Thinking about homeschooling in New York? You’re joining over 100,000 families who have chosen home education in the Empire State. New York has more paperwork than many states. But the process is clear once you know the steps.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know. You’ll learn about the Letter of Intent, IHIP, quarterly reports, and annual testing. We’ll cover required subjects, record keeping, and how to get started. Let’s dive in.
New York Homeschool Laws at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal under Regulation 100.10 |
| Notification | Letter of Intent by July 1 each year |
| IHIP Required | Yes, within 4 weeks of LOI response |
| Subjects Required | 12 required subjects by grade |
| Testing | Annual assessment required |
| Quarterly Reports | 4 reports per year |
| Compulsory Ages | 6-16 (17 in NYC) |
New York classifies as a “high regulation” state. Don’t let that scare you. The requirements are manageable. Many families successfully homeschool here for years.
Step-by-Step: Starting Homeschool in New York
Step 1: Submit Your Letter of Intent
Your homeschool journey starts with a Letter of Intent (LOI). Send it to your local school district superintendent. The deadline is July 1st for the upcoming school year.
Starting mid-year? File within 14 days of beginning homeschool. Moving to a new district? File a new LOI with your new superintendent.
Your LOI needs three things:
- Your name and home address
- Names and ages of children you’ll teach
- A clear statement that you intend to homeschool
Check with your district first. Many provide their own forms. Keep a copy of everything you submit. This protects you if questions arise later.
Step 2: Create Your IHIP
IHIP stands for Individualized Home Instruction Plan. Think of it as your teaching roadmap for the year. Submit it within four weeks of receiving your LOI response. The latest deadline is August 15.
Your IHIP must include:
- Student name, age, and grade level
- List of curriculum, textbooks, and materials
- Names of everyone providing instruction
- Dates for your four quarterly reports
You don’t need district approval on your curriculum choices. The IHIP shows what you plan to teach. You retain full control over how you teach it.
Step 3: Teach the Required Hours
New York sets minimum instruction hours by grade:
- Grades 1-6: 900 hours per year minimum
- Grades 7-12: 990 hours per year minimum
How you structure these hours is your choice. Some families do shorter days across more weeks. Others follow a traditional September to June calendar. Year-round schooling works too. Find what fits your family.
Count all educational activities. Field trips, library visits, music lessons, and hands-on projects all count toward your hours.
Step 4: Submit Quarterly Reports
Four times each year, you’ll submit progress reports. Most families follow this schedule:
- First report: November
- Second report: January
- Third report: April
- Fourth report: June (with annual assessment)
Each quarterly report includes:
- Number of hours completed that quarter
- Topics covered in each subject
- A grade or written evaluation per subject
Keep these reports simple. One to two pages works fine. You’re showing steady progress, not perfection. Brief descriptions of what you covered in each subject satisfy the requirement.
Step 5: Complete Annual Assessment
Each school year ends with an assessment showing your child’s progress. You have two options depending on grade level.
Standardized Testing Years (Grades 4, 6, and 8):
Your child takes a nationally normed achievement test. They must score at the 33rd percentile or higher. Common choices include:
- Stanford Achievement Test
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills
- California Achievement Test
- Comprehensive Testing Program
Non-Testing Years:
Submit a written evaluation from a certified teacher, peer review panel, or approved evaluator. The evaluation confirms your child is making adequate academic progress.
What happens if test scores fall below the 33rd percentile? You’ll work with your district on a remediation plan. You get one year to bring scores up. This rarely becomes an issue for engaged homeschool families.
Required Subjects in New York
New York mandates specific subjects at each grade level. Here’s the complete list:
All Grades (K-6)
- Mathematics
- Reading
- Spelling
- Writing
- English Language Arts
- Geography
- United States History
- Science
- Health Education
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Physical Education
Grades 7-8 Add
- New York State history and government
- Participation in government
- Library skills and research
High School Requirements
- English: 4 years
- Social Studies: 4 years (including U.S. history, government, economics)
- Mathematics: 2-3 years depending on diploma goals
- Science: 2-3 years depending on diploma goals
- Health: Half credit
- Art or Foreign Language: 1 credit
- Physical Education: Every year
You have complete freedom in how you teach these subjects. Use textbooks, online programs, unit studies, or hands-on projects. Many families blend multiple approaches throughout the year.
