How to Homeschool in Vermont

Vermont’s home study law offers both clear structure and room to innovate, turning covered bridges, sugar maple orchards, and snowy mountain trails into engaging, hands-on classrooms.

Whether you’re exploring Bennington’s Revolutionary War sites or harvesting fresh maple sap in spring, the state’s guidelines ensure you have a reliable framework without hindering your creativity.

With local support networks and resources on your side, you’re well-equipped to lead each lesson thoughtfully.

Launch this journey with confidence; you’ve got this!

How to start homeschooling in Vermont

Under Vermont’s Home Study statute, parents begin by submitting a written Notice of Intent at least 10 business days before starting home instruction each year.

You file this notice, often called an Enrollment Notice, through an online form or by paper to the Vermont Agency of Education.

Your notice includes student and parent details and an attestation that the academic progress of each child will be assessed at the end of the year, and that the parent will maintain the record of the assessment.

Vermont homeschool requirements and laws

Vermont requires covering specific fields of study:

• Basic Communication Skills (Reading, writing, and the use of numbers)
• Citizenship, History, and Government (Vermont and U.S.)
• English, American, and other Literature
• The Natural Sciences
• Physical Education and Comprehensive Health
• The Fine Arts

Parents attest to providing the equivalent of 175 days of instruction per year.

Annual assessment and oversight

Each year, the academic progress of each student must be assessed using one of the following options:

1. A standardized achievement test, administered by a qualified proctor or testing service, or administered in a manner approved by the testing company
2. A review of progress by a certified Vermont teacher
3. A parent or guardian report and portfolio, including a summary of learning, and at least four samples of student work
4. Grades from an online academy
5. Evidence of passing the GED

Important Update: You are no longer required to submit your assessment results to the Agency of Education. Instead, you must retain these records in your private files to demonstrate compliance if ever requested.

Choosing curriculum and support

With the MCOS framework of the required courses, you choose curriculums that bring lessons to life. We recommend looking for mastery-based, multisensory programs that engage different parts of the brain.

You can build a robust foundation using tools like All About Reading, All About Spelling, and All About Math.

Vermont co-ops and umbrella academies offer group classes, social events, and optional recordkeeping support for those who want extra community or accountability.

Free homeschooling resources

Make the most of no-cost materials:

• Dual Enrollment: High school juniors and seniors may take up to two college courses tuition-free.
• Vermont public library digital collections.
• Online resources and open educational platforms.
• Local museum outreach (e.g., Shelburne Museum, Montshire Museum Virtual).
• All About Learning Press Free Resources.

Is Vermont homeschool-friendly?

Yep! The recent shift to an attestation model has simplified the paperwork. Clear notification steps, a reasonable 175-day expectation, and flexible assessment options create a nurturing environment.

Support networks across Burlington, Montpelier, Brattleboro, and throughout the state offer field trips, workshops, and mentor connections that enrich your journey.

Final encouragement

You’re ready to begin: submit your Notice of Intent (and IPE if new) 10 business days before teaching, plan to teach at least 175 days, complete your annual evaluation (and keep it on file!), and draw inspiration from Vermont’s landscapes and history.

Celebrate each milestone—whether mastering algebra or identifying tree species—and lean on your local community for encouragement.

FAQ

Resources

• State of Vermont Agency of Education – Home Study information
• HSLDA – Vermont
• Vermont Home Education Network
• Vermont Department of Libraries Resources for Vermonters

Disclaimers

All About Learning Press cannot offer legal advice. We recommend that parents educate themselves on local and state regulations from government websites or by contacting a local homeschool advocacy group. All information is correct as of January 2026.