Homeschooling Regulations by State: Vermont

by Christina Yeager

Homeschooling shouldn’t be considered intimidating. All that’s needed is a bit of information and guidance in the correct process! Each state has a specific set of rules, laws and guidelines for homeschooling. In Vermont, homeschooling is known as a “home-study program” and there are particular rules to follow in order to enroll your child into this program. 

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Each state is the U.S. has a very specific set of regulations for homeschooling. If you are thinking about teaching your child at home, you'll need to know the ins and outs of what needs to be done beforehand and during. In this series, Homeschooling Regulations by State, we'll explore information to help with the decision, what to do to get started and what to do correctly to continue.
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The regulations, laws and suggestions in this post may not reflect the needs for your particular situation. Not all apply to each individual family. To learn more about the laws and regulations in this state on homeschooling, click the link at the end of the post! This will direct you to the states’ Board of Education or government education site.

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By using the right process to enroll your child in the home-study program, you’ll be able to transition quickly from public school to home-based education and be instructing in no time! Before we tell you about the process itself, take a moment to read about what is required, then we will guide you through the steps below.
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Compulsory School Age	You must enroll your child in school from the day they turn 6 years old until he or she turns 16. ​ If your child has not yet turned 16, but has completed 10th grade or is enrolled in and attending a postsecondary school that is approved or accredited in Vermont or another state, your child is not subject to compulsory school attendance requirements.
Necessary Paperwork	The correct process on mandatory forms and submitting them is easier than ever. Vermont now has an online submission process where all forms can be uploaded at the same time. Value
Compliance	After submitting a notice of intent to homeschool, you will receive an acknowledgment of compliance from the Secretary of Education. The document state’s that your child may be enrolled in homeschooling immediately or within 45 days after receipt of this notice and it’s possible that the Secretary will order a hearing during the 45-day period.
Curriculum	You must teach the following subjects in your homeschool: Reading Writing Use of numbers Citizenship History Vermont Government  United States Government  Physical Education  Comprehensive Health Education Including the effects of tobacco, alcoholic drinks, and drugs on the human system and on society English American and other Literature Natural Sciences Fine Arts
Assessment	An annual assessment must be submitted to the Secretary when you file paperwork for your next school year. The assessment may be done by any of the following methods: A Vermont certified teacher can write a report in a form designated by the Secretary. Parents, the student’s instructor, or a teacher advisory service (from a publisher of commercial curriculum) can prepare the report. You will need to include a portfolio of the student’s work -  including work samples to demonstrate progress in each subject area in the minimum course of study. The portfolio does not need to include physical education, health, or fine arts for children over 12. Parents can provide the complete results of a standardized achievement test approved by the Secretary, administered in a manner approved by the testing company and scored in accordance with the law. If the test does not cover all the subjects required by law, the Secretary may request a portfolio and report on those subjects. By following the correct process, it will make the transition from public school to a home-based education much easier. The steps below will explain in further detail what the timeline and forms submitting process entails.

Use the proper steps below to complete the enrollment process.

Step 1: Enroll	March 1st Beginning on March 1st of each year, parents and guardians may enroll their child into the home study program.
Step 2: Home Study Guidelines	The Home-Study Guidelines will prepare you for completing necessary forms (form location included), which may be submitted electronically. The submission process is easy and all of the important documents can be uploaded at the same time. This also allows the paperwork to be reviewed quickly for a timely turn-around. There are separate forms for first-time enrollees, second-time and beyond - the guidelines will explain and direct you to the proper section for forms. Forms for First-time Enrollees Home Study Enrollment Notice-Form A Independent Professional Evidence (Disability) Reporting Form-Form B Two other forms of documentation acceptable Four other forms of documentation acceptable Minimum Course of Study (MCOS) MCOS exemption One other form of exemption acceptable  Students who are age 12 must have an MCOS regardless of the exemption  Additional Forms that may be needed for First-time Enrollees: Assurance of Legal Authorization to Make Educational Decisions MCOS Adaptations for Disabilities Instructor Form-Form C Forms for Second Year Enrollees: Home Study Enrollment Notice-Form A Minimum Course of Study (MCOS) MCOS exemption One other form of exemption acceptable End of Year Assessment (EOYA) Teacher Assessment  Parent Letter and Portfolio  Teacher Advisory Service Report from a publisher of a commercial curriculum and Portfolio, or  Results from a Standardized Achievement Test Additional Forms that may be needed: Assurance of Legal Authorization to Make Educational Decisions  MCOS Adaptations for Disabilities  Instructor Form-Form C Forms for Subsequent Enrollees: Home Study Enrollment Notice-Form A Minimum Course of Study (MCOS) Full-year requirements MCOS exemption One other form of exemption acceptable End of Year Assessment (EOYA) Teacher Assessment  Parent Letter and Portfolio  Teacher Advisory Service Report from a publisher of a commercial curriculum and Portfolio, or  Results from a Standardized Achievement Test Additional Forms that may be needed: Assurance of Legal Authorization to Make Educational Decisions  MCOS Adaptations for Disabilities  Instructor Form-Form C Additionally, detailed information can be found in the guidelines that state descriptions of forms, the necessary timeline to follow and what to expect after submitting forms.
Step 3: Deadline	May 1st This date begins the current school year in Vermont. Students, including home study students, must be enrolled prior to this date.
Step 4: End of the Year Assessment (EOYA)	An End of the Year Assessment must include a face-to-face meeting with the child. An individual progress assessment for each student must reflect whether or not the student is making progress commensurate with his/her age and ability in each subject area of the MCOS. The student should demonstrate, during the face-to-face meeting, his/her skill in reading, writing, and math unless the teacher is confident of the child's abilities in these areas based on prior contact with the child or current review of the student's work.  Each EOYA letter must include the following student information:  Student's name Student’s age Parent(s) name(s) Parent(s) address(es) Whether or not the student has a known or suspected disability

​For more detailed information on enrolling and instructing your child in the Vermont Home-Study Program, Visit the Vermont Official State Website. 

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Are you a homeschooler (new or veteran) seeking to share insight? Read our guidelines and thenreach out introducing yourself to obtain blogging credentials! And if you're a homeschool parent, be sure to follow the Homeschooling Heroes page on Facebook for tons of resources and insight, and join the Unschool Homeschool group to expand your horizons as to what homeschooling is/can be. And finally, if you're looking for activities to join, we have a group with New Orleans-based activities, which will be expanding to an area near you - so join our group! And be excited about that, because we offer tons of exceptional educational and extracurricular activities for homeschoolers and parents, and can't wait to include you.

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