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Vermont Homeschool Reporting & Compliance: Annual Checklist
Vermont’s 2023 changes made homeschool compliance simpler. You no longer submit detailed curriculum or assessments to the state. But you still need to complete annual requirements. This checklist keeps you on track.
Key Takeaways
- Annual enrollment notice (filed 10 days before school start) is your main requirement
- No submission of curriculum or assessments to state (changed in 2023)
- 175 school days required per year
- End of Year Assessment kept on file (not submitted)
- Instructional competency attestation required (simplified)
- Compliance is light; most families complete requirements in 1-2 hours annually
Annual Compliance Checklist
BEFORE SCHOOL YEAR STARTS
Step 1: Understand Requirements (January-July)
- [ ] Review Vermont homeschool laws on Vermont Department of Education website
- [ ] Understand 175-day requirement
- [ ] Know required subjects by child’s age
- [ ] Confirm instructional competency requirements (parent or hired instructor)
- [ ] Understand End of Year Assessment (EOYA) options
Timeline: Anytime before school starts; good to review in spring for following year
Step 2: Plan School Year (July-August)
- [ ] Decide school start date (typically August)
- [ ] Plan end date (typically May or June, aiming for 175 days)
- [ ] Select curriculum and materials
- [ ] Establish school schedule
- [ ] Arrange co-op, tutoring, or hybrid enrollment if using them
Timeline: 6-8 weeks before school starts
Step 3: File Enrollment Notice (By 10 Days Before Start)
Required form: Homeschool Enrollment Notice (available on Vermont Department of Education website)
What to include:
– Child’s name and date of birth
– Parent/guardian name
– Address
– Phone number
– Proposed school year dates (e.g., August 27, 2025 – May 30, 2026)
– Total days (175 minimum)
– Statement of instructional competency:
– Parent with bachelor’s degree, OR
– Parent with high school diploma + 2 years homeschool experience, OR
– Hired instructor with appropriate qualifications
Where to file:
– Vermont Secretary of Education
– Address on form
– Or online if available (check state website)
Cost: Free
Deadline: 10 days before school starts
Example: If school starts August 27, file by August 17
- [ ] Complete enrollment notice form
- [ ] Gather required documents (proof of education/competency if needed)
- [ ] Mail or file online by deadline
- [ ] Keep copy for your records
Timeline: 1-2 weeks before school starts
Step 4: Document Instructional Competency (If Required)
If parent has bachelor’s degree:
– [ ] Have diploma handy if asked
– [ ] No additional documentation needed
If parent has high school diploma + 2 years homeschool experience:
– [ ] Document 2 prior years of homeschooling (or experience in other form)
– [ ] Include in enrollment notice or have available if requested
If hiring instructor:
– [ ] Verify instructor qualifications (bachelor’s degree and/or teaching credential)
– [ ] Have documentation available if state requests
Timeline: Before filing enrollment notice
DURING SCHOOL YEAR
Step 5: Track Attendance (August-May)
- [ ] Mark school days on calendar as they happen
- [ ] Record total days (aiming for 175)
- [ ] Track absences (illness, breaks, vacation)
- [ ] By May, verify you’ll reach 175 days (add days if needed)
Why: Vermont requires 175 school days. You need documentation if questioned.
Options:
– Daily calendar check-off
– Spreadsheet tracking
– Homeschool planner with attendance
– Simple tally by month
Timeline: Ongoing, weekly review helpful
Step 6: Keep Work Samples (August-May)
- [ ] Save representative work in each subject
- [ ] Take photos of projects
- [ ] Keep completed workbooks
- [ ] Maintain testing records
- [ ] Document tutoring/co-op participation if using
Why: Evidence of learning; useful for EOYA
Timeline: Ongoing
Step 7: Record Curriculum Used (August-May)
- [ ] Document curriculum titles as you purchase/start them
- [ ] Note subject, publisher, dates used
- [ ] Save receipts (useful for home education expense deduction)
- [ ] Keep textbooks accessible or take photos
Why: Reference for your own planning; useful if child re-enrolls in school; college documentation
Timeline: As curriculum purchases happen
END OF SCHOOL YEAR (APRIL-JUNE)
Step 8: Verify 175 Days (May)
- [ ] Count total school days completed
- [ ] If fewer than 175 days, add school days in May/June to reach requirement
- [ ] Document total days in your records
Timeline: Mid-May; ensures time to add days if needed
- [ ] _ Total days completed: ___ (must be 175+)
Step 9: Prepare End of Year Assessment (May-June)
Choose one EOYA method:
Option A: Standardized Testing
– [ ] Select test (SAT, ACT, ATOS, PSAT, Iowa Basics, or similar)
– [ ] Schedule and administer
– [ ] Keep score report on file
– [ ] No submission to state
Option B: Portfolio
– [ ] Compile work samples (4+ pieces across subjects)
– [ ] Write summary statement (1-2 pages describing child’s learning)
– [ ] Organize in folder (digital or physical)
– [ ] Keep on file; no submission to state
Homeschooling in vermont/homeschool portfolio vermont
Option C: Professional Evaluation
