Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Vermont. File an annual enrollment notice, teach 8 subject areas, and complete an annual assessment by June 30. A moderate-regulation state with multiple assessment options. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Vermont is a moderate-regulation state that requires an annual enrollment notice, instruction in eight subject areas, and an annual assessment. The oversight body is the Vermont Agency of Education (not local school districts), and all filings go directly to the state level.
The governing statute is 16 V.S.A. § 166b, which establishes the "home study program" framework. Vermont has a relatively short compulsory age range of 6-16, meaning your obligation begins later and ends earlier than in many other states.
While the assessment requirement adds a layer of oversight not found in low-regulation states, Vermont provides multiple assessment options including teacher evaluations, publisher reports, and standardized tests, giving families flexibility in how they demonstrate progress.
The June 30 assessment deadline is the most critical date in the Vermont homeschool calendar. Mark it early and plan your assessment method well in advance. Multiple options are available, so choose the one that best fits your family's approach.
Vermont has a single compliance path governed by 16 V.S.A. § 166b. Unlike some states with multiple options, all Vermont homeschoolers follow the same set of requirements through the state-level Agency of Education.
| Requirement | Vermont Home Study Program |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | 16 V.S.A. § 166b |
| Oversight | Vermont Agency of Education |
| Notification | Annual enrollment notice |
| Required Subjects | 8 subject areas |
| Assessment | Annual (multiple options) |
| Teacher Qualification | None required |
| Assessment Deadline | June 30 annually |
| Curriculum Approval | Not required |
The Agency of Education cannot deny your enrollment notice, dictate specific curriculum, require specific teaching methods, or conduct home visits. You have flexibility in how you meet the minimum course of study, and you choose your own assessment method from the approved options.
Unlike most states where you file with the local school district, Vermont routes everything through the state Agency of Education. This means a consistent process regardless of where you live in the state, without variation by district.
Starting homeschool in Vermont requires filing an enrollment notice with the Agency of Education before you begin instruction.
Submit your enrollment notice before you begin instruction. If withdrawing from public school, file the enrollment notice and send your withdrawal letter before starting homeschool to ensure a smooth transition.
Keep a copy of your enrollment notice and any confirmation from the Agency of Education. Blue Folder can help you generate a withdrawal letter, track your subject coverage, and remind you of the June 30 assessment deadline. Try it free →
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Vermont requires an annual enrollment notice filed directly with the Vermont Agency of Education. This is a notification, not a request for approval.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Document | Enrollment Notice |
| Submit To | Vermont Agency of Education |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Deadline | Before beginning instruction |
The subject descriptions do not need to be lengthy or detailed. A brief summary of your planned approach for each of the eight subject areas is sufficient.
The enrollment notice goes to the state Agency of Education, not your local school district. The Agency receives your notice but does not have the authority to deny it or approve your curriculum choices.
Vermont requires a "minimum course of study" covering eight subject areas. This is more subjects than many states require, but parents have full discretion over curriculum, materials, and methods.
These are broad categories, not specific courses. For example, "Fine Arts" can include drawing, painting, music, theater, or any creative discipline. "Physical Education" can include sports, outdoor activities, dance, or structured exercise. Parents choose the specific content and approach.
Vermont does not mandate a specific curriculum. You may use any materials, any teaching method, and any educational approach. The state does not approve or review your curriculum.
With 8 required subject areas, it helps to plan how you will cover each one at the start of the year. Many subjects overlap naturally - a history book provides citizenship instruction, reading practice, and literature exposure simultaneously. Document your coverage to make the annual assessment easier.
Vermont does not specify a minimum number of instructional hours or days. The law refers to a "school year" but does not define it with specific numbers. Parents determine their own schedule and calendar.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily Hours | Not specified |
| Annual Days | Not specified |
| Schedule | Parent determines |
While there are no specific hour or day requirements, you should provide sufficient instruction to demonstrate progress in all eight subject areas during the annual assessment.
