How to Start Homeschooling in Wyoming

Yes. Wyoming law recognizes "home-based educational programs." Under WS 21-4-101, a private school may include a home-based educational program, and a home-based educational program means a program of educational instruction provided to a child by the child's parent or legal guardian or by a person the parent or legal guardian designates. WS 21-4-102 requires a child of compulsory age to attend a public or private school. The legal term used throughout Wyoming law is "home-based educational program," which is helpful to know if you ever need to point school officials to the statute.

Wyoming does not require notification, approval, testing, or reporting for home-based programs. HB 46 (2025) removed the annual curriculum submission to the local school district.

Under WS 21-4-102(a), compulsory attendance applies to a child whose seventh birthday falls on or before August 1 of the year (or September 15 if the child started kindergarten under an approved early-entry request) and who has not yet reached the sixteenth birthday or completed the tenth grade. Kindergarten is not compulsory.

This gives you real flexibility. You can begin teaching younger children informally, exploring their interests and building a love of learning. Since Wyoming requires no notification for a child who is not enrolled in school, you do not need to file anything when your child reaches compulsory age.

Getting started with homeschooling in Wyoming is as simple as it gets. Here is what to do.

First, decide to homeschool. Wyoming does not require parent qualifications, teaching certificates, or any credential. A home-based educational program may be provided by the child's parent or legal guardian, or by a person the parent or legal guardian designates.

Second, if your child is currently enrolled in school, notify the school district in writing that you are enrolling your child in a home-based educational program. Keep a copy. Under WS 21-4-102(c), a parent who has not notified the district this way must instead meet in person with a school district counselor or administrator and give written consent to the withdrawal.

Third, plan your curriculum. Wyoming law requires a "sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction" in seven subjects. Your curriculum should build on previous knowledge and grow more advanced over time. You can use a published curriculum or design your own.

Fourth, begin teaching. No approval is needed and there is no paperwork to file with the state.

If your child is currently enrolled in school in Wyoming, notify the school district in writing that you are enrolling your child in a home-based educational program. That is the step WS 21-4-102(c) looks for.

If a parent of a child under 18 has not notified the district of enrolling the child in a home-based educational program, the law requires an in-person meeting with a school district counselor or administrator to give written consent to the withdrawal. Sending the notice avoids that meeting.

Keep a copy of your notice. A home-based educational program is a private school under WS 21-4-101, which satisfies the compulsory attendance requirement in WS 21-4-102.

Wyoming requires instruction in seven subject areas: reading, writing, mathematics, civics, history, literature, and science. These subjects are listed in WS 21-4-101(a)(vi), and WS 21-4-102(b) makes the person administering a home-based educational program responsible for providing that curriculum.

Your curriculum must be "sequentially progressive," meaning instruction builds on previous knowledge and advances over time. There is no prescribed format, no required textbook, and no mandated teaching method. The statute also says these curriculum requirements do not require a home-based program to include any concept, topic, or practice in conflict with its religious doctrines.

Beyond the seven required areas, you can teach anything else your family values, such as art, music, foreign languages, and outdoor education.

Connect with other families. Local homeschool groups and online resources can help you find co-ops, field trips, and friends for your children.

Plan for high school early. Prepare a parent-created transcript starting in 9th grade. The Wyoming Department of Education suggests that any high school student contact a Hathaway Scholarship advisor to check eligibility for the Hathaway Scholarship to the University of Wyoming.

Ask about activities. If your child wants to take part in school sports or other activities, contact your local school district for current participation rules.

Check the education savings account program's status. Visit the program's official website for current information before you plan around it.

Special needs. IEP services end when you withdraw. Contact your local school district to ask about evaluations and any services available to homeschooled children with disabilities.