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Colorado

Moderate

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

Overview

Instruction days
172 days per year
Legal status
Homeschooling is legal in this state
Regulatory body
Colorado Department of Education (CDE) — School Choice unit; local school district of family's choosing
Official website
https://ed.cde.state.co.us/choice/homeschool

Notice Requirements

Notice required
Yes — notice must be filed
Deadline
Written notice of intent to any Colorado school district at least 14 days before beginning; renewed annually.
Frequency
Annual — must re-file each school year
Reporting
Required (annually)

Assessment Requirements

Assessment required
Yes
Accepted methods
  • Nationally standardized achievement test (composite score above 13th percentile)
  • Evaluation by a qualified person showing sufficient academic progress

Curriculum & Qualifications

Required subjects
ReadingWritingSpeaking (Communication Skills)MathematicsHistoryCivicsLiteratureScienceConstitution of the United States
Teacher qualifications
No specific teaching credentials required
Portfolio
Portfolio must be maintained and may be reviewed

Additional Notes

Colorado requires annual notice (14 days before starting), 172 days of instruction averaging 4 hours/day, testing or portfolio evaluation at grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 (score above 13th percentile or qualified evaluator sign-off), and permanent record-keeping. Three legal pathways allow flexibility. Umbrella school enrollment eliminates district-level notice obligations. Sports access and concurrent enrollment available.

Tips for Homeschooling in Colorado

  1. 1

    File your notice on time: "Written notice of intent to any Colorado school district at least 14 days before beginning; renewed annually.". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

  2. 2

    Choose your assessment method early. Options include: Nationally standardized achievement test (composite score above 13th percentile), Evaluation by a qualified person showing sufficient academic progress. Many families find portfolio reviews the least stressful.

  3. 3

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

Open Colorado Checklist →

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements directly with Colorado Department of Education (CDE) — School Choice unit; local school district of family's choosing or a qualified education attorney.