Want to learn how to homeschool in Montana? You’ve made a great choice! Big Sky Country loves homeschoolers. Simply file one notice per year. No testing required. In addition, you can pick any curriculum you want. This guide shows you exactly how to get started today.
Montana ranks among the friendliest states for homeschooling. In fact, the laws are simple and parents have complete freedom. Over 15,000 kids are homeschooled here. As a result, you can join them easily.
Looking at nearby states? Check our guides for North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho.
Why Homeschool in Montana?
Montana gives families great benefits because the state trusts parents completely. As a result, you make all the choices. Here’s what you get:
- First, simple paperwork – Just one annual notice to your county
- Additionally, no testing – Zero standardized test requirements
- Furthermore, full freedom – You pick all curriculum and methods
- Moreover, public school access – Take classes part-time since 2023
- Also, ESA funding – Up to $8,000 per family for expenses
- Finally, late start age – School starts at 7, not 5 or 6
Montana has wide open spaces, so your kids can explore nature daily. For instance, you can visit Glacier National Park, study wildlife at Yellowstone, or watch eagles soar over valleys. In other words, Big Sky Country becomes your classroom.
The homeschool community is strong here because families help each other. Additionally, co-ops meet across the state. Therefore, you won’t feel alone on this journey.
Montana Homeschool Laws at a Glance
Big Sky Country ranks among the friendliest states for homeschooling because rules are simple and clear. Consequently, parents have control over everything while the state stays out of your way.
Home education follows Montana Code 20-5-109, which protects your right to teach at home. Moreover, new laws in 2025 made things even easier. For example, HB778 removed immunization record rules and building codes no longer apply to homeschools.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal under MCA 20-5-109 |
| Compulsory Ages | 7-16 years old |
| Notification | Yes, annual to county superintendent |
| Hours Required | 720 (grades 1-3) / 1,080 (grades 4-12) |
| Subjects | Same as public school basics |
| Testing | No |
| Teacher Rules | None required |
| Records | Attendance only |
| Part-Time School | Yes, since 2023 |
How to Start Homeschooling in Montana
Getting started is easy in Montana when you follow these five simple steps. In fact, most families finish the process in one day, which means you can start teaching right away.
Check Your Child’s Age
First, Montana starts compulsory school at age 7. In comparison, that’s later than most states. Kids must attend school until age 16. Therefore, this gives you a focused window.
Is your child under 7? Then you don’t need to notify anyone. You can teach them freely. Similarly, if they’re over 16, no paperwork is needed at all.
This late start helps families because young children can play and explore instead of formal lessons. After all, Montana trusts parents to know their kids best.
Notify the County Superintendent
Next, send a notice to your county superintendent each school year. Keep in mind that this is not your school district, but rather the county education office that handles homeschool notices.
The school year runs from July 1 to June 30, so send your notice at the start of each year. Furthermore, you can notify by mail, phone, or in person.
Your notice needs basic information:
- First, names of children you’re teaching
- Second, their ages and grade levels
- Third, your name and contact information
- Finally, a statement that you’ll teach at home
Montana requires no special form, so a simple letter works fine. Written notice gives you records, which is why you should keep a copy for your files.
Choose Your Curriculum
Then, Montana gives parents complete control over curriculum choices. You pick everything from educational philosophy to teaching materials and daily methods. Ultimately, it’s all your choice.
Popular curriculum options include:
- First, traditional textbooks – Abeka, BJU Press, Saxon Math
- Second, online programs – Time4Learning, Khan Academy, IXL
- Third, Charlotte Mason – Living books and nature study
- Additionally, classical education – Grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages
- Furthermore, unschooling – Child-led, interest-based learning
- Finally, eclectic approach – Mix and match what works
Try different approaches at first to see what fits your child best. Remember that you can change curriculum anytime because Montana lets you adjust as needed.
Track Your Instruction Hours
Additionally, Montana requires minimum instruction hours each year, so keep a simple count throughout the year. Here are the requirements:
- First, kindergarten half-time: 360 hours
- Second, kindergarten full-time: 720 hours
- Third, grades 1-3: 720 hours
- Finally, grades 4-12: 1,080 hours
How do these hours break down? Younger kids need about 4 hours daily while older students need about 6 hours. Moreover, you can spread hours however you want.
Importantly, field trips count as instruction time, and reading together counts too. Similarly, museum visits and educational games also count as learning hours. In short, real learning happens everywhere.
Keep Attendance Records
Finally, Montana asks for one simple thing: keep attendance records. Mark your school days on a calendar and note which days you taught.
The county may ask to see attendance records, although this rarely happens in practice. Nevertheless, keep records anyway because they protect you legally.
Planning Your Homeschool Year
Successful homeschooling starts with good planning. Consequently, taking time to organize your year pays off with smoother days. Here’s how to structure your Montana homeschool year effectively.
