NYHigh Regulation

Homeschooling in New York

New York requires an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), quarterly reports, annual standardized testing or alternative evaluation, and instruction in required subjects.

New York Homeschool Laws & Regulations

New York is one of the more heavily regulated states for homeschooling, but thousands of families still thrive here with home education. The key is understanding exactly what's required and having systems in place to stay compliant throughout the school year.

To begin homeschooling in New York, you must file a notice of intent with the Local school district superintendent by july 1 or within 14 days of starting homeschool. Submit a letter of intent by July 1. Within 30 days, file an IHIP with the superintendent listing subjects, curriculum, textbooks, and assessment method for each child.

The state requires instruction in specific subjects including Mathematics, Science, English language arts, Social studies, Health, Art, Music, Physical education and 4 more. Our 100% online Montessori Homeschool platform covers all of these through 8,100+ structured daily lessons that integrate practical life, sensorial exploration, language, mathematics, science, geography, and cultural studies — the hallmarks of an authentic Montessori education.

Attendance tracking is required in New York: 900 hours for grades 1-6, 990 hours for grades 7-12 per year. With Montessori Homeschool, every lesson is timestamped and logged automatically, making it simple to demonstrate compliance at year-end or during any review.

New York requires an annual assessment: Annual standardized test (every other year beginning in grade 4) OR annual written narrative evaluation by certified teacher, peer review panel, or other qualified person in alternate years. Students must score at or above the 33rd percentile on standardized test; written evaluations must show adequate progress. Our structured curriculum and progress tracking help ensure your child is well-prepared when assessment time arrives.

Quarterly reports are required in New York, due on November 15 (Q1), January 31 (Q2), April 15 (Q3), June 30 (Q4). Each quarterly report must include the number of hours of instruction, a description of material covered in each subject, and a grade or narrative evaluation Montessori Homeschool tracks lesson completion, subject hours, and progress across all curriculum areas, giving you the data you need to file complete and timely reports.

The Montessori approach is a natural fit for homeschooling in New York. Rather than rigid textbook learning, children work with hands-on materials at their own pace — developing concentration, independence, and a genuine love of learning. Montessori Homeschool brings this approach into your home with a 100% online platform featuring daily lesson plans, printable materials, parent guides, and built-in compliance tools designed specifically for New York families.

New York Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

📋Required

Notice of Intent

Letter of intent to homeschool, followed by an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP). Due: By July 1 or within 14 days of starting homeschool

📅Required

Attendance Tracking

900 hours of instruction per year for grades 1-6; 990 hours for grades 7-12

📚Required

Required Subjects

Mathematics, Science, English language arts, Social studies, Health, Art, Music, Physical education, Patriotism and citizenship, Highway safety and traffic regulation, Fire and arson prevention, Substance abuse prevention

📝Required

Quarterly Reports

Each quarterly report must include the number of hours of instruction, a description of material covered in each subject, and a grade or narrative evaluation

📊Required

Annual Assessment

Annual standardized test (every other year beginning in grade 4) OR annual written narrative evaluation by certified teacher, peer review panel, or other qualified person in alternate years

📁Recommended

Portfolio

Recommended to support quarterly reports and annual evaluations — dated work samples, reading logs, and activity records

🎓Not Required

Parent Qualification

No parent education requirement — any parent can homeschool

How to Start Homeschooling in New York

  1. 1

    Submit a letter of intent to the district superintendent by July 1 or within 14 days of starting

  2. 2

    File an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) within 30 days of submitting the letter

  3. 3

    Provide instruction in all required subjects for the required number of hours

  4. 4

    Submit quarterly reports on the specified schedule (Q1-Q4)

  5. 5

    Provide an annual assessment: standardized test or alternative evaluation

  6. 6

    Maintain records and submit to the district as required

Important Deadlines

  • Letter of intent: By July 1 each year or within 14 days of starting
  • Submit IHIP: Within 30 days of letter of intent
  • Q1 quarterly report: By November 15
  • Q2 quarterly report: By January 31
  • Q3 quarterly report: By April 15
  • Q4 quarterly report + annual assessment: By June 30

How Montessori Homeschool Helps New York Families

Built for High-Regulation States

  • Detailed subject-by-subject tracking for quarterly reports
  • Hour logging meets the most stringent state requirements
  • Assessment preparation built into the curriculum sequence
  • Exportable records formatted for district submission
  • State-specific compliance dashboard shows exactly what's due and when
  • Parent guides help you document the "why" behind every lesson

Ready to Homeschool in New York?

8,100+ daily Montessori lessons. State compliance tools. Parent guides. Printable materials. Everything you need to homeschool with confidence.