Your state guide · 2026
New York homeschool laws
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The short answer
New York allows instruction at home when it is substantially equivalent to public school and given by a competent teacher.
At a glance
- Notice of intent due July 1
- Individualized plan (IHIP) filed with the district
- Quarterly reports
- Annual test or narrative assessment
- 900 hours (grades 1-6) or 990 hours (7-12)
Requirements at a glance
Read the details for your chosen homeschooling option below.
| Requirement | What to know |
|---|---|
| Compulsory school ages | 6–16 |
| Notice required | Yes |
| Filing deadline | By July 1 each year, or within 14 days of starting home instruction or moving into the district mid-year. The IHIP is due within four weeks of receiving the district's form, or by August 15, whichever is later. |
| Required subjects | Grades 1-8: arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, English, geography, U.S. history, civics, health, physical education, New York State history, science; Later grades: English, civics, health, physical education, American history including the principles of government in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution |
| Instruction time | The equivalent of 180 days a year: 900 hours for grades 1-6 and 990 hours for grades 7-12. |
| Parent qualifications | Instruction must be given by a competent teacher, but state law sets no credential for parents or tutors, and a district may not demand one. Parents may hire a tutor for some or all subjects. |
| Tests & assessments | Four quarterly reports a year list hours, material covered and a grade or narrative for each subject. An annual assessment goes in with the fourth report: a standardized test from the approved list (adequate if the composite is above the 33rd percentile or shows a year of growth), or in grades 1-8 a written narrative by a certified teacher or other approved evaluator (every year in grades 1-3, every other year in grades 4-8). Grades 9-12 must test. An inadequate result means up to two years of probation with a remediation plan. |
| Records to keep | Parents must keep attendance records and show them to the district on request; no other records are required by law. Quarterly reports and the annual assessment are filed with the district. |
| Immunizations | The school-entry proof of immunization rule (Public Health Law 2164) does not apply to children taught at home. During a declared disease outbreak, a home-taught child must show proof of immunization to enter a school building for testing or other activities. |
How to start homeschooling in New York
Parents send a notice of intent to the district superintendent each year, file an individualized home instruction plan (IHIP), send quarterly reports, and turn in an annual assessment. A program with a weak assessment goes on probation, and home visits are possible during probation. Compulsory age runs from 6 to 16 (17 in New York City).
Choose your homeschooling option
Home instruction. Instruction at home by a competent teacher that is substantially equivalent to local public school instruction, under Education Law 3204 and regulation 100.10.
Prepare your notice
A written notice of intent to provide home instruction, followed by an individualized home instruction plan (IHIP) listing the child's name, age and grade, materials for each subject, quarterly report dates and instructors' names.
Check when and where to file
When: By July 1 each year, or within 14 days of starting home instruction or moving into the district mid-year. The IHIP is due within four weeks of receiving the district's form, or by August 15, whichever is later.
Where: Superintendent of the local school district.
Subjects to teach
- Grades 1-8: arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, English, geography, U.S. history, civics, health, physical education, New York State history, science
- Later grades: English, civics, health, physical education, American history including the principles of government in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution
Sports & extracurricular activities
No. State regulations limit interscholastic sports and intramurals to students enrolled in the public school. Districts may let home-taught students join school clubs, and band or music lessons if the district treats them as extracurricular.
Official forms & law
New York State Education Department, Office of Religious and Independent School Support ↗
Statutes
Questions, answered.
What do I file to homeschool in New York?
A written notice of intent to provide home instruction, followed by an individualized home instruction plan (IHIP) listing the child's name, age and grade, materials for each subject, quarterly report dates and instructors' names.
When do I file in New York?
By July 1 each year, or within 14 days of starting home instruction or moving into the district mid-year. The IHIP is due within four weeks of receiving the district's form, or by August 15, whichever is later.
What assessments are required in New York?
Four quarterly reports a year list hours, material covered and a grade or narrative for each subject. An annual assessment goes in with the fourth report: a standardized test from the approved list (adequate if the composite is above the 33rd percentile or shows a year of growth), or in grades 1-8 a written narrative by a certified teacher or other approved evaluator (every year in grades 1-3, every other year in grades 4-8). Grades 9-12 must test. An inadequate result means up to two years of probation with a remediation plan.
Check the original
Sources
- Education Law 3204 ↗New York State Senate
- Education Law 3205 ↗New York State Senate
- Education Law 3210 ↗New York State Senate
- Home Instruction ↗New York State Education Department
- Home Instruction Questions and Answers ↗New York State Education Department
Last verified .