Legal status
Homeschooling is legal, but it is one of the more regulated systems in the country.
NY
High regulationNew York homeschool requirements
Use this page as the parent-friendly requirements hub for New York. It pulls the core legal fields into one checklist-style view so families can see what matters before they choose curriculum or withdraw from school.
Plain-English note: this is a parent guide, not legal advice. Use the official source links at the bottom of the page before a deadline or filing decision.
Regulation level
High: New York allows homeschooling, but families must file paperwork, submit an individualized home instruction plan, keep attendance, and provide quarterly reports.
Compulsory school age
6-16
Notice or enrollment requirement
Yes. Parents must notify the district and then submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP). Notify: The local school district superintendent.. Deadline: Notice is generally due by July 1 each year or within 14 days of starting midyear.
Required subjects
English, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Physical education, Health, Art, Music, Practical arts
Hours or days
180 days per year; around 900 hours for grades 1-6 and 990 hours for grades 7-12.
Testing or evaluation
Yes. New York requires regular assessments, including standardized testing in designated years. Frequency: Quarterly reports during the year and an annual assessment every year.
Records parents should keep
Keep attendance records and maintain materials supporting quarterly reports and annual assessments.
Teacher qualifications
Parents do not need a teaching license to homeschool.
Curriculum freedom
Moderate. Families choose curriculum, but must cover required subjects and document progress carefully.
Free printables
Download the homeschool starter kit
Print these before you start: a state startup checklist, letter-of-intent template, attendance tracker, and high-school transcript template.
New homeschool families
State homeschool startup checklist
A printable first-week checklist for choosing your pathway, handling notices or withdrawal, tracking deadlines, and setting up records.
Download PDF →
Notice or withdrawal paperwork
Homeschool letter of intent template
A parent-safe fill-in notice/withdrawal template with reminders to use official state forms when required.
Download PDF →
Recordkeeping
Homeschool attendance tracker
A simple school-year tracker for days, hours, holidays, field trips, and notes you can keep with your records.
Download PDF →
High school planning
Homeschool transcript template
A fill-in high-school transcript starter with course records, credit summary, and parent certification lines.
Download PDF →
These printables are general planning tools, not legal advice. Always verify the current rule on your state page and official source links before filing deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Is homeschooling legal in New York?
Homeschooling is legal, but it is one of the more regulated systems in the country.
Do New York homeschool parents have to notify the state?
Yes. Parents must notify the district and then submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP).
What subjects are required in New York?
English, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Physical education, Health, Art, Music, Practical arts
Does New York require homeschool testing?
Yes. New York requires regular assessments, including standardized testing in designated years.
Start with the full state checklist
If you are new to homeschooling in New York, read the step-by-step startup guide before handling forms or curriculum decisions.
How to homeschool in New YorkSources for New York
- https://www.nysed.gov/nonpublic-schools/home-instruction
- https://www.nysed.gov/nonpublic-schools/home-instruction-questions-and-answers
- HSLDA state law summary
Last verified: 2026-04-20. Last updated: 2026-04-20.