Setting Up Your Schedule
Montana gives you flexibility on scheduling. Therefore, design a schedule that fits your family’s lifestyle. Some families prefer traditional school hours from 8 AM to 3 PM. However, others spread learning throughout the day with breaks between subjects.
Consider these scheduling approaches:
- First, block scheduling – Focus on one or two subjects deeply each day
- Second, loop scheduling – Rotate through subjects over several days
- Third, traditional schedule – Cover all subjects daily like public school
- Finally, year-round schooling – Shorter days spread across all seasons
Creating Your Learning Space
Designate a specific area for focused learning. Additionally, ensure good lighting and minimal distractions. Your homeschool space doesn’t need to look like a classroom. In fact, many Montana families use kitchen tables, dedicated rooms, or outdoor spaces depending on the weather and season.
Essential supplies for your learning space include:
- First, organized storage for books and materials
- Second, writing supplies and art materials
- Third, a computer or tablet for online resources
- Additionally, reference books and dictionaries
- Finally, comfortable seating for reading time
Building Daily Routines
Children thrive with consistent routines. Therefore, establish morning rituals that signal school time. For instance, start with calendar time and weather observations. Then move into core subjects when focus is highest. Importantly, include regular breaks for movement and snacks.
Required Subjects in Montana
Montana requires you to teach basic subjects that match what public schools teach. However, how you teach them is completely up to you.
Required subjects include:
- First, reading and language arts
- Second, writing and composition
- Third, mathematics at grade level
- Additionally, science and nature study
- Furthermore, social studies and history
- Also, literature and poetry
- Moreover, health and wellness
- Similarly, music appreciation
- Likewise, art and creativity
- Finally, physical education
Importantly, the state doesn’t check your materials, and no one reviews your lesson plans. Simply cover these subject areas your own way because Montana trusts you.
Testing and Assessment
Montana requires no standardized tests. In fact, none at all. As a result, this makes Montana special because most states require annual testing.
No one checks your child’s progress officially. Furthermore, you don’t report scores anywhere. The state trusts parents to monitor learning.
However, some families still choose to test. Testing helps track academic progress. In addition, it shows where kids need extra help. Good testing options include:
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills
- Stanford Achievement Test
- California Achievement Test (CAT)
- Peabody Individual Achievement Test
You can order tests online and give them at home yourself. As a result, your results stay private with your family, so use them to guide your teaching.
Record Keeping Requirements
Montana keeps paperwork simple because required records are just attendance logs. That’s what the law requires, and nothing more.
Smart Records to Keep
Many families track more than required since extra records help later. Consider keeping:
- Curriculum lists for each year
- Work samples from each subject
- Grades and evaluations
- Activity logs and field trips
- Test scores if you test
- Awards and achievements
These records help with college applications because they show your child’s educational journey. Therefore, keep them organized by school year and store them safely for the future.
Organizing Your Records System
Create a simple system that works for your family. First, use a binder or digital folder for each school year. Then, divide it into sections for each subject area. Additionally, include a calendar showing school days at the front. As a result, everything stays organized and easy to find.
Many experienced homeschoolers recommend these organizational tips:
- First, take photos of projects before they’re recycled
- Second, save the best writing samples from each month
- Third, keep a reading log with book titles and dates
- Additionally, note field trips and educational outings
- Finally, back up digital records to cloud storage regularly
2025 Law Changes
Montana got even more homeschool-friendly in 2025 when Governor Gianforte signed HB778 in May. This law brought several good changes:
- No immunization records required anymore
- No building code requirements for home schools
- Less paperwork for families overall
These changes reduce hassle, so you have more freedom now. Clearly, Montana keeps making things better for homeschool families.
Education Savings Accounts
Montana offers ESA funding to families. In other words, the state gives you money for education. As a result, this helps cover homeschool costs significantly.
2025-26 Award Amounts
Families can receive $5,000 to $8,000 per year, depending on your situation. Specifically, income and family size affect eligibility.
What ESA Funds Cover
Use ESA money for many expenses:
- Curriculum and textbooks
- Online learning subscriptions
- Tutoring and classes
- Educational supplies and materials
- Special education services
- Some extracurricular programs
- Educational technology and software
Check with Montana’s Office of Public Instruction, as they handle ESA applications. After all, free money helps families afford quality education.
Part-Time Public School Access
Since July 2023, Montana law has changed significantly. HB 396 now allows part-time public school enrollment, so your homeschooled child can:
- Take specific classes at school
- Access advanced courses like AP classes
- Use science labs and equipment
- Learn foreign languages
- Join band or orchestra
Public schools must admit part-time students because the law requires it. Contact your local district for available courses, as this option helps families fill gaps.
Withdrawing from Public School
Is your child currently in public school? If so, here’s how to switch to homeschooling:
- File your notice with the county superintendent first
- Tell the school you’re withdrawing for home instruction
- Request records including transcripts and test scores
- Return school property like textbooks and laptops
Once you notify the county, you’re legal, and the public school cannot prevent withdrawal. Therefore, you can start homeschooling immediately.
