Homeschooling in Connecticut
Flexible guidelines with optional reporting
Connecticut is a low-regulation state with a unique legal twist. While there is no explicit statute mandating a Notice of Intent (NOI) or Portfolio Review, the State Department of Education has issued "Suggested Procedures" (C-14 Guidelines) that most families follow to ensure compliance and avoid truancy issues.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
8
required
Notification
No
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Notice of Intent is technically optional but recommended
- Portfolio Review is optional but recommended
- Must teach required subjects (Reading, Math, History, etc.)
- No standardized testing required
Legal Framework
Connecticut General Statutes 10-184 (Duties of Parents).
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Connecticut
The Waldorf Map lists 1 school and 1 kindergarten in Connecticut, 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.
See all of them on the mapRequired Subjects
Science is recommended but not mandated.
Reading
Writing
Spelling
English Grammar
Geography
Arithmetic
US History
Citizenship (Town, State, Federal)
Filing Requirements
What to file
Notice of Intent (NOI)
When
~10 days before starting (C-14 recommended, not legally required)
Where
Local superintendent
How to submit
Letter or district form
What to include
- • Child info
- • Subjects to be taught
NOI is technically optional but HIGHLY recommended to avoid truancy issues. Portfolio review also optional (~15 min meeting with school official to show work samples - NOT grading, can legally refuse but may trigger investigation). Compulsory age 5-18 but can opt-out ages 5/6 and withdraw 17. **NO sports access** - CIAC rules generally exclude homeschoolers. Special needs services NOT provided.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
No standardized testing required.
How to Get Started
- 1
File Notice of Intent (NOI)
Submit a Notice of Intent to your local superintendent.
- •Complete the NOI form (district provided or generic)
- •List subjects to be taught
- •Submit 10 days before starting (annually)
Tip: You can check 'No' for the Portfolio Review on the form if you wish to decline it upfront, though many participate.10 days prior to start (Annually)
- 2
Maintain a Portfolio
Keep samples of your child's work throughout the year.
- •Save 2-3 samples of work for each required subject
- •Keep a log of attendance/days
Tip: This portfolio is your proof of 'equivalent instruction' if ever questioned.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Low regulation
- ✓No testing
- ✓Cooperative relationship with district
Cons
- •Ambiguity of 'optional' guidelines
- •Portfolio review can be stressful for some
Sports & Activities
Homeschoolers generally do *not* have access to public school sports (CIAC rules).
Questions about homeschooling in Connecticut
Is the Notice of Intent mandatory?
No. It is a 'suggested procedure'. However, filing it prevents truancy investigations.
Do I have to do the Portfolio Review?
No. You can decline it. However, it is usually a quick and friendly meeting to show you are teaching the required subjects.
Can my child play sports?
Generally, no. The CIAC (sports authority) does not allow homeschoolers to play on public school teams.
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Learning at home?
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Keep your Connecticut records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Connecticut tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · CT homeschool law guide