Start Homeschooling in the Mountain States

If you are new to homeschooling, the hardest part is often knowing where to begin. This portal simplifies the process into clear, predictable steps that work in all four states.

State Guides at a Glance

The Mountain States have similar values, but very different homeschooling laws. Select your state to see detailed guidance, checklists, and links.

How This Portal Helps You

Idaho Homeschool Guide

Idaho is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the nation. With minimal regulation and no mandatory reporting, families have broad freedom to design an education that fits their children, rather than fitting their children into a system.

Legal Requirements Snapshot

Under Idaho law, parents must ensure their children receive a “comparable” education, but the state does not require:

• Formal notice of intent to homeschool
• Standardized testing or assessments
• Curriculum approval or review
• Specific instructional hours or school days

This gives families maximum flexibility, but it also means parents must take the lead in creating structure and records for their homeschool.

How to Begin Homeschooling in Idaho

1. Withdraw your child from public school (if currently enrolled).
   Provide a short written notice to your child’s current school so they stop marking absences. A simple statement such as, “This letter confirms that I am withdrawing [Child Name] from [School Name] for home education under Idaho Code §33-202,” is sufficient. Keep a copy for your records.
2. Choose your curriculum or learning approach.
   Idaho does not mandate specific subjects or materials, so you may mix boxed curricula, online programs, co-op classes, apprenticeships, or parent-designed studies.
3. Create a basic yearly learning plan.
   List the core subjects you plan to cover (for example: reading, writing, math, science, history) and note the main resources you’ll use for each. This plan can be one to two pages.
4. Set a weekly schedule that fits your family.
   Decide how many days per week you’ll homeschool and what your typical day will look like. Some families use four-day weeks, others choose shorter daily blocks. Idaho does not set the schedule—you do.
5. Begin instruction and adjust as needed.
   Start teaching using the resources and schedule you’ve chosen. Idaho’s flexibility allows you to make changes as you learn what works best for your child.
6. Keep simple records for your own protection and future options.
   Even though Idaho does not require record submission, it is wise to keep:
   • A basic attendance log
   • Samples of work from different points in the year
   • A reading list
   • Short progress notes every quarter
   These records are invaluable if you later move to a more regulated state or re-enroll your child in a traditional school.

Idaho Quick Start Checklist

• Write and deliver a withdrawal notice to your child’s school (if applicable).
• Select curriculum or online resources for each core subject.
• Draft a one-page yearly learning plan.
• Define your weekly schedule (days and general time blocks).
• Set up a folder or binder for attendance and work samples.
• Join at least one Idaho homeschool support organization.

Recommended Forms & Templates

• Sample withdrawal letter (customizable for your child and school).
• Yearly learning plan template (subjects, resources, goals).
• Simple attendance log (monthly or yearly format).

Recordkeeping in Idaho

While Idaho does not mandate specific records, treating your homeschool like a serious educational program is both wise and beneficial. Good records:

• Help you track your child’s progress over time.
• Provide evidence of instruction if questions ever arise.
• Simplify transitions back into public or private schools.
• Support college or vocational program applications later.

Support Organizations in Idaho

• Homeschool Idaho – statewide advocacy, conferences, and local support groups
  Website: https://homeschoolidaho.org
• CHOIS (Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho State) – support, events, and resources for Christian homeschool families
  Website: https://chois.org
• Idaho Home Learning Academy – public charter hybrid program offering support and curriculum
  Website: https://www.sssd.k12.id.us/ihla

Downloads for Idaho Families

Idaho Quick Start PDF Idaho Planning Template (DOCX)

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Idaho

• Not sending a withdrawal notice, leading to unexpected truancy notices from the school.
• Keeping no records at all, which complicates moves or re-enrollment later.
• Buying too much curriculum at once without testing what works for your child.
• Trying to copy public school hour-for-hour instead of using Idaho’s flexibility.
• Homeschooling in isolation instead of joining support groups and learning from other families.

Idaho gives families extraordinary freedom. This guide, combined with MSPC’s tools and planner, is designed to help you use that freedom well—for a structured, intentional, and rewarding homeschool experience.

Washington Homeschool Guide

Washington has one of the most structured homeschool frameworks in the United States. The law requires parents to file annual paperwork, meet basic qualification standards, teach a list of required subjects, and complete yearly assessments. Although this may seem overwhelming at first, it becomes straightforward once the steps are clear.

