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Key Takeaways
- Kansas military installations include Fort Riley (Manhattan/Junction City), Fort Leavenworth (Leavenworth), and McConnell AFB (Wichita)—all have School Liaison Officers to support homeschooling families
- Fort Riley School Support Services actively helps military families connect with homeschool co-ops and answer questions about regulations
- Registration is simple (one-time with KSDE as Non-Accredited Private School), making PCS transitions manageable
- Military OneSource provides free tutoring and education planning services
- Many military families access the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
- Dual enrollment is available for advanced high schoolers needing college-level academics during posting
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Military Installations in Kansas
Fort Riley (Manhattan/Junction City Area)
Basics:
- Home of the 1st Infantry Division “Big Red One”
- One of the largest active military installations in the US
- Approx. 70,000+ active duty, civilian employees, and family members
- Primary Army post with significant family population
Fort Riley School Support Services:
- Dedicated office providing education support to military families
- Services include: homeschool support, answering regulatory questions, special education coordination, scholarship information, PCS transition planning
- Help connecting families with established homeschool co-ops in the area
- Resources on Kansas homeschool regulations specific to military families
- Can answer questions about concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, and college prep for high schoolers
Homeschool Community at Fort Riley:
- Active homeschool co-ops specifically organized for military families
- Groups provide academic instruction, sports leagues, field trips, and social events
- Strong connection between co-op families and School Support Services
Contact:
- Fort Riley School Support Services (Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, & Recreation)
- Phone: (785) 239-3447 (Approximate; verify current number through Fort Riley main line)
- Services may also coordinate with Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) specific to your unit
Fort Leavenworth (Leavenworth Area)
Basics:
- Army’s oldest active installation west of the Mississippi
- Home to Command and General Staff College (CGSC)—senior military education institution
- More focused on professional military education than family-heavy presence
- Significant officer population with school-age children
School Liaison Officer:
- Available to assist military families with education questions
- Can provide information on homeschool registration and local resources
- Smaller homeschool community than Fort Riley, but established support groups exist
Homeschool Resources:
- Kansas homeschool groups in the Leavenworth area
- Access to Midwest Parent Educators (MPE) if near Kansas City metro
- College options: nearby Kansas universities for dual enrollment
McConnell Air Force Base (Wichita Area)
Basics:
- Home to 22nd Air Refueling Wing
- Major Air Force presence in Kansas
- Significant family population
- Close to Wichita’s urban amenities and educational resources
School Liaison Officer (Airman & Family Readiness Center):
- Available to support homeschooling families
- Can help organize or connect with existing homeschool groups
- Information on local educational resources and co-ops
Homeschool Community at McConnell:
- Active homeschool groups in the McConnell area
- Homeschool sports league specifically organized for McConnell families
- Connection to broader Wichita homeschool community (Kansas Home Educators – KSHE)
- Access to Sedgwick County Zoo, Exploration Place, and other Wichita educational resources
Forbes Field (Topeka Area)
- Kansas Air National Guard facility
- Smaller presence than McConnell
- Limited military family homeschool infrastructure
- Can access Topeka-area homeschool groups
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Homeschooling as a Military Family: Unique Considerations
Advantages of Homeschooling in the Military
Flexibility for PCS:
- Short registration process (one-time online form with KSDE) makes PCS transitions manageable
- No need to re-enroll or change paperwork each time you move
- Can seamlessly transition between states without school enrollment delays
Consistency During Transitions:
- Curriculum and routine remain constant even when families move frequently
- Avoids “catching up” at new schools after military moves
- Less disruption to friendships and social groups (especially important if homeschool co-ops are involved)
Cost Effectiveness:
- Military OneSource provides free tutoring and education planning
- Homeschooling is often less expensive than military-area private schools
- Kansas has low registration/legal costs (one-time, free with KSDE)
Control Over Curriculum:
- Military families can choose curriculum reflecting their values
- Christian families can select faith-based programs
- Families concerned about school quality or fit can customize completely
Community Building:
- Many military families homeschool; strong peer community at installations
- Fort Riley, McConnell, and Fort Leavenworth all have established military homeschool groups
- School Liaison Officers actively facilitate group formation and resource-sharing
Challenges of Homeschooling in the Military
Deployment Periods:
- When the servicemember deploys, the homeschooling parent may be solo managing academics, childcare, and household
- Some families adjust curriculum or take breaks during deployment
- School Support Services can sometimes provide tutoring or support during deployment periods
Frequent Moves:
- Moving between states with different homeschool regulations can be stressful (though Kansas is flexible)
- Building community is harder with frequent relocation
- Testing, evaluation, and transcript requirements vary by state
Isolation:
- Military posts can feel geographically isolated from broader homeschool communities
- Not all installations have robust homeschool infrastructure
- Dependency on other military families (if they PCS, social community changes)
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Registering to Homeschool in Kansas (Military Families)
Step 1: Register with KSDE as Non-Accredited Private School
This is simple and one-time:
- Go to: Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) website
- Find: Non-Accredited Private School registration form
- Provide:
- School name (your choice: “Smith Family Homeschool,” etc.)
