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Wyoming Homeschool Curriculum Requirements by Subject
Wyoming’s curriculum requirements are straightforward: seven subjects, no specific materials required, no curriculum approval needed. But understanding what “counts” for each subject helps you build a compliant, comprehensive homeschool.
This breakdown clarifies what Wyoming actually requires and how to demonstrate coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Seven required subjects: Reading, writing, mathematics, civics, history, literature, science
- No curriculum approval required — choose any materials or approach
- 175 instructional days required — about 5 days/week for 35 weeks
- No testing mandate — assessment is your choice
- Documentation: Keep simple records of what you’re teaching; Wyoming won’t ask for portfolios or teacher qualifications
The Seven Required Subjects in Wyoming
1. Reading
What Wyoming requires: Competency in reading, comprehension, and communication. Development appropriate to grade level.
What counts:
– Phonics instruction (K-2)
– Guided reading with comprehension questions
– Independent reading practice
– Read-alouds
– Reading across all subjects (not just “reading time”)
How to teach:
– Elementary (K-5): Systematic phonics program (Saxon Phonics, Explode the Code, Handwriting Without Tears) + daily read-alouds + independent reading
– Middle school (6-8): Chapter books, graphic novels, magazines + comprehension discussions
– High school (9-12): Literature units, independent reading, analysis essays
Popular programs:
– Saxon Phonics
– Orton-Gillingham method
– Ambleside Online (literature-based)
– Charlotte Mason approach
– IEW Writing + reading
Cost: $50-200/year for most families using library resources
2. Writing
What Wyoming requires: Development of writing skills including composition, spelling, grammar, and mechanics.
What counts:
– Handwriting development (K-2)
– Sentence combining and grammar practice
– Paragraph writing (middle school)
– Essays and composition (high school)
– Journaling, copywork, dictation
– Creative writing projects
How to teach:
– Elementary (K-3): Copywork, dictation, handwriting practice, simple sentence writing
– Elementary (3-5): Grammar instruction + paragraph writing; creative writing
– Middle school: Grammar review + essay writing (narrative, expository, persuasive)
– High school: Research papers, college prep writing, literary analysis
Popular programs:
– IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)
– Brave Writer
– Writing With Ease (Charlotte Mason)
– Fix It Grammar
– Evan Moor activities
Cost: $100-300/year
3. Mathematics
What Wyoming requires: Competency in computation, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning.
What counts:
– Arithmetic (K-6)
– Pre-algebra and algebra (7-8)
– Geometry, pre-calculus, calculus (high school)
– Word problems and real-world application
– Hands-on math projects and manipulatives
How to teach:
– Elementary (K-5): Mastery-based curriculum (math facts, computation, basic operations)
– Middle school (6-8): Algebra fundamentals, pre-algebra, integers, fractions, percentages
– High school: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-calculus, optional Calculus
Popular programs:
– Saxon Math
– Math Mammoth
– Beast Academy
– Khan Academy (free)
– Art of Problem Solving
Cost: $80-200/year; free options available
4. Civics (U.S. & Wyoming Constitution)
What Wyoming requires: Understanding of U.S. government structure, civic responsibilities, Wyoming Constitution, and citizenship.
What counts:
– Civics instruction (government structure, branches, rights)
– Wyoming Constitution study
– Current events discussions
– Mock elections, trials, or debates
– Citizenship and community service projects
How to teach:
– Elementary (K-3): Community helpers, basic government roles, following rules
– Elementary (4-5): U.S. Constitution basics, three branches of government, state government
– Middle school (6-8): Detailed civics and government units; Wyoming Constitution required
– High school: Government/civics course covering Constitution, current events, policy analysis
Popular materials:
– Story of the World (includes civics)
– Evan Moor civics units
– iCivics.org (free games about government)
– Wyoming Department of Education civics materials (free)
– News articles for current events discussion
Wyoming-specific:
– Visit Wyoming State Capitol (Cheyenne) — free tours available
– Study Wyoming Constitution and how it differs from U.S. Constitution
– Learn about Wyoming’s role in westward expansion and frontier governance
Cost: $40-100/year; many free options available
5. History
What Wyoming requires: Study of history, including U.S. history, world history, and Wyoming history.
What counts:
– Chronological history study (ancient, medieval, modern)
– U.S. history units
– World history units
– Wyoming/frontier history study
– Historical research and timeline projects
– Primary source analysis
– Historical fiction reading
How to teach:
– Elementary (K-2): Community history, Native Americans, pioneers, basic timeline
– Elementary (3-5): Early American history, explorers, Native American cultures
– Middle school: U.S. history and world history survey
– High school: Detailed U.S. history (20th/21st century), world history, or combined
Popular programs:
– Story of the World (4-volume series covering ancient to modern)
– Evan Moor history units
– Homeschool History’s digital downloads
– Historical biographies and living books
Wyoming-specific:
– Fort Laramie NHS: Free visits; learn frontier history, Oregon Trail context
– National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (Casper): Free; study four major trails
– Wyoming State Museum: Free; Wyoming history, Native American cultures (Arapaho, Shoshone), territorial era
– Oregon Trail routes: Physical exploration and historical study
– Native American history: Wind River Reservation, tribal histories, contemporary Native American life
Cost: $50-150/year for materials; field trips mostly free
6. Literature
What Wyoming requires: Study of literature and literary works, including writing analysis.