Legal Requirements Snapshot

Washington’s homeschool law (RCW 28A.200 and RCW 28A.225.010) requires the following:

• Annual Declaration of Intent filed with your local school district.
• Parent qualification (one of the following): completion of 45 college quarter credits, home-based instruction qualifying course, work with a certified teacher, or superintendent approval.
• Instruction in 11 required subjects (listed below).
• Annual assessment via standardized test or certified teacher evaluation.
• 180 days or equivalent hours of instruction.

Required Subjects in Washington

• Reading
• Writing
• Spelling
• Language
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• History
• Health
• Occupational Education
• Art and Music Appreciation

How to Begin Homeschooling in Washington

1. Confirm your parent qualification path.
   Most families meet this by college credit or by completing a parent qualifying course (offered online through several Washington homeschool organizations). You only need to qualify once — not every year.
2. File the Declaration of Intent.
   Submit it to your local school district office between September 1 and September 15, or upon starting homeschooling. The form is short: name, child’s age, and statement of intent to provide home-based instruction. Keep a copy for your records.
3. Create your annual learning plan.
   Washington does not require you to submit this plan, but you must teach the required subjects. A one- to two-page plan is sufficient.
4. Set your instructional schedule.
   Families must complete 180 days or use an hourly equivalent (1,000 hours). Many Washington homeschoolers follow:
   • 4-day homeschool week
   • Year-round model with shorter breaks
   • Traditional 180-day calendar
5. Teach the 11 required subjects.
   You may integrate subjects, choose your own curriculum, or use online programs.
6. Complete an annual assessment.
   You may choose:
   • Standardized tests approved by the state, or
   • A written evaluation by a Washington-certified teacher.
   These results are not submitted to the district — you keep them for your records.
7. Maintain annual records.
   Required records include:
   • Declaration of Intent (copy)
   • Assessment results
   • Instructional materials used
   • Notes or logs showing instructional time

Washington Quick Start Checklist

• Verify parent qualification (college credits, course, or teacher involvement).
• Download and complete the Declaration of Intent.
• Submit the Declaration to your local district (keep a copy).
• Create your annual learning plan.
• Set a 180-day or hourly schedule.
• Select curriculum or online resources for the required subjects.
• Choose your assessment method (test or teacher evaluation).
• Create a folder for annual records.

Required Forms & Key Links

• Washington Declaration of Intent
  (Districts often have their own form) Statewide template: Washington Homeschool Declaration of Intent
• Parent Qualifying Course Hosted by multiple WA organizations https://washhomeschool.org
• Testing & Assessment Options Testing Information

Recordkeeping in Washington

Washington requires more formal recordkeeping than other Mountain States. Parents should keep records for each school year, including:

• Copy of your Declaration of Intent
• Assessment results
• List of curriculum and materials used
• Attendance or instructional log
• Samples of student work

Support Organizations in Washington

• Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) — statewide advocacy, parent training, annual conference Website: https://washhomeschool.org
• Christian Heritage Homeschoolers — support for Christian home educators, events, co-ops Website: https://christianheritagewa.org
• Spokane Homeschoolers Network — local co-ops, activities, and parent groups in the Spokane region

Downloads for Washington Families

Washington Quick Start PDF Washington Planning Template (DOCX)

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Washington

• Missing the Declaration of Intent deadline (Sept 1–15).
• Misunderstanding parent qualification — many families qualify without realizing it.
• Not teaching all required subjects (especially occupational education).
• Failing to keep assessment results.
• Over-reporting information to the district — only the intent form is required.

Washington’s process becomes manageable once the structure is clear. MSPC’s tools and templates help families stay compliant while maintaining flexibility and choice.

Montana Homeschool Guide

Montana offers families a clear, statute-based homeschool framework that balances parental freedom with basic reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Most of the process runs through the office of your County Superintendent, not the local school district. Once you understand the annual notice and hour requirements, the system is straightforward and predictable.

Legal Requirements Snapshot

Montana’s homeschool law requires parents to:

• Operate the homeschool in a location that meets basic health and safety standards.
• Annually notify the County Superintendent of the child’s attendance at a home school.
• Provide a basic course of instruction in required subjects (English, mathematics, social studies, science, and health).
• Maintain records of attendance and disease/immunization status.
• Provide at least:
  • 720 hours of instruction per year for grades 1–3, and
  • 1,080 hours of instruction per year for grades 4–12.

Montana does not require standardized testing, curriculum approval, or teacher certification for homeschool parents. Parents are responsible for creating and maintaining the educational program.

