Homeschooling in Connecticut? Here’s your plan.

Connecticut's homeschool law is remarkably hands-off. Under C.G.S. Section 10-184, the state requires that children receive "equivalent instruction in the studies taught in the public schools," but it does not define specific hours, approve curricula, or review your work. There is no mandatory notification to the state or to your local district. There is no testing. There is no annual renewal process.

The biggest challenge in Connecticut is not the law itself — it is navigating district-level expectations. Many local districts have developed their own registration forms, curriculum submission requirements, or annual review processes. These are district policies, not state law, and families are not legally obligated to comply. Some families voluntarily provide a notice of intent to prevent truancy inquiries, which is a practical choice but not a legal requirement.

One important detail: Connecticut's compulsory education age runs from 5 through 18, which is broader than most states. Families relocating from states where compulsory attendance ends at 16 or 17 should be aware that education must continue through age 18 in Connecticut.

No notification required by state law. Despite what your district may tell you, Connecticut does not require you to file a notice of intent, register your homeschool, or submit a curriculum plan. If your district sends a letter requesting information, you are not legally obligated to respond. Some families choose to voluntarily notify to avoid truancy concerns.

District overreach is common. Many Connecticut districts have created their own policies around homeschool registration and annual reviews. Know your rights under C.G.S. Section 10-184 — the state law does not support these extra requirements.

Five core subjects. Connecticut requires equivalent instruction in reading and language arts, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies (including U.S. history, government, and citizenship). You have complete discretion over how you teach them.

Compulsory education through age 18. Connecticut requires education from age 5 (if the child turns 5 by January 1) through age 18. This is a longer window than many states.

High school diplomas. Parents can issue their own diploma. Students may also take the GED or HiSET for a state-recognized equivalency credential.

No dual enrollment or extracurricular access. Connecticut does not guarantee homeschool students the right to enroll part-time in public school courses or participate in public school sports and extracurriculars. Any access is at district discretion.

IEP services are very limited. Connecticut law (CGS 10-184a) specifically states that districts are not required to provide special education services to homeschooled children. If your child has an IEP, those services end when you withdraw. Your district must still evaluate your child under federal Child Find, but ongoing services will need to come from private providers.

Keep records even though you do not have to. While Connecticut imposes no recordkeeping requirements, maintaining curricula, work samples, instruction logs, and transcripts is valuable for college admissions, returning to public school, or defending against any challenges.