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Wyoming Homeschool Laws & Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide
Wyoming has some of the most permissive homeschool laws in the nation—and they just got even better. The state passed the Homeschool Freedom Act (HB46) in February 2025, which took effect July 1, 2025. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about homeschooling legally in Wyoming in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- No notification required: Wyoming no longer requires parents to file a notice of intent with the school district
- Narrow compulsory age: Only ages 7-16 must receive instruction; ages 4-6 and 17+ are exempt
- No standardized testing: Wyoming has no mandatory testing at any grade level
- Required subjects: Reading, writing, math, civics, history, literature, and science
- 175 instructional days: Wyoming requires 175 days of instruction per school year
Wyoming’s Pre-HB46 vs. Post-HB46 Rules
Until HB46 passed in February 2025, Wyoming homeschoolers had to file a notice of intent (NOI) with their school district. That requirement is now gone. As of July 1, 2025, parents can homeschool their children without any notification to the state or district.
This represents a dramatic shift toward parental freedom and places Wyoming among the least-regulated homeschool states.
Compulsory Age: 7-16 (One of the Narrowest in America)
Wyoming requires instruction for children ages 7 through 16. This is one of the most limited age ranges in the nation.
- Ages 0-6: No compulsory education requirement; you can homeschool or not as you wish
- Ages 7-16: Must receive instruction (whether through public school, private school, or homeschool)
- Ages 17+: No compulsory requirement; enrollment is voluntary
This narrow window means many large families with very young or older teens have minimal state oversight.
Required Subjects in Wyoming Homeschooling
Wyoming law specifies that homeschool instruction must include these subjects:
- Reading (or language arts)
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Civics (US and Wyoming Constitution)
- History
- Literature
- Science
Notably absent from the state mandate: foreign language, social studies (beyond civics), and fine arts. You can include these if you choose, but they’re optional.
175 Instructional Days Per Year
Wyoming requires 175 days of instruction per school year. This is slightly higher than many states’ 170-day requirements and aligns with typical public school calendars.
Important: The law requires you to maintain attendance records showing which days instruction occurred. You don’t need to submit these to anyone—they’re for your records—but you must keep them in case of any future inquiry.
No Standardized Testing Requirement
Wyoming has no mandatory standardized testing for homeschoolers at any grade level. No SBAC, no ACT, no state assessment.
This is one of Wyoming’s defining features and appeals to many families seeking alternatives to testing pressure. You may choose to give your child standardized tests for your own information (to measure progress, create a transcript, etc.), but it’s entirely optional.
No Teacher Qualification Requirements
Wyoming does not require a parent to have any teaching degree, education background, or professional certification to homeschool. You can teach your own children regardless of your educational level.
No Curriculum Approval or Home Visits
Wyoming does not require you to submit your curriculum for state approval. There are no mandatory home visits, no annual assessments by the state, and no “check-ins” with a homeschool official.
Your curriculum choices are entirely yours.
The ONE Exception: Public School Sports & Services
There’s a critical exception to Wyoming’s hands-off approach:
If your homeschooled child participates in public school sports, extracurriculars, or receives special education services from the district, you must submit curriculum documentation to the school district.
Sports & Extracurriculars
Wyoming allows homeschoolers to participate in public school sports and activities through WHSAA (Wyoming High School Activities Association) rules. If your child competes in:
- Football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, etc.
- Music, debate, robotics, or other school-sponsored clubs
You’ll need to register with the district and meet academic eligibility requirements. The district may require curriculum submission.
Special Education Services
If your homeschooled child receives services (speech therapy, special education, etc.) through the school district under an IEP or 504 plan, the district will likely require curriculum submission to ensure the plan aligns with your instruction.
Wyoming recognizes “Child Find” requirements, meaning districts must identify and serve children with disabilities even in homeschools.
Attendance Records: What to Keep
You must maintain records showing:
- Dates of instruction (which days your child received instruction)
- Subjects covered
- Progress (your own assessment—this can be informal)
No specific format is required. Many parents use a simple spreadsheet, calendar, or homeschool planner. Keep these for your records; no submission to the state is required.
Special Circumstance: Dual Enrollment
Wyoming allows homeschoolers to enroll in courses at public school or participate in dual enrollment at any of Wyoming’s 7 community colleges. If your homeschooler takes even one course through public school (like band or AP calculus), that portion falls under school oversight, but your independent instruction remains unregulated.
The Steamboat Legacy Scholarship (ESA): Currently Blocked
Wyoming offers a $7,000 Education Savings Account (ESA) per student per year intended to help homeschoolers and private school families. However, it’s currently blocked by a court injunction due to a lawsuit by the Wyoming Education Association (WEA).
- Current status: Funds are not available (injunction upheld October 2025)
- What to watch: Legislature may revisit this program; check back regularly
Don’t plan finances around this scholarship until the legal situation resolves.
State Income Tax: No Deductions for Homeschool
Wyoming has no state income tax, which is a major financial advantage—but it also means there are no state tax deductions or credits for homeschool expenses. You can’t reduce your Wyoming tax burden through homeschooling expenses (because there’s no state income tax to reduce).
However, the federal tax code may allow some educational expenses as charitable contributions in limited cases—consult a tax professional.
Hathaway Scholarship: Open to Homeschoolers
Wyoming’s merit-based Hathaway Scholarship is available to homeschoolers planning to attend Wyoming colleges (including UW and community colleges).
Requirements:
– ACT score of 17 or higher (tiered: 17, 19, 21, 25)
– Enrollment at an approved Wyoming college or university
– Award: $800-$1,680 per semester depending on ACT tier and school
This is real money available to Wyoming homeschoolers pursuing higher education in-state.
Wyoming Homeschool Community & Support
While the state doesn’t regulate homeschooling, several organizations support Wyoming families:
- Homeschoolers of Wyoming (HOW): Christian-focused; co-ops and events
- HomeschoolingInWyoming.com: Resource directory and groups by region
- Regional groups: WATCCH (Sheridan), Common Ground (Laramie), and growing peer groups in Casper, Gillette, and Cheyenne
These are entirely voluntary. Joining a co-op or group is optional but often valuable for field trips, classes, and social connection.
Field Trip Gold in Wyoming
Homeschoolers enjoy incredible access to Wyoming’s natural and cultural attractions:
- Yellowstone National Park (northwest Wyoming)
- Grand Teton National Park
- Devils Tower National Monument
- Fossil Butte National Monument
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West (Cody)
- Wyoming Dinosaur Center (Thermopolis)
- National Museum of Wildlife Art (Jackson)
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site
- Wyoming State Museum (Cheyenne, free admission)
Many offer homeschool group rates or free/discounted admission days.
Summary: Wyoming’s Homeschool Landscape
Post-HB46, Wyoming offers:
✓ No notification or filing required
✓ Narrow compulsory age range (7-16)
✓ No testing, curriculum approval, or home visits
✓ Flexibility in subject matter and approach
✗ One key exception: sports/services require curriculum submission
✓ Growing support networks and incredible field trip resources
Wyoming is among the most parent-friendly homeschool states. The tradeoff is minimal structure; you’re responsible for your own quality, pacing, and record-keeping.
Wyoming homeschool requirements
Wyoming notice of intent to homeschool
How to start homeschooling in wyoming