← Back to all states
🗽

New York

Strict

Homeschool legal: ✅ Yes ·Last verified: 2026-03 ·State code: NY

Overview

Instruction days
No minimum requirement
Legal status
Homeschooling is legal in this state
Regulatory body
New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent
Official website
https://www.nysed.gov/nonpublic-schools/home-instruction

Notice Requirements

Notice required
Yes — notice must be filed
Deadline
Notice of Intent (NOI) due by July 1 annually, or within 14 days of starting homeschool mid-year. District sends back an IHIP form; completed IHIP must be returned by August 15 or within 4 weeks of receiving it.
Frequency
Annual — must re-file each school year
Reporting
Required (quarterly)

Assessment Requirements

Assessment required
Yes
Accepted methods
  • Written narrative evaluation by a certified teacher (grades 1–3; also alternating years for grades 4–8)
  • Nationally normed standardized achievement test with composite score above 33rd percentile OR one year of academic growth vs. prior year (grades 4–8 every other year; grades 9–12 annually)
  • Standardized test (optional alternative to narrative for grades 1–3)

Curriculum & Qualifications

Required subjects
K–12 (all grades): Patriotism and citizenship, health education (alcohol/drugs/tobacco), highway/traffic safety, fire and arson preventionGrades 1–6: Reading, writing, arithmetic, spelling, English, geography, U.S. history, science, health, music, visual arts, physical education (900 hours/year)Grades 7–8: English (2 credits), history/geography (2), science (2), math (2), art (0.5), music (0.5), physical education, health, practical arts, library skills (990 hours/year)Grades 9–12: Math (2 credits), English (4), social studies including American history (4), science (2), art or music (1), health (0.5), physical education (2), electives (3) (990 hours/year; 1 credit = 108 instructional hours minimum)
Teacher qualifications
No specific teaching credentials required
Portfolio
No portfolio requirement

Additional Notes

New York has the most complex homeschool regulations in the nation: IHIP, 4 quarterly reports, and annual assessments create significant ongoing paperwork. The 8 NYCRR Part 100.10 regulations must be followed carefully. NYC families have separate submission addresses. The New York Home Educators Network (NYHEN) and Long Island Homeschoolers Association provide support. Assessment standard: composite above 33rd percentile OR one year of academic growth. NYC-specific: use LetterofIntent@schools.nyc.gov and Homeschool@schools.nyc.gov. Compulsory ages: 6–16/17.

Tips for Homeschooling in New York

  1. 1

    File your notice on time: "Notice of Intent (NOI) due by July 1 annually, or within 14 days of starting homeschool mid-year. District sends back an IHIP form; completed IHIP must be returned by August 15 or within 4 weeks of receiving it.". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

  2. 2

    Choose your assessment method early. Options include: Written narrative evaluation by a certified teacher (grades 1–3; also alternating years for grades 4–8), Nationally normed standardized achievement test with composite score above 33rd percentile OR one year of academic growth vs. prior year (grades 4–8 every other year; grades 9–12 annually). Many families find portfolio reviews the least stressful.

  3. 3

    Join a local New York homeschool co-op or support group. Peer connections help with curriculum sharing, field trips, and social opportunities for your learner.

Open New York Checklist →

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements directly with New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent or a qualified education attorney.