Homeschooling in New York State involves educating a child at home instead of sending them to a traditional public or private school. In New York there are specific regulations that homeschooling families must follow. Here's an overview of homeschooling requirements in New York State:

Notification: Parents or guardians who wish to homeschool their child must submit a Letter of Intent to homeschool to the local school district. This letter must include basic information such as the child's name, age, and address, as well as the parent's or guardian's name and contact information.

Curriculum: Homeschooling families in New York must provide instruction in certain subjects, including arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, English, geography, U.S. history, science, health education, music, visual arts, physical education, and library skills. However, there is flexibility in how these subjects are taught, and parents have the freedom to choose or develop their own curriculum.

Annual Assessment: Parents must annually assess their child's progress in accordance with the regulations set forth by the New York State Education Department. Acceptable forms of assessment include standardized tests, written evaluations by certified teachers, or an alternative form of evaluation mutually agreed upon by the parents and the school district.

Quarterly Reports: Homeschooling parents are required to submit quarterly reports to the school district, documenting the child's attendance and academic progress. These reports must be submitted within two weeks following the end of each quarter.

Parent Qualifications: There are no specific educational requirements for parents who wish to homeschool their children in New York State. However, parents must be capable of providing an appropriate education for their child.

If a parent/guardian decides to Home School their students a letter of intent to homeschool the child is required every year.  This should be sent to the District.

Dutchess County BOCES provides the compliance oversight for Home Schooling. A template for the Letter of Intent as well as the Handbook provided by BOCES are attached below.

There are several groups in the Hudson Valley that provide resources for local homeschooling families. If you have additional questions, please email: Aszalena Tuggle tuggle.a@beaconk12.org