How to Begin Homeschooling in Montana

1. Identify your County Superintendent’s office.
   Montana’s homeschool notification is filed with the County Superintendent, not the school district. Your county government or the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) website can help you confirm the correct contact.
2. File your annual Notice of Intent.
   The notice is typically a simple form listing:
   • Parent/guardian name
   • Home address
   • Child’s name and age
   • Statement that the child will attend a home school
   File once per school year, usually at the beginning of the year or upon starting homeschool. Keep a copy for your records.
3. Ensure your homeschool setting meets basic safety standards.
   Montana law expects the home to meet general health and safety requirements (sanitation, fire, etc.). In practice, most homes already comply.
4. Plan your instructional hours.
   You must provide:
   • 720 hours of instruction per year for grades 1–3, and
   • 1,080 hours for grades 4–12.
   Families often meet this by:
   • Four or five instructional days per week across a traditional calendar, or
   • Year-round schooling with shorter days and shorter breaks.
   Choose a model that fits your work schedule and your child’s learning pace.
5. Select your curriculum and resources.
   Montana does not prescribe specific textbooks or programs. You may use:
   • Complete boxed curriculum packages
   • Online programs and virtual classes
   • Parent-designed studies and local resources (libraries, museums, fieldwork)
   Make sure your choices cover the core subjects: English, math, social studies, science, and health.
6. Set up your recordkeeping system.
   At minimum, Montana expects:
   • An attendance record showing instructional days/hours.
   • Documentation of immunization status or exemption.
   It is wise to also keep:
   • Samples of work from each subject
   • A list of books and major resources used
   • Short progress notes each quarter
7. Begin instruction and adjust as needed.
   Once your notice is filed, hours and subjects are planned, and record systems are set up, you can begin your homeschool year. Montana’s framework allows you to refine your approach as you learn what works best for your child.

Montana Quick Start Checklist

• Confirm your County Superintendent’s contact information.
• Complete and submit your annual Notice of Intent (keep a copy).
• Choose curriculum or resources covering required subjects.
• Plan your yearly instructional hours (720 or 1,080 as appropriate).
• Set up an attendance and hours log.
• Organize immunization records or exemptions.
• Create a simple system for storing work samples.
• Connect with at least one Montana homeschool support group.

Planning Instructional Hours in Montana

Many families find the hour requirement intimidating at first. In practice, it becomes manageable when broken down. For example, 1,080 hours across a 36-week year is 30 hours per week. This can include:

• Formal lessons (reading, writing, math, science, etc.)
• Projects, labs, and hands-on learning
• Field trips, community service, and practical skills
• Independent reading and research time

Dual-income households may use a combination of early mornings, evenings, and weekends, supplemented with online instruction or co-ops, to meet their hour goals.

Recordkeeping in Montana

Montana’s record requirements are modest but important. Good records protect your family, support smooth transitions, and provide a clear picture of your child’s growth over time.

• Attendance & Hours Log: a simple calendar or spreadsheet noting instructional days and estimated hours.
• Immunization Documentation: immunization records or exemption forms kept with your homeschool file.
• Course & Resource List: a short list of subjects and major curriculum resources used for each child.
• Work Samples: periodic samples of written work, tests, projects, or creative work for each subject.
• Progress Notes: brief quarterly summaries of what was covered and how the child is progressing.

Support Organizations in Montana

• Montana Home Education Association (MHEA) — statewide advocacy, support, conferences, and networking Website: https://mheamt.org
• Christian Home Educators of Montana (CHE-MT) — Christian-focused support, events, and resources Website: https://che-mt.org
• Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) — official state information, contacts, and forms Website: https://opi.mt.gov

Downloads for Montana Families

Montana Quick Start PDF Montana Planning Template (DOCX) Montana Attendance & Hours Log

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Montana

• Sending notice to the school district instead of the County Superintendent.
• Failing to keep a clear record of instructional hours.
• Not organizing immunization documentation or exemptions.
• Waiting until mid-year to set up a record system, leading to gaps or uncertainty.
• Trying to replicate a traditional school schedule hour-for-hour instead of using Montana’s flexibility.

Montana’s homeschool framework gives parents genuine autonomy with clear expectations. With a solid Notice of Intent, consistent hour tracking, and simple records, families can confidently provide a high-quality education tailored to their children, supported by MSPC tools and statewide networks.

Wyoming Homeschool Guide

Wyoming’s homeschool law gives families broad flexibility while requiring a simple, annual curriculum plan submitted to the local school district. Once the plan is submitted, parents have complete control over instruction, curriculum, and teaching methods. Wyoming does not require testing, hours, or assessments, making it one of the most parent-directed frameworks in the Mountain West.

