit website - GRACE (Glendive Homeschool Group) · Glendive
Focused on welcoming all homeschool members in the area
Visit website - Gallatin Christian Homeschool Co-op (GCHC) · Bozeman
Provides weekly fellowship and cooperative learning experiences for Christian families
Visit website - Glasgow Montana Homeschooling Group · Glasgow
Platform for shared local events and resources
Visit website - Helena Area Christian Home Educators (HACHE) · Helena
Offering athletic programs and enrichment classes
Visit website - Helena Homeschool Enrichment Co-op · Helena
Christian families gathering to support home education with fun educational opportunities
Visit website - Hi-Line Home Educators · Havre & Hi-Line Region
Community support and shared resources - events and tailored activities
Visit website - Montana Roots Homeschool Co-op · Belgrade & surrounding areas
Academic-based cooperative
Visit website - SAGE Homeschool Co-op · Billings
Christian co-op serving ages nursery - high school
Visit website - eNDVR Homeschool Co-op · Missoula
Offers classes and enrichment opportunities
Visit website
Forest & Nature School
- Guided Wild Forest School · Livingston
Offers forest preschool, homeschool enrichment and summer camps
Visit website - Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS) · Bozeman
Inspires curiosity and understanding of nature through outdoor science education
Visit website - Montana Wilderness School · Bozeman
Provides multi-week wilderness expeditions for youth
Visit website - Rain or Shine School · Flathead Valley
Waldorf and nature-based education
Visit website - Rattlesnake Nature School · Missoula
Early-education outdoor preschool for ages 3-5
Visit website - Under The Cedars Nature School · Noxon
Offers preschool and forest school programs for children ages 3-10
Visit website
Waldorf School
- Mountain Song School · Missoula
Waldorf preschool focusing on outdoor education and nature-based programs
Visit website - Roots Nature School · Missoula
Offers a comprehensive continuum of care from infant to Pre-K, enriched with hands-on, creative learning experiences
Visit website - The Wildflower School · Bozeman
Blends Reggio Emilia and Waldorf philosophies for children ages 3-5
Visit website - Valley Of The Flowers School · Bozeman
Waldorf-inspired school offering play-based education with a focus on outdoor learning
Visit website
Homeschooling in nearby states
Montana homeschooling FAQ
Do I have to be a certified teacher to homeschool in Montana?
No. Montana sets no qualification requirements for the teaching parent, no certificate, degree, or credential needed.
Who do I send my notice to, the school or the state?
Neither directly. You notify the superintendent of schools for your county, once each school fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
Does my child have to take standardized tests?
No. Montana requires no testing or evaluation for homeschool students.
At what age does my child legally have to be in school?
Montana's compulsory attendance runs from age 7 until age 16 or completion of 8th grade, one of the narrowest ranges in the country.
Do I have to keep records, and does anyone check them?
Keep an attendance record for your homeschool. You only share it if your county superintendent specifically requests it, no routine reporting or annual check-in.
Can my homeschooled child take a class or play sports at the public school?
Recent Montana law requires districts to allow part-time enrollment at a parent's request. Check eligibility and athletic specifics with your local district and the MHSA.
Sources
- HSLDA, Montana
- HSLDA, How to Comply with Montana's Homeschool Law
- HSLDA, Montana HB 778
- MTCHE, Montana Home School Law (MCA text)
- Montana OPI, Families & Students
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.