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).
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.
Track Montana compliance with Starpath
Free portfolio and compliance tracker tailored to Montana's requirements. Log learning, track hours, and generate reports, all in one place.
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · MT homeschool law guide