- School address (your military housing address)
- Name of school operator (parent’s name)
- Any other requested information
- Submit: Online or by mail (free)
- Receive: Confirmation letter and school “building number” for records
Timeline: Usually processed within 1-2 weeks
Step 2: Notify School District of Withdrawal
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, notify the district in writing. You may request:
- Student records (transcript, test scores, IEP if applicable)
- Any outstanding materials or books
- Final grades
Step 3: Begin Instruction
No waiting period in Kansas. You can begin homeschooling immediately after registration.
Important for Military Families
If you’re PCSing INTO Kansas and plan to homeschool:
- Complete registration in step 1 after arriving
- You do NOT need to enroll in public school first
- Kansas accepts the simple one-time registration; begin homeschooling once registered
If you’re PCSing FROM Kansas:
- Gather any test scores, portfolios, transcripts, or evaluations
- Research homeschool regulations in your destination state
- Your KSDE registration is no longer valid once you leave Kansas
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Using School Liaison Officers Effectively
What School Liaison Officers Can Do
Education Support:
- Answer questions about homeschool laws and regulations
- Provide information on local homeschool groups and co-ops
- Discuss special education services (if child has IEP or 504 plan)
- Advise on dual enrollment and college prep options
- Help with transitions (into Kansas, within Kansas, leaving Kansas)
Referrals:
- Connect you to established homeschool groups
- Recommend tutors or educational specialists
- Direct you to military-specific education resources
Military-Specific Support:
- Understand military lifestyle and challenges (deployment, frequent moves, etc.)
- Familiar with Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
- Can facilitate communication between installations and schools/homeschool groups
Contact Information by Installation
Fort Riley School Support Services:
- Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, & Recreation
- Phone and email available through Fort Riley main switchboard
- Can reach out through your unit’s Family Readiness Group (FRG) or Chaplain
Fort Leavenworth School Liaison Officer:
- Available through Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, & Recreation
- Contact through post main number or unit readiness office
McConnell AFB School Liaison (Airman & Family Readiness Center):
- Phone available through base main number
- Can assist with homeschool questions and community connection
Best Practices for Contact
- Introduce yourself early after arrival
- Ask specifically: “What homeschool groups and resources do you recommend locally?”
- Ask if they can facilitate connection with families already homeschooling
- Share your child’s needs (grade level, special education, advanced learners, etc.)
- Request recommendations for tutors or specialists if needed
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Homeschool Co-ops for Military Families
Fort Riley Area Groups
Fort Riley Homeschool Co-op (and related groups):
- Organized specifically for military families
- Academic classes, enrichment activities, field trips, sports
- Coordinate with Fort Riley School Support Services
- Meet regularly during school year
- Connect families with similar move timeline
McConnell AFB Area Groups
McConnell Homeschool Sports League:
- Specifically organized for military families
- Provides organized sports and extracurriculars
- Can refer to academic co-ops
Broader Kansas Groups (Accessible to Military Families)
- CHECK (Christian Home Education Coalition of Kansas): Statewide; local chapters throughout Kansas
- Midwest Parent Educators (MPE): Kansas City metro; some McConnell families participate
- Kansas Home Educators (KSHE): Wichita-based; includes McConnell military families
- Smoky Valley Home Educators (SVHE): Central Kansas; accessible to Fort Riley families
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Dual Enrollment for Military High Schoolers
If you have an advanced high schooler or one needing college-level academics, Kansas dual enrollment is an excellent option:
Who’s Eligible:
- Homeschool high schoolers, age 15+ (varies by institution)
- Typically minimum 2.0 GPA (can be informal transcript)
- Parent permission required
- ACT/SAT scores may be required for some courses
Available Through:
- All 19 Kansas community colleges (including Wichita, Manhattan, Leavenworth areas)
- University of Kansas (KU) — Lawrence
- Kansas State University (K-State) — Manhattan
- Wichita State University (Wichita)
- Other Kansas public universities
Military-Specific Advantages:
- College credits that count toward military-friendly degrees (engineering, logistics, etc.)
- Intellectual peer group beyond military families
- Resume builder for military academy applications or Officer Training School (OTS)
- Transition to college experience before full commitment
College Admissions for Military Homeschoolers
Kansas universities accept homeschool applicants. Key requirements:
- Parent-created transcript (include courses, grades, credits, GPA)
- Test scores: ACT/SAT required (military high schoolers often take these for service academy consideration)
- Course descriptions: Detailed descriptions of curriculum used
- Kansas Board of Regents Qualified Admissions: Typically ACT 21+ for in-state universities
Military-Specific: Some universities have programs supporting military families and children of servicemembers.
