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How to Start Homeschooling in Wyoming: Step-by-Step Beginner Guide
Thinking about homeschooling in Wyoming? The good news: getting started is simpler than ever. Thanks to the Homeschool Freedom Act (HB46), you don’t need to file paperwork, wait for approval, or navigate bureaucracy. This guide walks you through every step, from deciding to start through launching your first homeschool.
Key Takeaways
- No filing required: Wyoming eliminated the notice of intent requirement; you can start immediately
- Seven required subjects: Reading, writing, math, civics, history, literature, science
- 175 instructional days: Per school year for ages 7-16
- Choose your curriculum: Hundreds of options available; no approval needed
- Withdrawal letter optional: If your child is in public school, notify the school (good practice)
- Get organized early: Plan your calendar, gather materials, set up records
Step 1: Decide Your Timeline
When will you start?
- Immediate: Start mid-year (more challenging; short first year)
- End of school year: Withdraw in May, start in June or August (smoother)
- Beginning of next school year: Plan through summer, launch in August (most common)
Recommendation: If possible, start at a natural transition point (end of school year, summer break, or beginning of August). This gives you time to plan and gather materials.
Step 2: Notify Your School District (If Needed)
If your child is in public school:
Submit a simple withdrawal letter to the school’s registrar or enrollment office. Template:
Dear [School Name] Registrar,
I am withdrawing [Child’s Name] from [School], effective [Date]. We are transitioning to homeschool education.
Please close enrollment and discontinue attendance expectations.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
If your child is not in public school: Skip this step.
Keep copies of your withdrawal letter for your records.
Step 3: Understand Wyoming’s Requirements
You must provide:
- Seven required subjects: Reading, writing, math, civics, history, literature, science
- 175 instructional days per school year (ages 7-16)
- Attendance records documenting which days instruction occurred
- Nothing else: No curriculum approval, testing, or filing with the state
That’s it.
Step 4: Choose Your Homeschool Approach
Wyoming allows complete flexibility in how you teach. Common approaches:
Traditional Homeschool
- Textbook-based curriculum
- Daily lessons in all subjects
- Regular assessments and grades
- Example: families using Sonlight, IXL, Saxon Math
Classical Homeschool
- Great books, classical literature
- Socratic method and discussion
- Logic and rhetoric emphasis
- Example: Veritas Press, Classical Conversations
Charlotte Mason Method
- Whole living books (not textbooks)
- Short lessons, nature study, habit training
- Narration and copywork
- Example: Well-Trained Mind, Simply Charlotte Mason
Unit Studies/Interest-Led
- Themes integrating multiple subjects
- Project-based learning
- Follows child’s interests
- Example: NotebookingPages, Build Your Library
Unschooling/Interest-Driven
- Child-led learning based on natural curiosity
- Minimal formal curriculum
- Life experience as curriculum
- Requires confident parent facilitator
Online/Hybrid
- Online curriculum (public, private, or hybrid)
- Parent as facilitator
- Mix of online and in-person instruction
- Example: Homeschool.com, Outschool, BrainPOP
Choose based on:
– Your child’s learning style
– Your family’s schedule and philosophy
– Your comfort level with structure
– Available budget
Step 5: Select Curriculum for Each Subject
Wyoming requires these seven subjects. Here’s where to start:
| Subject | Popular Options | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Reading/ELA | All About Reading, IEW, Bravewriter, IXL | $100-400/yr |
| Math | Singapore Math, Saxon, Beast Academy, IXL | $100-400/yr |
| Science | Elemental Science, Apologia, Homeschool Science Lab | $150-400/yr |
| History | Story of the World, Veritas Press, Mystery of History | $100-300/yr |
| Literature | Sonlight, Beautiful Feet, lists of classics | $50-200/yr |
| Civics | iCivics, Constitution-focused books, civics texts | $20-100/yr |
| Writing | IEW, Bravewriter, Writing With Ease | $100-300/yr |
Total estimated cost: $620-2100/year for comprehensive curriculum (highly variable).
Budget-friendly options:
– Library books for literature and history
– Free online resources (Khan Academy, BrainPOP free trials)
– Open educational resources
– Used curriculum (Facebook groups, Rainbow Resource)
Step 6: Create Your School Year Calendar
Decide:
- Start date: August 15? June 1? Any date works
- End date: May 30? April 30? Your choice
- Schedule: 5 days/week? 4 days? Year-round?
