Helpful Info for
New Homeschoolers
Basic information for those who are just beginning their homeschool journeys in CO...
COLORADO'S
HOMESCHOOL LAWS
1. Attendance - Colorado homeschool law requires that children between the ages of 6 and 17 be taught an average of 4 hours per day for at least 172 days per year by an adult relative. The adult relative must provide at least 51% of the total instructional hours. Additional hours may be taught by a tutor.
2. Subjects to Teach - The home school program must include, but is not limited to, reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and the Constitution of the United States.
3. Written Notice - Parents must provide written notification of the establishment of the home school program 14 days before beginning the home school program to a Colorado school district. The written notification must include the name, age, place of residence, and number of attendance hours for each child that will be participating in the home school program. Written notification must be re-submitted to a Colorado school district each year.
4. Record Keeping - Records for each child participating in a home school program must be kept on a permanent basis by the parent who is overseeing the program. The records must include, but are not limited to, attendance, test and evaluation results, and immunization records.
5. Assessment/Evaluation - Students who are participating in a home school program must have academic progress evaluated in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Students can take a nationally standardized achievement test or a qualified person (as described in C.R.S. 22-22-104.5(3)(f)) can be selected by the parent to evaluate the student's academic progress. The results of the evaluation, whether by assessment or qualified person, must be submitted to the school district that received written notification.
Park Days are a GREAT way to meet other homeschooling families!
If you're just getting started in the Fort Collins/Windsor/Loveland area, consider attending one of our Park Days with your kids. We meet every Wednesday throughout the year. (Check the "News & Events" tab for current times/locations.) This is a great way to connect with other homeschooling families in the area, and there will be plenty of moms to answer any questions you might have. We'd love to welcome you!
This website offers a WEALTH of information for homeschooling families in the Northern Colorado area... curriculum choices, field trip ideas, enrichment classes, extracurricular options and more. EXCELLENT RESOURCE!!!
These Books Are Excellent Resources for New Homeschoolers:
Educating the Wholehearted Child
by Clay and Sally Clarkson
A great "how to" book with plenty of encouragement and practical tips.
Teaching from Rest
by Sarah Mackenzie
One of THE BEST resources for any Christian homeschooling parent. If you read this book early in your homeschooling journey, you will save yourself from unnecessary anxiety and stress. Don't board the crazy train! Sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee while you soak up Sarah's wisdom.
Things We Wish We'd Known
Edited by Bill and Diana Waring
50 veteran homeschooling parents share what they've learned along the way, including things they'd do differently if they could go back to square one. A must-read for those who are new to the wonderful world of homeschooling!