Legal Requirements Snapshot

Under Wyoming Statute §21-4-102, parents must:

• Submit an annual curriculum plan to the local school district showing how required subjects will be covered.
• Teach the five core subjects:
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Wyoming does not require:

• Testing or standardized assessments
• Instructional hour minimums
• Teacher certification
• Home visits or curriculum approval
• Additional reporting throughout the year

The annual curriculum plan is the only formal requirement, and the district’s role is to acknowledge receipt — not to approve or evaluate your materials.

How to Begin Homeschooling in Wyoming

1. Identify your local school district office.
   The district’s central office handles homeschool curriculum plans. Contact information is available on district websites or via the Wyoming Department of Education.
2. Prepare your annual curriculum plan.
   The plan must show how you will teach the five required subjects. Most families submit a simple, one-page document that includes:
   • Your name and contact information
   • Your child’s name and grade level
   • List of subjects and corresponding resources
   • A brief statement describing your instructional approach
   The plan does not need to follow public school standards or use the same textbooks.
3. Submit the curriculum plan to your district.
   Districts typically accept:
   • Email submission
   • Mail or in-person drop-off
   • Online submission portals (available in some districts)
   Ask for confirmation of receipt and keep it in your homeschool file.
4. Choose your curriculum and resources.
   Wyoming allows full freedom in selecting materials. Many families use:
   • Online programs
   • Boxed curriculum
   • Classical education resources
   • Unit studies and project-based learning
5. Create your weekly schedule.
   Since Wyoming does not mandate hours or days, you may set a structure that fits your family’s needs:
   • 4-day homeschool week
   • Year-round schooling
   • Hybrid learning with co-ops or online classes
6. Maintain basic records for your own protection.
   Although not required, it is wise to keep:
   • Copy of curriculum plan
   • Work samples from major subjects
   • Resource lists
   • Progress notes
   These records support smooth transitions if you move or re-enroll in public/private schools.
7. Review and update your plan each year.
   Submit a new curriculum plan at the start of each school year or before homeschooling begins.

Wyoming Quick Start Checklist

• Find your school district’s homeschool contact.
• Draft your curriculum plan using a simple template.
• Submit the plan and save the confirmation.
• Choose curriculum or online resources.
• Create a weekly schedule.
• Organize a binder for records and work samples.
• Connect with at least one Wyoming homeschool group.

Model Wyoming Curriculum Plan

A typical plan covers the five required subjects in a simple list, such as:

• Reading: All About Reading Level 3, BookShark Readers, family read-aloud novels
• Writing: Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), journaling, copywork exercises
• Mathematics: Saxon Math 5/4, Khan Academy for practice
• Science: Apologia Elementary Science, hands-on experiments
• Social Studies: Story of the World Vol. 2, state and U.S. history units

Your plan may be simpler — Wyoming law does not require formatting, detailed objectives, or lesson plans.

Recordkeeping in Wyoming

Because Wyoming does not require testing or attendance reporting, your recordkeeping system is entirely for your own benefit. However, good records make future transitions smoother and give you documented proof of instruction.

• Curriculum Plan File: keep each year’s submitted plan and district confirmation.
• Work Samples: 3–6 pieces per subject per year.
• Progress Notes: bullet-point highlights of what was covered each quarter.
• Reading Log: a list of books read independently or with the family.

Support Organizations in Wyoming

• Homeschool Wyoming (formerly CHEC) — statewide advocacy, support, conferences, and resources Website: https://homeschoolwy.org
• Wyoming Catholic Homeschoolers — regional support for Catholic families Local groups vary by parish.
• Wyoming Homeschool Facebook Groups — active community groups for local co-ops, field trips, and meetups (Search: “Wyoming Homeschoolers,” “Cheyenne Homeschool,” “Casper Homeschool Group,” etc.)

Downloads for Wyoming Families

Wyoming Quick Start PDF Wyoming Curriculum Plan Template (DOCX)

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Wyoming

• Writing overly long curriculum plans — simple is better.
• Submitting plans to the wrong district office.
• Not keeping a copy of your submitted plan.
• Neglecting to update the plan annually.
• Overthinking curriculum requirements — only five subjects are required.

Wyoming gives homeschool families exceptional freedom with minimal oversight. With a simple curriculum plan and basic records, parents can build a flexible and personalized education tailored to their children. This portal and MSPC’s planner help you stay organized while enjoying Wyoming’s wide homeschooling freedom.

Planner & Tools

Once you understand your state’s requirements, the next step is building a plan you can actually follow. The interactive planner helps you map curriculum, schedule, and records into a single, usable framework.

Resources & Background