– [ ] Hire tutor, educational psychologist, or evaluator
– [ ] Request written evaluation of child’s academic progress
– [ ] Keep evaluation on file
– [ ] No submission to state
Option D: Narrative Assessment
– [ ] Write narrative description of child’s learning and progress (1-2 pages)
– [ ] Document what was studied, what was mastered, areas for growth
– [ ] Keep on file
– [ ] No submission to state
- [ ] EOYA method chosen: ___
- [ ] Assessment completed by: ___
- [ ] Results/documentation filed safely: ___
Timeline: May-June, before school year ends
Step 10: Keep EOYA on File (June)
- [ ] File EOYA results (test scores, portfolio, evaluation, or narrative)
- [ ] Keep in safe location (3-7 years recommended)
- [ ] Make copy if needed
-
[ ] Note location for future reference
-
[ ] EOYA stored: _____ (location)
Timeline: June
Required Subjects by Age
Vermont requires certain subjects based on age. Verify your curriculum covers them:
K-1st grade:
– Language arts
– Mathematics
– Social studies
– Science
– Physical education
– Visual arts and music
2nd-3rd grade:
– Language arts
– Mathematics
– Science
– Social studies
– Physical education
– Visual arts and music
4th-5th grade:
– English language arts
– Mathematics
– Science
– Social studies
– Physical education
– Visual arts and music
– Library and research skills
6th-8th grade:
– English language arts
– Mathematics
– Science
– Social studies
– Physical education
– Visual arts and music
– Computer/technology
– Library and research skills
9th-12th grade:
– English language arts
– Mathematics
– Science
– Social studies
– Physical education
– Fine and performing arts
– Computer/information literacy
Note: Curriculum doesn’t have to be traditional; projects, books, activities can cover requirements.
Timeline at a Glance
| Timing | Task |
|---|---|
| January-July | Review requirements |
| July-August | Plan school year, select curriculum |
| 10 days before start | File enrollment notice |
| Ongoing | Track attendance, keep work samples |
| May | Verify 175 days reached |
| May-June | Complete EOYA (test, portfolio, evaluation, or narrative) |
| June | File EOYA safely |
| 3-7 years | Keep all records |
What If I Miss a Deadline?
Missed enrollment notice (10-day deadline):
– Contact Vermont Department of Education immediately
– File as soon as possible
– Explain delay
– Compliance doesn’t retroactively fail; focus on filing quickly
Didn’t reach 175 days:
– Add school days immediately
– Document extra days
– Reach 175 before year-end if possible
– If significantly short, contact state to explain (illness, unexpected circumstances, etc.)
Didn’t complete EOYA:
– Complete within 30 days of school year end
– File on time for next year
– This isn’t a fail; just ensure completion
Missed required curriculum:
– Review requirements (above)
– Adjust next year’s plan
– Prior year already passed; focus forward
Most compliance issues come from miscommunication or misunderstanding, not intentional non-compliance. Vermont is flexible if you communicate.
Common Compliance Questions
Q: Do I have to submit my curriculum to the state?
A: No (changed in 2023). You file an enrollment notice and keep EOYA on file. No curriculum submission required.
Q: Do I have to submit EOYA results?
A: No. You keep EOYA on file for 3-7 years. No submission to state.
Q: What if I use online school or VTVLC?
A: If using VTVLC or online school, they may handle enrollment. Verify whether you still need to file separate homeschool notice. Homeschooling in vermont/vermont virtual school vs homeschool
Q: Can I homeschool part-year?
A: Vermont requires continuous enrollment and 175 days. You can’t pause homeschooling mid-year without re-enrolling in school. Plan for full calendar year or enroll in school for the off period.
Q: What if my child has a disability?
A: You still file enrollment and complete EOYA. Accommodations are your responsibility unless you re-enroll in school for SPED services. Homeschooling in vermont/vermont homeschool iep special education
Your Compliance Checklist Summary
Before start (10 days prior):
– [ ] File enrollment notice
– [ ] Document instructional competency
– [ ] Plan curriculum and 175 days
During year:
– [ ] Track 175 days
– [ ] Keep work samples
– [ ] Document curriculum
End of year:
– [ ] Verify 175 days
– [ ] Complete EOYA (test, portfolio, evaluation, or narrative)
– [ ] File EOYA safely
– [ ] Keep records 3-7 years
Contact Information
Vermont Department of Education:
– Homeschool registration and compliance questions
– Website: education.vermont.gov
– Email or phone available on website
VHEN (Vermont Home Education Network):
– Community support and resources
– Peer advice on compliance
– Co-op and group connections
The Bottom Line
Vermont homeschool compliance is straightforward:
- File enrollment notice 10 days before school starts
- Complete 175 school days during the year
- Assess learning (via test, portfolio, evaluation, or narrative)
- Keep records for 3-7 years
That’s it. No curriculum submission. No assessment submission. No ongoing paperwork.
Most families complete annual compliance in 1-2 hours. Don’t let it stress you. File on time, track your days, assess your child, keep records.
You’re compliant.