- Holidays: Winter break? Spring break? Your choice
- Breaks: Additional breaks as needed
Simple math:
– Need 175 days of instruction
– School 5 days/week = 35 weeks needed
– School 4 days/week = 44 weeks needed
Build in buffers: Plan for 180-190 days to account for illness, field trips, or other absences.
Step 7: Set Up Your Record-Keeping System
You must document:
- Dates of instruction: Which days you homeschooled
- Subjects covered: Which subjects each day
- Curriculum used: Names of materials
- Progress: Grades, test scores, work samples (optional but helpful)
Choose a system:
-
Spreadsheet (easiest, free)
– Google Sheets or Excel
– Simple: dates + subjects with checkmarks -
Homeschool software
– Skedtrack (attendance + grades + transcripts)
– HLS (curriculum planning + attendance)
– Homeschool Tracker -
Paper planner
– Homeschool-specific planners
– Regular calendar with notes
Pro tip: Update records weekly, not at year-end. Makes year-end summary easy.
Step 8: Gather Materials & Supplies
Essential items:
- Curriculum books (textbooks, workbooks, teacher guides)
- Supplies: pencils, paper, writing materials
- Technology (if using): computer, internet, educational software
- Manipulatives/tools: math tools, science equipment, art supplies
- Library card (free resource; check out books)
- Organization: shelves, folders, file boxes for materials
See Wyoming homeschool supplies checklist for detailed list.
Step 9: Find Community & Support (Optional)
Wyoming has growing homeschool networks:
- Homeschoolers of Wyoming (HOW): Christian community, co-ops, field trips
- HomeschoolingInWyoming.com: Resource directory
- Local groups: WATCCH (Sheridan), Common Ground (Laramie), regional groups
- Online communities: Facebook groups, Charlotte Mason groups, secular homeschool networks
Community is optional but helpful for:
– Co-op classes (shared subjects)
– Field trips and activities
– Social connection for kids
– Peer support for parents
– Specialized subjects you’re less confident teaching
Step 10: Prepare Your First Year
Before you start:
- ✓ Gather all curriculum and materials
- ✓ Set up your record-keeping system
- ✓ Plan your school calendar
- ✓ Create a basic daily/weekly schedule
- ✓ Brief your child on the transition
- ✓ Prepare your learning space
Your first week:
- Light schedule (get to know new routine)
- Introduce materials one at a time
- Expect adjustment period
- Don’t expect perfection
- Adjust as needed
Your first month:
- Establish rhythm and routine
- Identify what’s working and what’s not
- Make small adjustments
- Build momentum
Special Considerations
If Your Child Participates in Sports
WHSAA (Wyoming High School Activities Association) allows homeschoolers to play public school sports. If pursuing sports:
- Register with school district
- Meet academic eligibility requirements
- Submit curriculum documentation to district
- Ensure instruction in required subjects continues
If Your Child Has Special Needs
Wyoming recognizes Child Find (requirement to identify and serve students with disabilities). If your child has an IEP or services:
- District must provide services if you request them (proportional share)
- Curriculum submission to district is likely required
- Work with district special education coordinator
- Keep documentation of services and outcomes
If Your Child Wants Dual Enrollment
Wyoming allows homeschoolers to take courses at community colleges (tuition usually covered by district). Many homeschoolers:
- Take 1-2 community college courses while homeschooling
- Build college transcript early
- Save on college costs
- Start college by age 16-17
Check with your local community college about homeschooler enrollment.
First-Year Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Too much curriculum: Don’t over-buy; start with core subjects
❌ Rigid scheduling: Build flexibility for field trips, interests, adjustment
❌ Perfectionism: Your first year will be imperfect; that’s normal
❌ Isolation: Consider joining a co-op or group for support
❌ Ignoring required subjects: Include all seven required subjects
❌ Poor record-keeping: Document from day one (you’ll thank yourself)
First-Year Wins to Celebrate
✓ You launched without filing paperwork
✓ Your child is learning on your schedule
✓ You have flexibility for field trips and interests
✓ You’re building a record of instruction
✓ You can adjust curriculum mid-year if needed
✓ You’re part of Wyoming’s growing homeschool movement
Moving Forward
Month 2-3: Things normalize; you find your rhythm
Month 4-5: You assess what’s working; make adjustments
End of year: Compile records, reflect on progress, plan year 2
Summer: Plan next year with lessons from year 1
Wyoming makes getting started incredibly simple. The hard part isn’t the paperwork—it’s deciding to do it, choosing curriculum, and staying the course. You’ve got this.
Wyoming homeschool requirements
Wyoming homeschool withdrawal letter
Wyoming homeschool supplies checklist