Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Delaware

Here is exactly what Delaware requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
Regular instruction
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Not required

Delaware homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Register your home school (single-family, multi-family, or co-op) with the Delaware Department of Education, then submit an enrollment count in the fall and an attendance report at year end.
  • Required subjects: No specific subject list is mandated; families typically cover language arts, math, science, and social studies.
  • Teacher requirement: No teacher certification is required to teach your own children.
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: No standardized testing is required by the state.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification.

Getting started in Delaware

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum for the subjects you’ll teach.
  4. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Delaware

Delaware does not currently run a state scholarship or education savings account program that homeschool families can use. Families here typically fund curriculum and materials themselves, which makes keeping clean purchase records useful at tax time and if the state's rules change.

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Delaware?
Register your home school (single-family, multi-family, or co-op) with the Delaware Department of Education, then submit an enrollment count in the fall and an attendance report at year end.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No - there is no teacher-certification requirement.
Is standardized testing required?
No - Delaware does not mandate standardized testing.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Delaware?
Not at present. Delaware has no state scholarship or education savings account program open to homeschool families, though families still commonly track purchases for their own budgeting.
What subjects must I teach in Delaware?
Delaware does not set a required subject list. Most families cover language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and add subjects to suit the child.
How many days or hours of instruction does Delaware require?
Delaware does not set a specific hours or days requirement for homeschoolers. Keeping a simple record of instruction is still worthwhile if your circumstances change.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Delaware instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Delaware department of education or county superintendent.