Homeschooling
Homeschooling in Our District
Homeschooling is an educational option available to families who choose to provide instruction to their children at home rather than through a public or nonpublic school. In New York State, homeschooling is governed by Commissioner’s Regulation Part 100.10 to ensure that students receive instruction that is substantially equivalent to that provided in public schools.
Our district works collaboratively with families who choose to homeschool to ensure compliance with state requirements while supporting parents as the primary educators of their children.
What Is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an educational program directed by a child’s parent or legal guardian. Parents are responsible for selecting curriculum, providing instruction, tracking student progress, and submitting required documentation to the school district. Homeschooled students remain residents of the district and are subject to New York State compulsory education laws.
How to Begin Homeschooling
Parents who wish to homeschool must follow a formal application and reporting process each school year.
Step 1: Submit a Letter of Intent
Parents must submit a Letter of Intent to Homeschool to the Office of Curriculum and Instruction c/o Ashley Parzych by July 1 of each school year, or within 14 days of beginning homeschooling during the school year.
The Letter of Intent should include:
- Student’s full name and date of birth
- Parent/guardian name(s) and address
- Statement of intent to homeschool for the upcoming school year
Step 2: Submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP)
After receiving the Letter of Intent, the district will provide parents with a copy of the New York State homeschooling regulations and may provide an IHIP form or template for convenience.
The Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) must be submitted within four (4) weeks of receiving materials, or by August 15, whichever is later.
The IHIP must include:
- Student’s name, age, and grade level
- List of required instructional subjects
- Curriculum materials or instructional resources
- Quarterly schedule for submitting reports
- Name(s) of the individual(s) providing instruction
Instructional Requirements
Homeschool instruction must be substantially equivalent to that provided in public schools and must include:
- A minimum of 180 days of instruction per school year
- Instructional hours requirements:
- Grades 1–6: a minimum of 900 hours per year
- Grades 7–12: a minimum of 990 hours per year
- Instruction in all required subject areas based on grade level
Parents determine the curriculum, instructional methods, and daily schedule, provided all required subjects and instructional time requirements are met.
Required Documentation Throughout the Year
To remain in compliance with New York State regulations, parents must submit the following documentation:
Quarterly Reports
Parents must submit four quarterly reports during the school year. Each report must include:
- Total hours of instruction completed during the quarter
- Description of the material covered in each subject
- Either a grade for each subject or a statement indicating satisfactory or unsatisfactory progress
Annual Assessment
At the end of each school year, an annual assessment must be submitted with the fourth quarterly report.
Assessment requirements vary by grade level:
- Grades 1–3: A written narrative evaluation may be submitted each year
- Grades 4–8: A written narrative evaluation may be used, but not more than every other year; a standardized test must be used in the other years
- Grades 9–12: A standardized achievement test is required each year
Narrative evaluations must be completed by an appropriate evaluator:
- For grades 1–3, the parent may prepare the narrative
- For other grades, the narrative must be prepared by a New York State certified teacher or another qualified individual, subject to approval by the superintendent
Standardized tests must be administered and reported in accordance with New York State guidelines.
Homeschooling and Special Education
Students with disabilities are eligible to be homeschooled. Homeschooling is a parent-directed educational program and does not replace the district’s responsibilities under special education law when services are requested.
Evaluations
Parents may request an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services. Requests must be made in writing to the district’s Committee on Special Education (CSE).
Individualized Education Program (IEP) / Services Plan
If a homeschooled student is found eligible for services, the district will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or an Individualized Education Services Program (IESP), as applicable.
Participation in special education services is optional for families who homeschool.
Special Education Services
If parents elect to receive services:
- Services are typically provided at a public school site or designated location, not in the home
- Services are delivered in accordance with the student’s IEP or IESP and the district’s service delivery model
Parent Responsibilities
Parents who homeschool a student with a disability remain responsible for providing the home instruction program in accordance with state homeschooling regulations. District-provided services do not replace the parent’s responsibility for instruction.
Important Deadline for Services
Under New York State Education Law §3602‑c, homeschooled students with disabilities are considered parentally placed nonpublic students for the purpose of receiving services.
To receive services:
- Parents must submit a written request for special education services by June 1 for the upcoming school year
- This request is required annually, even if the student already has an IEP or IESP
- Without a written request by the deadline, the district is not obligated to provide services
Parents are encouraged to communicate with the CSE to understand available services, timelines, and procedural safeguards.
Ongoing Communication and Support
The district’s role is to review submitted documentation and confirm that homeschooling requirements are being met. While homeschooling is parent-directed, the district is available to support families with:
- Understanding procedures and timelines
- Clarifying regulatory requirements
- Answering general questions
Parents are encouraged to maintain copies of all submitted materials for their records.
Contact Information
Families interested in beginning or continuing homeschooling should contact:
Ashley Parzych
Office of Curriculum and Instruction. 315-792-2228 We value our partnership with families and are committed to ensuring that all students receive a meaningful, legally compliant educational experience.