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Military OneSource and Education Benefits
Military OneSource
Free tutoring and education planning services for all military families (active duty, guard, reserve):
- Free, confidential services
- Available for all children (K-12)
- Tutoring in academic subjects, test prep, and study skills
- Educational counseling and planning
- No enrollment requirement; available immediately
Access:
- Call: 1-800-342-9647 (military oneSource phone number)
- Online: militaryoneource.mil
- Military ID required
- Can be used virtually or in-person (depending on location)
Education Benefit Resources
- Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts: If spouse needs education for employment
- Federal Tuition Assistance: Some military members eligible for education benefits
- Service Academy Nominations: If interested in military academy track; homeschool students CAN apply
- ROTC Programs: Kansas universities offer ROTC; homeschool transcripts are acceptable
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Special Situations for Military Families
Deployment
When servicemember deploys:
- Some families reduce academic load or take breaks
- Curriculum with high parent involvement becomes difficult
- Consider more independent online programs (Khan Academy, Time4Learning, online curriculum providers)
- Military OneSource tutoring can supplement if parent is overwhelmed
- School Support Services may provide additional support
PCS to Different State
When moving to another state:
- Research destination state’s homeschool laws before arrival
- Contact destination installation’s School Liaison Officer
- Some states are more restrictive than Kansas; plan accordingly
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children may apply (see below)
Special Education Services
- Kansas IEPs do NOT transfer to homeschool; servicemember loss of special education if you withdraw from public school
- Option: Part-time enrollment in public school while homeschooling (some districts allow; ask School Liaison Officer)
- Option: Pursue services through military; some installations provide evaluation or services
- Option: Private evaluation and services (TRICARE may cover some; check coverage)
High School Transitions and College Prep
Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth locations have college-age military dependents. Resources for high schoolers:
- Dual enrollment at nearby colleges
- SAT/ACT prep through Military OneSource
- Guidance on military-friendly careers and education paths
- Service academy nomination support
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Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
Kansas is a member state. This federal compact ensures:
Educational Credit Portability:
- Credits earned in Kansas are accepted in other states
- Seamless transition when PCSing
- Transcript credit transfer between states
Enrollment Flexibility:
- Military children can enroll in schools before military orders arrive
- Enrollment not delayed for paperwork
- Addresses the typical 4-6 week delay in receiving official military orders
Support for Transitions:
- States must designate a Military Education Liaison Officer (Kansas has this)
- Financial aid and scholarship consideration for military children
- Recognition of educational credentials from other states
For Homeschoolers:
- KSDE registration is simple and one-time, making transitions easy
- Portable curriculum and transcripts are accepted across states
- Military families can rely on consistent, recognized registration
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Practical Tips for Military Families Homeschooling in Kansas
- Contact your installation’s School Support Services early. Don’t wait until you have problems. Build relationship, get resources, find community.
- Connect with military homeschool families immediately upon arrival. They understand the military lifestyle and can shortcut your learning curve on local resources.
- Choose flexible curriculum. Military deployments, TDYs (temporary duty), and restationing are inevitable. Curriculum with strong independent components (online programs, self-paced, project-based) handles disruptions better.
- Maintain organized records. Keep transcripts, test scores, course descriptions, and evaluation records from each posting. These are essential for college admissions later.
- Utilize Military OneSource. It’s free and available immediately. Don’t be a hero; use the tutoring support when you need it.
- Plan college early for high schoolers. Consider dual enrollment 2-3 years before graduation if your child is college-bound. It provides college experience, testing, and credential-building during deployment uncertainty.
- Be flexible on structure. Some military years are stable; some are chaotic. Homeschooling’s flexibility allows you to adjust rather than forcing a system that doesn’t fit the moment.
- Build portability into your system. Choose curriculum and methods that translate to other states. If you move to a state with different requirements, you want core academics to be transferable.
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Resources for Military Families
On-Installation Resources:
- School Liaison Officer (at your installation)
- Fort Riley School Support Services
- McConnell AFB Airman & Family Readiness Center
- Fort Leavenworth Family Readiness Office
- Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647
Kansas Homeschool Organizations:
- CHECK: kansashomeschool.org
- Midwest Parent Educators (MPE): midwesthomeschoolers.org
- Kansas Home Educators (KSHE): kshomeeducators.com
Military Organizations:
- Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC): militarychildeducation.org
- Military OneSource: militaryoneource.mil
- HSLDA Military Discount: hslda.org (homeschool legal defense)
Federal Resources:
- Interstate Compact: militarychildeducation.org/compact
- Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA): dodea.edu
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Key Takeaway
Homeschooling as a military family in Kansas is highly feasible and increasingly common. Kansas’s simple registration, reasonable regulations, and active School Support Services at Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and McConnell make it military-family-friendly. Your greatest advantages are the flexibility to handle frequent moves and deployment disruptions, access to military-specific education resources and tutoring, and the ability to maintain curriculum consistency across postings.
Use your School Liaison Officer as a resource, connect with military homeschool families immediately, and leverage Military OneSource. Your military installation is not an obstacle to homeschooling—it’s a resource hub.
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