What law governs homeschooling in Colorado?
Title 22, Colorado Revised Statutes: Education Article 33: School Attendance Law of 1963 Section 104.5, as amended.
What are my responsibilities when I choose Home Based Education?
Parent Responsibilities include:
- Complete the Letter of Intent 14 days prior to the beginning of home-based education and deliver to Jeffco's Home Based Office. Parents must fill out this form each year they are planning to provide home based education.
- Provide 172 days of instruction, averaging four (4) contact hours per day.
- Provide instruction that includes, but is not limited to, communication (reading, writing and speaking); mathematics; history; civics; literature; science; and regular courses of instruction in the Constitution of the United States as provided in section 22-1-108.
- Have the child evaluated when such child reaches grades three, five, seven, nine and eleven as defined in CRS 22-33-104-5 (f), using a nationally recognized standardized achievement test, and submit the results to the school district which received the letter of intent.
- Create and keep educational records as defined in CRS 22-33-104-5 (g) including, but not limited to: immunization records, attendance data, test and evaluation results and deliver them within 14 days of a written request from the district.
- Encourage the student to attend school while the 14 day waiting period is in effect and describe the consequences of truancy if the letter of intent is not received and confirmed.
- If a habitual truancy case has been filed for the family, the intended curriculum and programming of the homeschool program must be submitted to the Jeffco Public Schools Truancy Office for approval.
Additional information may be found on CDE's website.
When can I submit my Letter of Intent for the following school year?
A Letter Of Intent may be submitted June 1st for the following 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?
Potentially. If a child and their parent/guardian have a pending or active truancy case, the Letter of Intent will be forwarded to Jeffco's Truancy Office for review and approval of the intended curriculum and all aspects of the homeschooling program proposed by the family. 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.
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 standardized 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, please contact the school office by January 15th for assistance.
Assessment results may be emailed to HomeBasedEd@jeffco.k12.co.us or mailed to:
Home Based Education
Jefferson County Public Schools
1829 Denver West Drive Golden, CO 80401
Can my student take some classes at our neighborhood school and others at home?
Possibly. Contact the school to inquire about and develop a detailed plan with approval from school administration. Part time students must attend 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 enrolls 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. There is no State or District funding.
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?
The following organizations may be able to provide you with valuable information:
Jeffco Public Schools Phone: 303-982-6661
Colorado Department of Education Phone: 303-866-6600
Colorado Homeschool Law
CDE's FAQs about Home Schooling
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 HomeBasedEd@jeffco.k12.co.us, or demonstrate enrollment in another school. The Home Based Education office will confirm withdrawal via email.
Who can I contact if I still have questions?
Contact the Home Based Education office:
by Email: HomeBasedEd@jeffco.k12.co.us
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 Home Based Education Office. An email confirmation with the enrollment date will be sent to the parent.
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. The District does not offer guidance in this area; please see CDE’s Homes 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.
You may use this Letter Of Intent and email to HomeBasedEd@jeffco.k12.co.us or mail in to:
Home Based Education
Jefferson County Public Schools
1829 Denver West Drive Golden, CO 80401