Homeschooling in Colorado
Choose between state oversight or private umbrella schools
Colorado offers three distinct ways to homeschool. Most families choose between filing a Notice of Intent (NOI) with a school district or enrolling in an Independent School (Umbrella School).
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
9
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Option 1: File NOI 14 days before starting
- Option 1: Test in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, 11
- Option 2: Join an Umbrella School for privacy
- Must teach 172 days/year (average 4 hours/day)
Legal Framework
Colorado Revised Statutes 22-33-104.5 (Home-based Education).
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Colorado
The Waldorf Map lists 8 schools and 9 kindergartens and playgroups in Colorado, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Boulder Valley Waldorf School, Niwot
- Denver Waldorf School, Denver
- River Song Waldorf School, Fort Collins
- Shining Mountain Waldorf School, Boulder
Required Subjects
Curriculum choice is up to the parent.
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Mathematics
History
Civics
Literature
Science
Constitution (US)
Filing Requirements
What to file
Notice of Intent (NOI)
When
14 days BEFORE starting homeschool. Then re-file annually (typically Aug/Sept).
Where
Any school district in Colorado (usually your local one)
How to submit
Letter or district form
What to include
- • Child's name
- • Age
- • Residence address
- • Hours of attendance planned
4 hrs/day avg for 172 days/year. Testing in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 - composite score > 13th percentile OR evaluation by qualified person. MUST SUBMIT test results to the district where you filed NOI. **Sports access GUARANTEED** per statute 22-32-116.5.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Specific Grades
Grades: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11
Must take a nationally standardized test or have an academic evaluation.
How to Get Started
- 1
File Notice of Intent (NOI)
Submit a written notice to a school district in Colorado (usually your local one).
- •Include child's name, age, residence, and hours of attendance
- •Submit 14 days BEFORE starting to homeschool
- •Re-submit annually
Tip: Send via Certified Mail You can file with ANY district in the state, not just your local one14 days prior to start (Annually)
- 2
Establish Records
Set up your attendance and immunization records.
- •Create an attendance log (172 days required)
- •Keep immunization records on file
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Free
- ✓No third-party oversight
- ✓Access to public school sports
Cons
- •Mandatory state reporting
- •Mandatory testing submission
Sports & Activities
**Statute 22-32-116.5**: Homeschoolers (Option 1 & 2) have guaranteed access to participate in public school sports and extracurricular activities.
Questions about homeschooling in Colorado
Can I switch from NOI to Umbrella School?
Yes. Just enroll in the umbrella school and stop filing the NOI next year.
Do I have to test every year?
Only if you use the NOI option, and only in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.
Can my child play sports?
Yes. Colorado law allows homeschoolers to participate in extracurricular activities at their local public school.
Get Colorado’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Colorado page changes
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Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Free Colorado paperwork tools
Generate your Colorado notice of intent letter in two minutes, and get an email before every filing deadline. Free, no account needed, works with any curriculum.
Want the whole year handled? See Starpath Records
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · CO homeschool law guide