Montana · Light-touch

Homeschooling in Montana

Montana 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 notice to the county superintendent of schools. No mandated form or deadline — may be submitted in person, by letter, or by phone (written record recommended).

Yearly assessmentNot required

Instruction time180 days a year

RecordsYour choice

How to start homeschooling in Montana

Written from Montana'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
Montana asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Annual notice to the county superintendent of schools. No mandated form or deadline — may be submitted in person, by letter, or by phone (written record recommended). You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to County Superintendent of Schools — annual notice filing and attendance records.
Cover the subjects the state names
Montana 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. Montana does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.

Source: County Superintendent of Schools — annual notice filing and attendance records — www.mtche.org. Checked March 2026.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it: County Superintendent of Schools — annual notice filing and attendance records
When it is due: Annual notice to the county superintendent of schools. No mandated form or deadline — may be submitted in person, by letter, or by phone (written record recommended).
How often: Every school year
Notarized?: No
Ongoing reporting: Yes, once a year

Source: County Superintendent of Schools — annual notice filing and attendance records — www.mtche.org. Checked March 2026.

Testing, portfolios and reviews

No yearly assessment

Montanadoes 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.

Source: County Superintendent of Schools — annual notice filing and attendance records — www.mtche.org. Checked March 2026.

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects: Subjects required of public schools as a basic instructional program (as defined by the Montana Board of Public Education)Includes: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Fine Arts, Physical Education (varies by grade)
Instruction time: 180 days a year
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: Homeschool under MCA 20-5-109 — annual notice to county superintendent; provide organized course of study in required subjects; maintain attendance and immunization records; operate 180 days/year (720 hours for grades 1–3; 1,080 hours for grades 4–12)
Umbrella / cover schools: Montana Christian Home Educators (MTCHE) and other groups provide community and curriculum support. No formal in-state umbrella school structure required by law.

Source: County Superintendent of Schools — annual notice filing and attendance records — www.mtche.org. Checked March 2026.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Dual enrollment: Montana HB 396 (effective July 1, 2023) requires school trustees to admit part-time students upon parental request. Homeschool students may enroll part-time in public schools for courses and activities. Dual-enrolled students must comply with public school requirements (immunizations, etc.).
Diplomas: Montana does not issue state diplomas to homeschoolers. Families self-issue transcripts and diplomas. Accredited programs are available for recognized credentials.
College admissions: Montana colleges (University of Montana, Montana State) accept homeschool applicants. SAT/ACT scores and parent-prepared transcripts are standard.
Support for additional needs: FAPE entitlement ends upon withdrawal from public school. Montana districts must conduct Child Find evaluations upon request. Part-time enrollment (HB 396) may restore access to some special education services.

Source: County Superintendent of Schools — annual notice filing and attendance records — www.mtche.org. Checked March 2026.

Money your family can claim in Montana

Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account

Run by Montana Office of Public Instruction

The award amount is set by the program and changes from year to year. Check the official page below for this year's figure rather than an estimate.

How you get it: Reimbursement — families pay first and submit for repayment.

The program is paused by litigation. A court order allows reimbursements only for students already in the program, and only through June 30, 2026.
Tutoring is named as a covered expense.

Source: opi.mt.gov/Portals/182/Page%20Files/Education%20Savings%20Account/ESA%20OPI%20FAQ%2006.10.2025_FINAL.pdf. Checked July 26, 2026. Eligibility and application dates are set by the program — the official page is always the last word.

Questions parents ask about Montana

Is homeschooling legal in Montana?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Montana. Montana 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 Montana?

Yes. Montana requires families to file a Notice of Intent by Annual notice to the county superintendent of schools. No mandated form or deadline — may be submitted in person, by letter, or by phone (written record recommended).. This notice must be renewed annually.

How many instruction days are required in Montana?

Montana requires 180 days a year.

What subjects are required by law in Montana?

Montana requires instruction in the following subjects: Subjects required of public schools as a basic instructional program (as defined by the Montana Board of Public Education), Includes: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Fine Arts, Physical Education (varies by grade).

Does Montana require annual assessment for homeschoolers?

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

Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Montana?

No. Montana 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 Montana?

Montana 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: County Superintendent of Schools — annual notice filing and attendance records — www.mtche.org. Checked March 2026.

Worth knowing about Montana

Montana requires annual notice to the county superintendent and 180 days of instruction (720 hours for grades 1–3; 1,080 hours for grades 4–12) in subjects required of public schools. No testing, no teacher qualifications. Attendance and immunization records must be maintained. High school sports via MHSA are blocked for homeschoolers, but K–8 sports and part-time enrollment (HB 396, 2023) provide alternatives.

Source: County Superintendent of Schools — annual notice filing and attendance records — www.mtche.org. Checked March 2026.

Who to ask in Montana

Regulator: County Superintendent of Schools — annual notice filing and attendance records
Official site: www.mtche.org

Free tools for your first year

Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with Montana'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 Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii All 51 →

This page was written from Montana's published rules and last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with County Superintendent of Schools — annual notice filing and attendance records. This is information for families, not legal advice.

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