VT

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Homeschool vs public school in Vermont

The real difference between homeschool and public school in Vermont is who owns the plan. Public school provides the system; homeschooling gives parents more control and more responsibility.

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.

Legal responsibility

Homeschooling is legal in Vermont, but families must file a home study enrollment notice and complete an annual assessment.

Curriculum control

Moderate. Parents choose curriculum and teaching methods, but they must cover the minimum course of study and complete the yearly notice and assessment requirements.

Records and accountability

Keep copies of your enrollment notice, the Agency of Education response, attendance-style records, course plans, work samples, and each year’s assessment results.

Testing comparison

Yes. Vermont requires an annual assessment showing the student has made progress in the minimum course of study.

Sports, services, and support

There is no clear statewide guarantee that every homeschool student can join public school sports, so access usually depends on local school and activity rules. Homeschool families may still seek evaluations or limited services through the public system, but access can vary depending on district practice and enrollment status. Not usually needed because Vermont has a direct home study option, though some families use outside programs or tutors for support.

Related homeschool guides for Vermont

These internal links connect curriculum, schedule, special-needs, testing, and state-law pages so parents can move from a search question to the legal checklist without starting over.

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.

View all downloads

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 homeschool legal in Vermont?

Homeschooling is legal in Vermont, but families must file a home study enrollment notice and complete an annual assessment.

Do homeschoolers have to take public-school tests in Vermont?

Yes. Vermont requires an annual assessment showing the student has made progress in the minimum course of study.

Can homeschoolers use public-school sports or services in Vermont?

There is no clear statewide guarantee that every homeschool student can join public school sports, so access usually depends on local school and activity rules. Homeschool families may still seek evaluations or limited services through the public system, but access can vary depending on district practice and enrollment status.

Start with the Vermont legal checklist

This guide is useful only if it sits on top of the actual Vermont homeschool requirements. Review the state law hub before buying curriculum, changing schools, or setting deadlines.

Vermont homeschool requirements