Homeschooling in Montana
Straightforward & Independent
To homeschool in Montana, you must notify your county superintendent annually and provide the legally required hours of instruction. You maintain full control over your curriculum and records.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
7
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Submit a Notice of Intent to Home School annually
- Provide 720 hours (Grades 1-3) or 1,080 hours (Grades 4-12) of instruction
- Keep attendance and immunization records
- Teach the required subjects (Math, ELA, Science, Social Studies, Health, Arts, Career Ed)
Legal Framework
Montana Code Annotated 20-5-109 covers the nonpublic school exception (homeschooling).
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Montana
The Waldorf Map lists 2 schools and 1 kindergarten in Montana, 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.
- Rain or Shine School, Bigfork
- Roots Nature School, Belgrade
- Valley of the Flowers School, Bozeman
Required Subjects
Curriculum choice is up to the parent.
English Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Health
Arts
Career Education
Filing Requirements
What to file
Notice of Intent to Home School
When
Start of each school fiscal year (or upon beginning/moving)
Where
County Superintendent of Schools
How to submit
Letter to county
What to include
- • Intent to homeschool
- • Student info
Hours: Grades 1-3 = 720 hrs/year, Grades 4-12 = 1,080 hrs/year. Must keep attendance records to prove hours (don't submit). 7 required subjects. HB 778: Immunization records no longer required for homeschool inspections. Sports access generally allowed (2021 law, 2025 revisions).
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
None required.
How to Get Started
- 1
Submit Notice of Intent
File a letter of intent with your County Superintendent of Schools.
- •Include child's name and birthdate
- •State the location of the homeschool
- •Sign as the parent/guardian
Tip: Keep a date-stamped copy for your records.Annually (usually before school starts)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓No state testing
- ✓Curriculum freedom
- ✓Simple notification
Cons
- •High hour requirement for older students (1,080 hours)
Sports & Activities
**Discretionary**. A 2021 law allowed access, but 2025 revisions tightened rules (residency/citizenship). Access is generally allowed but subject to district/MHSA eligibility rules.
Questions about homeschooling in Montana
Do I have to enable state officials to inspect my home?
No. The law requires you to keep records available for inspection but does not explicitly grant entry to your home.
Can my child play sports in public school?
Yes, Montana law allows nonpublic school students to participate in public school extracurriculars.
Is there a specific attendance form?
No. A simple spreadsheet or notebook log is sufficient.
Get Montana’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Montana 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.
Keep your Montana records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Montana tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · MT homeschool law guide