California vs Colorado: Homeschool Laws Compared
Side-by-side comparison of homeschool regulations. See what changes if you're moving between these states.
At a Glance
| Requirement | California | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation level | Moderate regulation | Moderate regulation |
| Notification | Varies by pathway | Varies by pathway |
| Testing | Varies by pathway | Varies by pathway |
| Required subjects | 10 subjects (by grade) | 9 subjects |
| Instructional time | No requirement | 172 days/yr, 688 hrs/yr |
| Instructor qualification | Varies by pathway | Varies by pathway |
| Recordkeeping | attendance | attendance |
| Annual renewal | Required by October 1 through October 15 annually | Required |
Moving Between These States
Moving from California to Colorado
Grace period: 14 days BEFORE beginning — must file notice in advance (CRS §22-33-104.5(3)(e))
What changes:
- +Colorado requires testing (Required (Composite score above the 13th percentile on a nationally standardized achievement test)). California does not
- ~Required subjects: California (10 subjects (by grade)) → Colorado (9 subjects)
- +Colorado requires instructional time (172 days/yr, 688 hrs/yr). California does not
Transition checklist
Before you leave California:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in California
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Colorado requires: immunization records (CRS §25-4-902)
When you arrive in Colorado:
- ▢File written notification with any CO school district 14 days BEFORE beginning instruction. Include child's name, age, residence, and attendance hours.
Before you start teaching:
- ▢File BEFORE you start teaching (CRS §22-33-104.5(3)(e))
- ▢File 14 days before instruction begins. Re-submit annually.
Moving from Colorado to California
Grace period: No explicit grace period. The CDE's Private School Affidavit filing system is open August 1 through June 30. (Ed. Code §33190; §48222)
What changes:
- -Good news: California has no testing requirement
- ~Required subjects: Colorado (9 subjects) → California (10 subjects (by grade))
- -Good news: California has no instructional time requirement
Transition checklist
Before you leave Colorado:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in Colorado
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Complete any pending assessments before you leave
When you arrive in California:
- ▢File a Private School Affidavit through the CDE online system when your home-based private school starts. The system is open August 1 through June 30.
Before you start teaching:
- ▢File BEFORE you start teaching (Ed. Code §33190; §48222)
- ▢The statutory filing period is October 1 through 15, and the CDE's online system stays open August 1 through June 30 so new schools and home schools can file when they start. Schools established in July wait until the system opens in August.
Military families
Neither California nor Colorado has military-specific homeschool provisions. MIC3 (Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children) does not apply to homeschoolers — it covers public schools only. Your School Liaison Officer can help with the transition.
Planning a move?
Enter your move date to get a timeline with specific deadlines.
Common questions
What are the differences between homeschooling in California and Colorado?
California and Colorado have different homeschool regulations covering notification requirements, testing, required subjects, instructor qualifications, and recordkeeping. See the comparison table above for the exact differences.
What do I need to do to move my homeschool from California to Colorado?
When moving from California to Colorado, you must comply with Colorado's homeschool laws from scratch. See the transition checklist above for step-by-step guidance.
Data sourced from state statutes and administrative codes. Comparison based on default homeschool pathway for each state. This is compliance guidance, not legal advice. Terms · How we verify