Keep a basic attendance record even though Vermont does not require specific days. This helps with college applications, if you move to a state with stricter requirements, and gives you documentation of your school year. Blue Folder makes this simple. Try it free →
Vermont requires an annual assessment of every homeschooled student, with results submitted to the Agency of Education by June 30. This is the most significant ongoing requirement in Vermont's homeschool law.
You choose from several approved methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Teacher Assessment | Evaluation by a Vermont-licensed teacher |
| Publisher Report | Report from a commercial curriculum publisher |
| Standardized Test | State-approved standardized test |
| Other | State-approved alternative method |
Assessment results must be submitted to the Vermont Agency of Education by June 30 each year. This is a firm deadline that should not be missed.
The June 30 assessment deadline is non-negotiable. Plan your assessment method early in the school year and schedule it with enough time to submit results before the deadline. If using a teacher assessment, arrange it by April or May.
The teacher assessment offers the most flexibility, as a licensed teacher can evaluate your child's portfolio, work samples, and progress holistically. Standardized tests provide objective measurements. Choose the method that best reflects your child's learning and your teaching approach.
Vermont requires you to submit your enrollment notice and assessment results to the Agency of Education. Beyond that, no records need to be formally submitted, though keeping organized records makes assessments easier.
| Record | Required? | Submit? |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Notice | Yes | Yes - to Agency of Education |
| Assessment Results | Yes | Yes - to Agency by June 30 |
| Curriculum Records | Recommended | No |
| Work Samples/Portfolio | If used for assessment | May be reviewed by assessor |
| Attendance | Recommended | No |
Building a portfolio throughout the year makes annual assessment much smoother, especially if you choose teacher evaluation. Blue Folder helps you collect work samples, track attendance, and organize everything in one place. Try it free →
Vermont offers limited financial assistance for homeschoolers compared to some other states, but there are still important resources to know about.
Vermont currently has no ESA, voucher, or tax credit program for homeschool families. All curriculum and educational expenses are the family's responsibility.
| Program | Available? |
|---|---|
| ESA | No |
| Vouchers | No |
| Tax Credits | No |
| Tax Deductions | No |
Vermont does not have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschool students access to public school sports or extracurricular activities. Access is at the discretion of the local school district. Some districts are accommodating, while others are not.
Homeschoolers can request evaluations through their local school district. Some limited services may be available depending on the district. Many families use private providers for specialized instruction.
Vermont colleges, including the University of Vermont and Vermont State University, accept homeschool graduates. Most require SAT or ACT scores, a parent-created transcript, and course descriptions. Your annual assessment history provides additional documentation of academic progress.
Since sports access is not guaranteed by state law, contact your local school district early to ask about their policies. Some Vermont districts allow homeschool participation, while others do not. Community sports leagues and clubs are alternative options.
Vermont's moderate-regulation framework has specific requirements that new families sometimes overlook.
The June 30 assessment deadline is the single most important compliance date in Vermont. Set multiple reminders starting in April to ensure you arrange, complete, and submit your assessment on time.
It depends on your family. Teacher assessment offers the most flexibility and allows holistic evaluation. Standardized tests provide objective data. Choose the method that best reflects your child's learning style and your teaching approach.
The Agency of Education may contact you to discuss the situation. Work to address any gaps in instruction and be prepared to explain your approach and plans for improvement.
No. You must cover the eight minimum subject areas, but you choose your own curriculum, materials, and methods. The state does not dictate specific content within each subject.
At district discretion. Vermont does not have a statewide access law. Contact your local school to ask about their policies.
No. Vermont has no parent qualification requirements. Any parent or guardian may homeschool.
Before beginning instruction. For continuing homeschoolers, file at the start of each school year (typically August or September).
Don't miss the June 30 deadline
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Track Vermont ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Vermont Agency of Education or consult a qualified attorney. Last updated February 2026.