Record Keeping Requirements
Good records protect your homeschool. They also help with college applications later. Here’s what to maintain:
Required Documents
- Letter of Intent (keep each year’s copy)
- IHIP (your annual teaching plan)
- All quarterly reports submitted
- Test results or evaluations
- Attendance logs showing hours completed
Recommended Records
- Work samples from each subject
- Reading lists and book reports
- Photos of projects and activities
- Certificates from completed courses
- High school transcripts (start in 9th grade)
Store everything for at least two years. For high school records, keep them until after college admission. Many families create portfolios that showcase their child’s best work each year.
Homeschool Options in New York
Independent Homeschooling
Most New York families file directly with their district. This approach gives you maximum control. You choose curriculum, set schedules, and handle all paperwork yourself. It’s the most popular and flexible option.
Umbrella Schools
Some families enroll through umbrella school programs. These organizations can handle paperwork and provide additional structure. Some offer curriculum guidance or online classes. Costs and involvement levels vary widely.
Hybrid Arrangements
Certain districts allow part-time public school enrollment. Your child might take specific classes at school while homeschooling other subjects. This works well for subjects like lab sciences or foreign languages. Contact your district to ask about dual enrollment options.
New York Homeschool Resources
Official Resources
State Organizations
- New York Home Educators Network (NYHEN) – Statewide support and advocacy
- Loving Education at Home (LEAH) – Christian homeschool network
Regional Support Groups
- New York City: NYC Home Educators Alliance, Manhattan Homeschoolers
- Long Island: Long Island Homeschool Network, LIHEN
- Capital District: Capital Area Homeschoolers
- Western NY: Rochester Area Homeschoolers, Buffalo Home Educators
- Hudson Valley: Hudson Valley Homeschoolers
Local support groups are invaluable. You’ll find co-ops, field trip groups, sports teams, and families walking the same path. Most have Facebook groups or websites where you can connect.
Special Situations
Withdrawing from Public School
Ready to bring your child home from public school? Follow these steps:
- Submit your Letter of Intent to the district superintendent
- Request your child’s records in writing
- Complete any withdrawal forms the school requires
- Begin homeschooling once your LOI is acknowledged
You don’t need the school’s permission to homeschool. Follow proper procedures and you’re set. Some families withdraw mid-year without issues.
High School and Graduation
New York homeschoolers have several paths to a diploma:
- Parent-issued diploma: You award it upon completing your requirements
- TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion): Available at age 17 and older
- Regents Exams: Some districts allow homeschoolers to sit for these
Most colleges accept parent-issued transcripts. Create detailed course descriptions, assign grades, and include standardized test scores. Many homeschoolers earn college acceptance without a traditional diploma.
Special Needs Accommodations
New York doesn’t require homeschools to provide special education services. However, you can request district evaluations for your child. Some families access speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other services through their local Committee on Special Education while educating at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in New York?
No. The law requires instruction from a “competent” person. There’s no degree requirement. Parents with any educational background can legally homeschool their children.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in New York?
Possibly. New York law allows districts to include homeschoolers in extracurricular activities. It’s not required. Each district sets its own policy. Contact your local athletic director to ask.
How do I create a homeschool diploma in New York?
You issue it yourself upon your child completing your program. Create a transcript documenting courses completed and grades earned. Include standardized test scores. Colleges and employers accept parent-issued credentials.
What happens if I miss filing deadlines?
Your district will send reminder notices. Respond promptly. Continued non-compliance could trigger truancy concerns. If you’re struggling with deadlines, communicate with your district. Most work with cooperative families.
Do I need to file paperwork for kindergarten?
In most of New York, compulsory education begins at age 6. You can teach kindergarten informally without filing. If your child turns 6 before December 1st, they enter compulsory age that school year.
Getting Started Today
New York’s requirements look substantial on paper. In practice, families find their rhythm quickly. The first year involves the steepest learning curve. After that, the process becomes routine.
Start with your Letter of Intent. Connect with a local homeschool group for support. They know your district’s specific procedures and can offer practical guidance.
You have the full legal right to homeschool in New York. Over 100,000 families prove it works. Take that first step with confidence.
Curious how New York compares to other states? Check out our guide to homeschooling in Texas to see how a low-regulation state handles home education differently.
Related State Guides
Want to see how other states compare? Check out:
- How to Homeschool in Texas – Low-regulation alternative
- How to Homeschool in Florida – Moderate requirements with annual evaluation
- How to Homeschool in Washington – Similar oversight level with parent qualifications
- How to Homeschool in Arizona – Minimal requirements with ESA option
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