What law governs homeschooling in Colorado?
Title 22, Colorado Revised Statutes: Education Article 33: School Attendance Law of 1963 Section 104.5, as amended.
When can I submit my Letter of Intent for the following school year?
Enroll Jeffco is open to receive Letters of Intent for the 2022-23 school year.
What subjects or courses am I required to teach?
Home Based Education programs include, but are not limited to: Communication skills of reading, writing and speaking; Mathematics, History, Civics, Literature, Science and regular courses of instruction in the constitution of the United States as provided in CRS 22-1-108. The selection of curriculum is at the discretion of the parent who is overseeing the homeschooling program.
Am I still able to homeschool if my student has a truancy case?
If a child and their parent/guardian have a pending or active truancy case, the intended curriculum must be submitted to Jeffco for review. If approved for Home Based Education, the student and the parent/guardian must continue to comply with any and all Judicial Court Orders. If the Letter of Intent for Home Based Education is denied, the family must enroll in a school and comply with all applicable court orders.
What are the attendance requirements for a homeschooling program?
Homeschooled programs must have no less than 172 days of instruction, averaging four (4) contact hours per day.
What documentation is required for a homeschooling program?
Records for each child participating in a homeschool program must be kept on a permanent basis by the parent/guardian overseeing the homeschool program. Records must include, but are not limited to: attendance, test and evaluation results, and immunization records. Such records will be produced to the local school district upon 14 days written notice, if the superintendent has probable cause to believe that the program is not in compliance with state law.
How do I obtain assessments for my student? Where do I send them after completion?
Homeschooled students must have academic progress evaluated in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Refer to CDE's FAQs about Homeschooling. Students can take a nationally normalized achievement test or a qualified person, as described in CRS 22-33-104.5(3)(f) can be selected by the parent to evaluate the student’s academic progress. If parents would like their student to participate in assessments through their neighborhood school (grades 3, 5 or 7) during the district testing schedule, parents must contact the school office by January 15th for assistance. There may be a fee for testing, payable to the school.
Assessment results must be submitted to Jeffco within 6 months of the test date and may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:
Home Based Education
Jefferson County Public Schools
1829 Denver West Drive
Golden, CO 80401
Can my student take some classes at a Jeffco school while homeschooling?
Families may contact the school to inquire about and develop a detailed plan with approval from school administration. Part time students must enroll in school at least 60 minutes a day, 5 hours per week, or 90 hours per semester.
Can my student participate in extracurricular activities if they are enrolled in Home Based Education?
Resident students participating in home based educational programs may participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities if they meet the requirements of state law and district policy, with approval from the school administration.
Who pays for the curriculum and supplies for my homeschooling program?
The parent/guardian overseeing the homeschool program is solely responsible for obtaining books, supplies, tests, and any and all costs associated.
Are homeschooling programs accredited by the State of Colorado or local school districts?
No.
What are some resources I can use for supporting my homeschooling program?
Please visit CDE for additional resources.
How do I withdraw my student from Home Based Education?
The Parent or Guardian may submit an Intent to Withdraw form, send an email to [email protected], or demonstrate enrollment in another school.
Who can I contact if I still have questions?
Contact the Home Based Education office:
by Email: [email protected]
by Phone: 303-982-6661
When is the Home Based Education Office Open?
The Jeffco Home Based Education Office is open Monday through Friday, 9-1 and follows the District Family Calendar.
When can I begin homeschooling my student?
The parent may begin their homeschooling program fourteen (14) days after the Letter of Intent has been received by the district Office of Home Based Education.
Can my student earn a diploma from Jeffco Public Schools?
District diplomas are presented only to students who have completed all District Graduation Requirements as stated in Jeffco Public Schools Board Policies. There is no state or district diploma for home schooled students.
How do I choose a curriculum?
Outside of Truancy or other court action, the selection of curriculum is at the discretion of the parent who is overseeing the homeschooling program. Parents/guardians should document grades, attendance, assessments, type of curriculum, and exploratory activities such as CO-OP functions and field trips. Please see CDE’s Home School Resources for more information.
How do I enroll my student in Home Based Education?
Pursuant to Colorado law, parents who wish to begin homeschooling must provide notification to a Colorado school district fourteen (14) days prior to beginning the homeschool program. Notification through Jeffco can be submitted through Enroll Jeffco and must be re-submitted to a Colorado school district each year.