Homeschooling in New York
Strict paperwork, but a clear path to success
New York is one of the most highly regulated states for homeschooling. It requires significant paperwork and strict adherence to deadlines. However, the process is well-defined, and thousands of families successfully homeschool here by staying organized.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
9
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- File Letter of Intent by July 1 annually
- Submit IHIP by August 15
- Submit 4 Quarterly Reports throughout the year
- Annual Assessment (Test or Narrative) due with 4th Quarter Report
Legal Framework
New York homeschooling is governed by Commissioner's Regulations Part 100.10 (C.R. 100.10).
Required Subjects
Specific units of credit required for high school (Gr 9-12).
Arithmetic/Math
Reading/English
Spelling/Writing
Geography
US History
Science
Health
Music/Art
Physical Education
Filing Requirements
What to file
Letter of Intent (LOI) + Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP)
When
LOI: July 1 (or 14 days if mid-year). IHIP: August 15 (or 4 weeks after district form). Quarterly Reports: Nov/Jan/Apr/June.
Where
District Superintendent
How to submit
Certified mail with return receipt (LOI). Submit IHIP for review.
What to include
- • LOI: Intent to homeschool
- • IHIP: Subjects, materials, quarterly report dates
**HIGH REGULATION**: Quarterly reports (hours total 900/990). Testing: Grades 1-3 narrative OR test. Grades 4-8 test every OTHER year. Grades 9-12 test EVERY YEAR (no loophole, 33rd %ile or 1-year growth). No Tebow Law for sports. Special ed IESP: request by June 1. Diplomas often need GED/TASC for NY colleges.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Annual
Grades: 1-12
Gr 1-3: Narrative or Test. Gr 4-8: Test every other year. Gr 9-12: Test every year.
How to Get Started
- 1
File Letter of Intent (LOI)
Send a letter to your District Superintendent stating your intent to homeschool.
- •Write a simple letter with child's name, age, and address
- •Send via Certified Mail with Return Receipt
- •Keep the receipt as proof of filing
Tip: Do not include extra information not required by law File by July 1st for the upcoming school yearJuly 1 (Annually)
- 2
Submit IHIP
Submit your Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP).
- •List syllabus/curriculum for each required subject
- •List dates for your 4 Quarterly Reports
- •Submit by August 15
Tip: You can use general terms like 'Age-appropriate math curriculum' in some districts, but be specific enough to satisfy 100.10
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Structured process
- ✓Clear legal framework
- ✓Access to special ed services
Cons
- •High paperwork burden
- •Mandatory testing
- •Quarterly reporting
Sports & Activities
**Generally Banned**. There is **no statewide right** ("Tebow Law") for homeschoolers to play on public school teams. It is up to individual districts, and most do not allow it.
Track New York compliance with Starpath
Free portfolio and compliance tracker tailored to New York's requirements. Log learning, track hours, and generate reports, all in one place.
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · NY homeschool law guide