Delaware · Light-touch

Homeschooling in Delaware

Delaware asks you to file a notice before you begin. Here is what goes in it, when it is due, and what happens after.

VerifiedMarch 2026

Notice of intentFile every yearAnnual enrollment report submitted via DDOE online account by September 30. Annual attendance report submitted via DDOE online form by July 31.

Yearly assessmentNot required

Instruction timeNo minimum set

RecordsYour choice

How to start homeschooling in Delaware

Written from Delaware's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.

Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
Send your notice of intent
Delaware asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Annual enrollment report submitted via DDOE online account by September 30. Annual attendance report submitted via DDOE online form by July 31. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess.
Cover the subjects the state names
Delaware names 2 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Delaware does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.

Source: Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess — education.delaware.gov/families/homeschooling/. Checked March 2026.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it: Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess
When it is due: Annual enrollment report submitted via DDOE online account by September 30. Annual attendance report submitted via DDOE online form by July 31.
How often: Every school year
Notarized?: No
Official form: education.delaware.gov/families/homeschooling/
Ongoing reporting: Yes, once a year

Source: Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess — education.delaware.gov/families/homeschooling/. Checked March 2026.

Testing, portfolios and reviews

No yearly assessment

Delawaredoes not require a standardized test or an evaluator's review. Plenty of families still keep a folder of work through the year — not because the state asks, but because it makes a transcript or a college application far easier to put together later. A note from the state: No standardized testing required by state law for any homeschool option.

Source: Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess — education.delaware.gov/families/homeschooling/. Checked March 2026.

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects: Options 1 and 2: No specific subject requirements mandated by state law.Option 3 (coordinated with school district): Same subjects as public schools at superintendent's direction.
Instruction time: Delaware sets no minimum number of days or hours.
Who may teach: No teaching certificate, degree, or credential is required of you.
Keeping records: No retention period is set. Keeping a simple folder is still worth doing.
Legal routes: Option 1 – Single-Family Homeschool: Child educated primarily by parent(s)/guardian(s) in their home. Annual enrollment report by September 30 and attendance report by July 31 via DDOE online (EdAccess) portal. No subject requirements or testing mandated.
Option 2 – Multi-Family Homeschool: Multiple families coordinate education in their own homes or other facilities. Must appoint a liaison to the DDOE. Same annual reporting requirements as Option 1.
Option 3 – Single-Family Coordinated with School District: Parent-led education with superintendent oversight; must teach the same subjects as public schools. More oversight but no mandatory testing.

Source: Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess — education.delaware.gov/families/homeschooling/. Checked March 2026.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Diplomas: Delaware public schools do not issue diplomas to students not enrolled in public school. Homeschoolers may earn diplomas through accredited correspondence, online, or private school programs. Parent-issued diplomas are accepted by many colleges. GED is available as an alternative credential.
College admissions: Delaware colleges (University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Widener, Wesley College, Delaware Tech) accept homeschool applicants. SAT/ACT scores recommended. Parent transcripts with course descriptions are standard. Accredited program participation strengthens applications.
Support for additional needs: Delaware homeschooled students may request Child Find evaluations through local school districts. Under IDEA proportionate share provisions, some services may be available as 'parentally placed private school students,' but ongoing FAPE services are not guaranteed after withdrawal from public school. Contact the local district's special education director for available options.

Source: Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess — education.delaware.gov/families/homeschooling/. Checked March 2026.

Money your family can claim in Delaware

No program on file yet

We do not have a verified Delaware education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess directly.

See the states where funding is confirmed →

Questions parents ask about Delaware

Is homeschooling legal in Delaware?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Delaware. Delaware is considered one of the easiest states for homeschoolers — minimal regulation, no notice required, and maximum family freedom.

Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware requires families to file a Notice of Intent by Annual enrollment report submitted via DDOE online account by September 30. Annual attendance report submitted via DDOE online form by July 31.. This notice must be renewed annually.

How many instruction days are required in Delaware?

Delaware does not mandate a minimum amount of instruction time.

What subjects are required by law in Delaware?

Delaware requires instruction in the following subjects: Options 1 and 2: No specific subject requirements mandated by state law., Option 3 (coordinated with school district): Same subjects as public schools at superintendent's direction..

Does Delaware require annual assessment for homeschoolers?

No. Delaware does not require formal annual assessment. Families may voluntarily track progress for college application purposes.

Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Delaware?

No. Delaware does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.

Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Delaware?

Delaware does not have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschoolers access to public school sports. Participation may be at individual district discretion. Check with your local school district.

Source: Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess — education.delaware.gov/families/homeschooling/. Checked March 2026.

Worth knowing about Delaware

Delaware is a low-regulation state. The annual DDOE online enrollment (by September 30) and attendance (by July 31) reports are the primary compliance requirements. No testing, no teacher qualifications, no mandatory subjects for Options 1 and 2. The Delaware Home Education Association (DHEA) is a key community resource. Compulsory ages: 5–16.

Source: Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess — education.delaware.gov/families/homeschooling/. Checked March 2026.

Who to ask in Delaware

Regulator: Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess
Official site: education.delaware.gov/families/homeschooling/
Forms: education.delaware.gov/families/homeschooling/

Free tools for your first year

Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with Delaware's requirements and ignore the rest.

Transcript builderBuild a clean high-school transcript with GPA and credits, ready to send to a college.Paperwork generatorFill in your details and get the letter or affidavit your state expects, already worded for it.Printable worksheetsPrint practice pages by grade and subject for the days a screen is the wrong answer.Instruction day logTick off days as you go so the count is already done when your state asks for it.State fundingSee whether your state puts education money in your hands, and how to claim it.Starting guideThe whole first year in five steps, written for someone who has never done this before.

Other states

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho All 51 →

This page was written from Delaware's published rules and last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) — online enrollment and attendance reporting via EdAccess. This is information for families, not legal advice.

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