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New York · Detailed rules
New York 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
Written from New York'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
New York asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: 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. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent.
Cover the subjects the state names
New York names 4 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. New York does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Plan the yearly assessment early
New York asks for an assessment each year. You can choose from: 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). Deciding in the autumn which route you will take saves a scramble in the spring.
Source: New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent — www.nysed.gov/nonpublic-schools/home-instruction. Checked March 2026.
Source: New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent — www.nysed.gov/nonpublic-schools/home-instruction. Checked March 2026.
Source: New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent — www.nysed.gov/nonpublic-schools/home-instruction. Checked March 2026.
Source: New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent — www.nysed.gov/nonpublic-schools/home-instruction. Checked March 2026.
Source: New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent — www.nysed.gov/nonpublic-schools/home-instruction. Checked March 2026.
No program on file yet
We do not have a verified New York 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 New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent directly.
Is homeschooling legal in New York?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in New York. New York has stricter homeschool regulations than most states. Koydo's compliance tracking tools are especially valuable here to avoid missing deadlines.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in New York?
Yes. New York requires families to file a Notice of Intent by 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.. This notice must be renewed annually.
How many instruction days are required in New York?
New York requires 900 hours a year.
What subjects are required by law in New York?
New York requires instruction in the following subjects: K–12 (all grades): Patriotism and citizenship, health education (alcohol/drugs/tobacco), highway/traffic safety, fire and arson prevention, Grades 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).
Does New York require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
Yes. New York requires annual assessment. Accepted methods 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), Standardized test (optional alternative to narrative for grades 1–3).
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in New York?
No. New York 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 New York?
New York 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: New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent — www.nysed.gov/nonpublic-schools/home-instruction. Checked March 2026.
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.
Source: New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent — www.nysed.gov/nonpublic-schools/home-instruction. Checked March 2026.
Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with New York's requirements and ignore the rest.
This page was written from New York's published rules and last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with New York State Education Department (NYSED) / Local School District Superintendent. This is information for families, not legal advice.