What counts:
– Reading classic literature
– Picture books (elementary)
– Novels, short stories, poetry
– Plays and dramatic works
– Literary analysis and discussion
– Book reports, essays, and responses
– Author study
– Different genres
How to teach:
– Elementary (K-2): Picture books, folk tales, Dr. Seuss, beginning chapter books
– Elementary (3-5): Chapter books, fantasy, realistic fiction, biographies
– Middle school: Novels appropriate to age (Pax, Wonder, Percy Jackson series, classics like Anne of Green Gables)
– High school: Classic literature units (Shakespeare, American literature, British literature, world literature)
Popular programs:
– Ambleside Online (free, pre-planned literature lists)
– Classical Conversations literature
– Classic Starts series (adapted classics)
– Great Books Foundation
– Library-based reading with parent discussion
Cost: Mostly free if using library; $50-200/year for some structured programs
Note: Literature is separate from reading. Both are required. Reading = skill development (phonics, comprehension); Literature = exploring great works and literary analysis.
7. Science
What Wyoming requires: Study of science topics appropriate to grade level, covering physical science, life science, and Earth science.
What counts:
– Hands-on experiments
– Laboratory work
– Nature observation and journaling
– Reading about scientific concepts
– Projects and investigations
– Field trips to natural sites
– Documentaries and videos
– Real-world applications
How to teach:
– Elementary (K-2): Nature observation, weather, simple life cycles, five senses, community helpers
– Elementary (3-5): States of matter, energy, living things, ecosystems, weather
– Middle school: Life science (cells, genetics, ecosystems), physical science (forces, energy), Earth science (rocks, weather, water cycle)
– High school: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or Anatomy
Popular programs:
– Apologia (narrative, Bible-integrated)
– Build Your Library (literature-based)
– Homeschool Science (experiments)
– Evan Moor science units
– Khan Academy Science (free, video-based)
Wyoming-specific advantages:
– Yellowstone/Grand Teton: Geology, geysers, wildlife ecosystems, geothermal science
– Wyoming Dinosaur Center: Paleontology, fossil science, hands-on dig programs
– Fossil Butte: Ancient ecosystems, paleontology
– Local ranching: Animal science, ecology, land management
– Wildlife: Game & Fish has free educational materials
– Energy industry: Study of coal, oil, natural gas (Wyoming’s economic foundation)
Cost: $80-250/year; Wyoming’s outdoor classroom significantly reduces costs
How to Document You’re Teaching These Subjects
Wyoming doesn’t require portfolios, testing, or curriculum submission. But you should keep simple records showing you’re teaching all seven subjects:
Basic Documentation Approach
- Simple log: One sentence per day showing subjects covered
- Curriculum guide: Keep the curriculum you’re using
- Reading list: Track books read for reading and literature
- Field trip records: Photos or brief notes from museums, parks, outdoor learning
- Sample work: Keep a few writing samples, math problems, science projects each year
- Attendance records: Calendar showing 175+ instructional days
Example simple log:
– Monday: Math (Saxon 5.1), Reading (phonics lesson), Writing (copywork), Science (nature observation)
– Tuesday: Math (practice problems), Reading (guided reading), Literature (Chapter 3 of Charlotte’s Web), History (Story of the World lesson)
That’s it. You’re not required to show this to anyone, but having it protects you and documents what you’re teaching.
Combining Subjects (Efficient Learning)
Wyoming’s flexibility lets you combine subjects naturally:
Example 1: History + Literature + Science
– Study Oregon Trail period: Read historical fiction (Laura Ingalls Wilder), research wagon engineering (science), learn geography and Native American history (history + civics)
Example 2: Science + Writing + Literature
– Nature journaling: Observe and draw Wyoming wildlife (science), write descriptions and poem (writing + literature)
Example 3: History + Civics + Literature
– Constitutional study: Read about founding era (literature + history), study Constitutional government (civics), debate current issues (writing + discussion)
What’s NOT Required
Wyoming does NOT require:
- Specific textbooks or approved curriculum
- Teacher qualifications or certification
- Regular testing or standardized assessments
- Annual portfolio review
- Curriculum approval
- Lesson plans or detailed daily records
- Specific grade-level benchmarks
- Accreditation or school registration
This is your freedom. Use it wisely.
Next Steps
- Choose one curriculum approach or mix that works for your family
- Plan how you’ll cover each of the seven subjects
- Keep simple documentation of what you’re teaching
- Leverage Wyoming’s outdoor learning opportunities (they count toward science, history, and literature)
- Revisit annually — adjust as needed
Wyoming’s subject requirements are clear and achievable. The flexibility is in HOW you teach them.
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