Overview

Homeschooling as an Option to Public School Education

Parents who wish to homeschool their child/ren should contact their local public school's district office for information on local requirements.
Under Connecticut State Statute 10-184, a parent may remove a child from public school for purposes of homeschooling if "the parent or person having control of such child is able to show that the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction in the studies taught in the public schools". These subjects include reading, writing, spelling, English grammar, geography, arithmetic and United States history and in citizenship, including a study of the town, state and federal governments.

For parents who may wish to return a child to public high school, consideration should be given to ensuring that homeschool course work aligns with Connecticut State Graduation Requirements. Parents may choose to provide instruction, hire someone else to do so, or choose an online option. It should be noted that the Connecticut State Department of Education does not accredit any of the online/virtual schools.

It is suggested that homeschooling parents:

• complete the Intent to Homeschool form for each child annually and submit it to the Superintendent’s office for signature. A signed copy should be retained in each child’s homeschool folder;
• review the Connecticut Core Standards information. The Connecticut Core Standards provide parents with clear expectations of what a student should know and be able to do at each grade level. Aligning instruction with these standards and competencies will ensure a smoother transition should the child return to public school. The Materials for Teachers page contains links to lessons and activities by grade level that can be downloaded;
• keep a log of attendance which reflects days and hours of instruction;
• maintain a portfolio for each child which contains samples of activities, assignments, projects and assessments, as well as a log of books and materials used. Include results of any national assessments; and
• contact potential colleges and universities in order to learn what is required for admission.

Homeschooling and Connecticut State High School Diplomas

Individuals at least 18 years of age who are homeschooled and wish to take the GED® test must have a parent/guardian obtain documentation from the local school district in Connecticut acknowledging their original intent to homeschool.

• Once the parent/guardian obtains the evidence, they need to contact the State Department of Education GED® office to request a Homeschooling Attestation Form signed by the Connecticut GED® Administrator.
• Since homeschooled students cannot procure a school withdrawal form, they can use this attestation form to register for the GED® test.
• The Attestation Form cannot be used to enroll in classes at Adult Education.

Phone: (860) 807-2110 or (860) 807-2111

Email: ged@ct.gov

 

Homeschooled Students Wishing to Enroll in Adult Education

Adult Education programs are free to Connecticut residents aged 17 and older who are no longer enrolled in a public school. In order to register for Adult Education programs at the age of 17, an official withdrawal, signed by the parent/guardian as well as a school official, from a Connecticut high school must be provided.

Academic Resources to Assist Homeschooling Parents

The CT Learning Hub was developed by the CSDE to provide resources to CT families. The Hub is a free and interactive web page of digital resources to support online and offline learning.    

Connecticut provides information on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL is the process through which children and adults achieve emotional intelligence through the competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. SEL contributes to academic and career success by helping students understand and respect themselves and others, acquire effective interpersonal skills, understand safety and resilience skills, and develop into contributing members of society. 

Additional Information for Parents

Sample Intent to Homeschool form 

Connecticut Statutes related to School Attendance - English

Connecticut Statutes related to School Attendance - Spanish

Resources

CSDE GED Information