New York Homeschool Laws and Requirements

homeschool laws by state Aug 14, 2026

New York asks more of homeschooling families than most states, and it is manageable once you see the shape of the year. You send a notice of intent by July 1, submit an individualized home instruction plan, file four quarterly reports on dates you set in that plan, and close with an annual assessment. Everything goes to your superintendent.

Last Reviewed: August 15, 2026. Reviewed by the Modern Homeschools Editorial Team. Next scheduled review: August 15, 2027.

New York Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Topic	What applies in New York
Compulsory attendance ages	Instruction begins at six, with the start date depending on whether the child turns six on or before December 1. Students turning 16, or 17 in New York City, during a school year remain of compulsory age all that year
Notice of intent	Written notice to the district superintendent annually by July 1. A family beginning home instruction after the school year starts, or establishing residence in the district after it starts, gives notice within 14 days after commencing home instruction there
Individualized home instruction plan	The district sends the regulation and an IHIP form within 10 business days after receiving your notice. You submit the IHIP within four weeks after those materials arrive, or by August 15, whichever is later
District response	Within 10 business days of receiving the IHIP, the district tells you whether it complies
Parent or instructor qualifications	No teaching credential is required. The IHIP names those providing instruction
Required subjects	Set by grade grouping. The first eight years cover arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, English, geography, United States history, civics, hygiene, physical training, New York state history, and science
Instructional time	The substantial equivalent of 180 instructional days per school year, plus 900 cumulative instructional hours annually in grades 1 through 6 and 990 in grades 7 through 12
Quarterly reports	Four per year on the dates set in your IHIP, giving total hours for the quarter and progress in each subject
Annual assessment	A standardized test or written narrative evaluation each year. Alternative forms may be used every other year for pupils in grades 4 through 8
Responsible government agency	Your district superintendent receives every filing. The New York State Education Department publishes the regulation

The Shape of a New York Homeschool Year

Notice of intent. One letter to your superintendent, due annually by July 1. If you begin partway through a year, or establish residence in the district after the year starts, notice is due within 14 days after commencing home instruction there.

The IHIP. Within 10 business days after receiving your notice, the district sends the regulation and an IHIP form. You submit the plan within four weeks after those materials arrive, or by August 15, whichever is later. It lists the syllabi, curriculum materials, or plan of instruction for each required subject, the individuals providing instruction, and your quarterly report dates. The district then tells you whether it complies.

Four quarterly reports. You set the dates yourself in the IHIP, the part families most often miss. Each gives total hours for the quarter and progress in each subject. Across the year you are working toward 900 hours in grades 1 through 6, or 990 hours in grades 7 through 12, over the substantial equivalent of 180 instructional days.

The annual assessment. It accompanies the final quarterly report and is either a standardized test result or a written narrative evaluation.

Assessment, Percentiles, and Probation

The alternative to testing is real. Alternative forms of evaluation may be used every other year for pupils in grades 4 through 8, so many families alternate between a narrative evaluation and a test. Confirm what applies to your child's grade before choosing.

Where a test is used, the standard is more forgiving than it sounds. A program is placed on probation only if the composite score is below the thirty-third percentile on national norms, or fails to reflect one academic year of growth compared to a prior test. Either measure is enough.

Probation is a process rather than an ending. It comes with a remediation plan, and it is the only circumstance in which a district may require a home visit, upon three days' written notice. Outside probation, none may be required.

Required Versus Optional

Required. The notice of intent, the IHIP, four quarterly reports, the annual assessment, the required subjects, and the day and hour totals.

Not required. State approval of your curriculum, a teaching credential, or any particular published program. Districts often provide their own IHIP templates and report forms, and those are conveniences. The regulation makes the information mandatory, not a district's format. Records beyond your filings are prudent rather than required.

How to Start Homeschooling in New York

Send the notice of intent. To your superintendent by July 1, or within 14 days if you are starting midyear.
Watch for the district packet. The regulation and an IHIP form, within 10 business days.
Write the IHIP. Due four weeks after those materials arrive, or by August 15, whichever is later.
Track hours from day one. 900 in grades 1 through 6, 990 in grades 7 through 12.
Choose your annual assessment early. Testing and narrative evaluations both take arranging.

Official New York Homeschool Resources

Beginning Your Homeschool Journey?

Your First 30 Days of Homeschooling provides a practical path for establishing your priorities, planning your next steps, and creating a rhythm that works for your family.

Explore Your First 30 Days

Modern Homeschools provides educational information to help families understand and navigate homeschooling requirements. Because requirements may change, families should confirm current details with the official state sources linked within this guide.