Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Kansas - a low-regulation state where homeschools operate as non-accredited private schools. No testing, no curriculum approval, and no teacher qualifications required. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Kansas is a low-regulation state for homeschooling. Under Kansas law, homeschools are classified as non-accredited private schools, which gives families significant autonomy over their educational program. There is no testing, no curriculum approval, and no teacher qualifications required.
The legal framework is found in K.S.A. 72-4345 et seq., which governs private, denominational, and parochial schools. Because homeschools fall under this classification, they benefit from the same broad freedoms enjoyed by private schools in Kansas.
The only formal requirements are straightforward: register annually with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), provide instruction that is "substantially equivalent" to public school, and maintain attendance records at home.
Kansas has a later compulsory age than most states - children are not required to attend school until age 7 (compared to 5 or 6 in many other states). This gives families more flexibility in deciding when to begin formal instruction. You also need to choose a name for your homeschool as part of registration.
Kansas has a single compliance path: your homeschool operates as a non-accredited private school. This classification provides broad autonomy while requiring only basic registration.
| Requirement | Kansas Homeschool (Non-Accredited Private School) |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | K.S.A. 72-4345 et seq. |
| Classification | Non-accredited private school |
| Registration | Annual with KSDE |
| Attendance | "Substantially equivalent" to public school |
| Teacher Qualification | None required |
| Required Subjects | Not specifically mandated |
| Curriculum | Parent's complete discretion |
| Testing | None required |
| Record-Keeping | Attendance records (kept at home) |
Kansas classifies homeschools as private schools that have chosen not to seek state accreditation. This is not a negative designation - it simply means your school operates independently of state curriculum standards and oversight. You have the same legal standing as any other private school in Kansas that is not accredited.
Kansas law requires instruction that is "substantially equivalent" to public school. This is broadly interpreted and there is no verification mechanism. It does not mean you must follow the public school curriculum or schedule - it means you should be providing a genuine educational experience comparable in scope to what public schools offer.
Kansas uses a registration system, not an approval system. When you register with KSDE, they record your information. They do not review your curriculum, evaluate your qualifications, or approve or deny your registration. This is an important distinction that gives Kansas families significant freedom.
Starting a homeschool in Kansas is a straightforward process with just a few steps.
Your homeschool needs a name for registration purposes. Common formats include "[Family Name] Academy," "[Family Name] Home School," or any name you choose. This is your school's official name for all records and correspondence.
Complete the Non-Accredited Private School Registration with the Kansas State Department of Education. This can be done online or by mail. You will need to provide your school name, address, the name of the person in charge (parent), grades taught, and number of students.
Kansas requires you to maintain attendance records. Set up a simple calendar, log, or tracking system before you begin instruction.
Choose your curriculum, provide "substantially equivalent" instruction, and maintain your attendance records throughout the year.
If your child is currently enrolled in public school, complete your KSDE registration first, then send a withdrawal letter to the current school and request student records.
Register with KSDE before starting your school year. While the process is simple and not an approval, having your registration on file before beginning instruction is required. Also make sure to have your school name decided before registering.
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Kansas requires annual registration with the state - not your local school district. This is a registration-only process with no approval component.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Register With | Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) |
| Form | Non-Accredited Private School Registration |
| Deadline | Before operating each school year |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Method | Online or by mail |
Remember: this is registration, not approval. KSDE records your information but does not approve or deny it.
Kansas provides maximum curriculum freedom. The state does not specifically mandate required subjects for non-accredited private schools. Parents have complete discretion over what to teach, what materials to use, and what methods to employ.
While not legally mandated, most Kansas homeschool families cover these core areas to meet the "substantially equivalent" standard:
There is no curriculum approval process - you choose whatever materials, methods, and approach work for your family. Religious instruction is fully permitted.
For college-bound students, covering a well-rounded set of subjects is recommended. Kansas public universities (KU, K-State, Wichita State) accept homeschool graduates with parent-created transcripts and ACT scores. Including foreign language, science labs, and advanced math strengthens college applications.
Kansas requires instruction that is "substantially equivalent" to public school in terms of scheduling. While there is no specific number of days mandated in statute, the general guidance is to operate during public school hours and provide a comparable amount of instruction.
Most Kansas homeschool families provide approximately 180 days of instruction (comparable to public schools), though the exact number is not enforced.
Kansas requires homeschools to maintain attendance records. However, these records are kept at home - you do not need to submit them to anyone. A simple calendar, log, or tracking sheet is sufficient.
Keep a simple attendance log or calendar marking your instruction days. While you don't submit these records, having them provides documentation if ever needed, and they're helpful for creating transcripts for college-bound students.
Kansas requires no testing, no standardized assessments, no evaluations, and no portfolio reviews for homeschool students. You are the sole judge of your child's educational progress.
This is one of the key advantages of Kansas homeschool law. No one reviews your curriculum, evaluates your teaching, or tests your students.
While not required, some families choose to administer standardized tests for their own purposes:
While Kansas does not require testing, college-bound students will need ACT or SAT scores for admissions. Plan to take these tests during junior or senior year. Kansas public universities accept homeschool graduates with parent-created transcripts.
Kansas has minimal record-keeping requirements. The only records you must maintain are your annual KSDE registration and attendance records.
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Kansas does not have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschoolers access to public school sports or extracurricular activities. Participation is at the discretion of each local school district.
The KSHSAA (Kansas State High School Activities Association) governs public school athletics, and current rules generally exclude homeschoolers. However, some districts may have their own policies allowing participation.
Homeschoolers can request evaluations through their local school district. Access to full services is limited and generally requires enrollment in public school.
Kansas has discussed school choice legislation, including possible ESA programs. There is a limited tax credit scholarship program. Check current legislative status for the latest developments.
If your child wants to participate in public school sports or activities, contact your local school district directly. While there is no statewide guarantee, some districts are more accommodating than others.
Kansas homeschool law is simple, but new families still make these avoidable mistakes.
The KSDE registration is your single most important compliance requirement. Complete it before each school year begins. Without it, your homeschool is not officially registered as a non-accredited private school, which could create legal complications.
Kansas classifies homeschools as private schools that have chosen not to seek state accreditation. This gives significant autonomy - no curriculum oversight, no testing, and no teacher requirements.
No. You register, not seek approval. KSDE records your registration but does not approve or deny it.
Instruction comparable to public school in scope. This is broadly interpreted and not verified by the state. It does not mean you must use the same curriculum or methods.
No. You must maintain them at home, but you do not submit them to anyone.
At district discretion. Kansas has no statewide law guaranteeing access. Contact your local school to ask about their policy.
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Track Kansas ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Kansas State Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney. For more information, see the KSDE Private Schools page and Kansas homeschool organizations. Last updated February 2026.