Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in New York

Here is exactly what New York 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
900 hrs/year
Portfolio
Required · 3 yr
Testing / evaluation
Required

New York homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) to your local school district by July 1. The plan must be approved by the superintendent.
  • Required subjects: Cover Arithmetic/Math, Reading, Spelling, Writing, English, Geography, US History, Civics, Science, Health, Music, Visual Arts, PE.
  • Teacher requirement: Parent must be "competent" (no specific license required)
  • Portfolio / records: Quarterly Reports of Instruction required. Annual assessment (standardized test or portfolio review by certified teacher). Submit results to district.
  • Testing / evaluation: Annual assessment required in grades 4–8 and 9–12. Submit results to local school district.
  • Recordkeeping: Keep your homeschool records for at least 3 years.

Key dates & deadlines

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

Getting started in New York

  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 covering Arithmetic/Math, Reading, Spelling, Writing, English, Geography, US History, Civics, Science, Health, Music, Visual Arts, PE.
  4. Plan for the required annual assessment or evaluation.
  5. Keep your records on file for at least 3 years.

Scholarships & funding in New York

New York 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 New York?
Submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) to your local school district by July 1. The plan must be approved by the superintendent.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
Parent must be "competent" (no specific license required)
Is standardized testing required?
Annual assessment required in grades 4–8 and 9–12. Submit results to local school district.
How long should I keep records?
Keep your homeschool records for at least 3 years.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in New York?
Not at present. New York 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 New York?
New York requires you to cover Arithmetic/Math, Reading, Spelling, Writing, English, Geography, US History, Civics, Science, Health, Music, Visual Arts, PE. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does New York require?
New York expects about 900 hours of instruction a year. Logging lessons as you go is far easier than reconstructing the total later.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your New York 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 New York department of education or county superintendent.