High School and Graduation
You can homeschool through high school in Montana, but plan ahead for your teen’s future. Most importantly, keep good records from the start.
Creating Transcripts
You create your student’s transcript yourself. To begin with, include these important items:
- Courses completed each year
- Credit hours for each course
- Grades earned
- GPA calculation
- Test scores like SAT and ACT
- Extracurricular activities
- Awards and achievements
Setting Graduation Requirements
You set your own graduation requirements as the parent. Specifically, use these guidelines:
- Review Montana public school requirements
- Check college admission requirements
- Consider career prerequisites
- Include what matters to your family
Issuing Diplomas
Parents issue homeschool diplomas in Montana, and colleges accept them. Similarly, employers and the military accept them too. Your diploma is legal and valid.
College Preparation for Montana Homeschoolers
Montana homeschoolers routinely get accepted to excellent colleges. In fact, many admissions officers actively seek homeschool graduates. However, preparation should start early in high school to maximize opportunities.
Building a Strong Application
First, colleges want to see rigorous coursework. Therefore, include challenging classes like advanced math, laboratory sciences, and literature analysis. Additionally, document extracurricular activities thoroughly because they show character and initiative.
Consider these elements for a strong application:
- First, standardized test scores from SAT or ACT
- Second, detailed course descriptions for each class
- Third, letters of recommendation from mentors or tutors
- Additionally, volunteer work and community service records
- Furthermore, leadership roles in clubs or organizations
- Finally, any awards, certifications, or special achievements
Montana College Options
Montana offers excellent in-state universities for homeschool graduates. For example, Montana State University in Bozeman welcomes homeschoolers. Similarly, the University of Montana in Missoula has clear admission pathways for home-educated students. Both schools offer merit scholarships specifically for Montana residents.
Community colleges provide another excellent option. Consequently, students can start at schools like Flathead Valley Community College or Miles Community College. Moreover, credits transfer easily to four-year universities later.
Montana Homeschool Resources
State Organizations
- Montana Coalition of Home Educators – Statewide support and resources
- HSLDA Montana – Legal help and advocacy
- Montana Office of Public Instruction – Official state information
Finding Your Community
Montana has active homeschool groups statewide. For example, find support through:
- MTCHE regional connections
- Local library homeschool programs
- Church-based homeschool groups
- Online Montana homeschool communities
- Facebook groups for your area
Co-ops and Group Classes
Join other families for group learning. In particular, Montana co-ops offer:
- Group classes in various subjects
- Science labs with equipment
- Field trips across Montana’s landscapes
- Sports and physical education
- Art, music, and drama programs
- Social activities for all ages
Special Situations
Special Needs Students
Montana welcomes students with special needs because homeschooling often works wonderfully for them. Specifically, parents can:
- Customize curriculum for learning differences
- Access part-time public school services
- Use ESA funds for therapies
- Hire private specialists as needed
- Work at each child’s own pace
Military Families
Moving to Montana? Welcome to Big Sky Country! The state accepts homeschool records from other states, so file your notice with the county and keep your previous records. As a result, you can continue your program smoothly.
Dual Enrollment Options
High school students can take college classes because Montana colleges welcome homeschoolers. Consequently, your teen earns college credit early, which saves time and money on higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool?
No, Montana has no teacher requirements. In fact, no degree or certificate is required. Any parent can teach their own children.
Does the state approve my curriculum?
No, you don’t submit curriculum for approval since no review process exists. Instead, simply teach the required subjects your way.
What if the county asks for records?
Show attendance records only because that’s all they can legally request. Furthermore, there’s no curriculum review or work samples required, and most counties never ask.
Can my child play public school sports?
Montana has no statewide sports access law, so each district decides its own policy. Some districts allow participation while others do not. Call your local school to ask about their rules.
Do I notify when I stop homeschooling?
No formal notice is required since enrolling in school handles attendance. When your child turns 16, you’re done automatically.
How do I apply for ESA funding in Montana?
Contact the Montana Office of Public Instruction to apply for ESA funds. Consequently, families can receive $5,000 to $8,000 per year for educational expenses. Applications typically open in spring for the following school year. Moreover, funds cover curriculum, tutoring, supplies, and approved educational programs.
Start Your Montana Homeschool Journey Today
Montana makes homeschooling simple and straightforward because minimal rules give you maximum freedom. Focus on what matters most: your child’s education.
To summarize, remember these key steps to begin:
- Notify your county superintendent each year
- Choose curriculum covering required subjects
- Track your instruction hours
- Keep simple attendance records
Big Sky Country welcomes your family warmly because ESA funding helps you afford great materials. Additionally, part-time public school fills any gaps, and the MTCHE community supports you every step.
Start your homeschool journey today in Montana because the state gives you freedom to teach your way. Your children will thrive here since Montana believes in families like yours.
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