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Here is what we should understand when homeschooling in the state of New York.
Homeschooling Law in New York
Parents who want to home school their children must provide written notice of intent to the school district superintendent. The school district must then respond to the family and provide a copy of the home instruction regulations as well as an individualized home instruction plan (IHIP) form to complete. Content of individualized home instruction plan (IHIP). Each child’s IHIP shall contain:
- the child’s name, age and grade level.
- a list of the syllabi, curriculum materials, textbooks or plan of instruction to be used in each of the required subjects listed in subdivision (e) of this section.
- the dates for submission to the school district of the parents’ quarterly reports as required in subdivision (g) of this section. These reports shall be spaced in even and logical periods.
- the names of the individuals providing instruction; and
- a statement that the child will be meeting the compulsory educational requirements of Education Law, section 3205 through full-time study at a degree-granting institution, meaning enrollment for at least 12 semester hours in a semester or its equivalent if that is the case. In this situation, the IHIP shall identify the degree-granting institution and the subjects to be covered by that study. Full details for New York Homeschooling requirements can be found here.
Are there any other specific laws I should be aware of?
As insurance it’s noted that you should recognize the following:
Required Courses
Grades 9-12
- English (4 units)
- Social Studies (4 units, which will include 1-unit American History, one-half unit government, one-half unit economics)
- Science (2 units)
- Mathematics (2 units)
- Physical education (2 units)
- Health education (one-half unit)
- Art and/or Music (1 unit)
- Electives (3 units)
Attendance Requirements
New York homeschooling law mandates parents to offer instruction for 180 days. Cumulative hours for grade 1 to grade 2 should be 900, while cumulative hours for grades 7 to 12 should be 990.
Quarterly Reports
The quarterly report should contain the following:
- The number of hours of instruction during said quarter;
- a description of the material covered in each subject listed in the IHIP;
- either a grade for the child in each subject or a written narrative evaluating the child’s progress;
- a written explanation in the event that less of the coursework was covered than was planned for that quarter.
Annual Assessment
At the end of the year, along with the fourth quarterly report, parents must submit one of two forms of assessment. They are:
- Standardized tests:
Standardized tests for homeschooling in New York can be taken at a registered nonpublic school or a local public school. Alternatively, a New York-certified teacher or another qualified person, including the student’s parent, can administer the test at home or at a suitable location with the superintendent’s permission.
To obtain consent, you must inform the superintendent about the test and the administrator in the third quarterly report.
To prove acceptable progress in homeschooling, your student must achieve a composite score above the 33rd percentile, or demonstrate one year of academic growth compared to the previous year’s test results.
You have the option to select one of the following tests:
- a State Education Department Test,
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills,
- the California Achievement Test,
- the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills,
- the Metropolitan Achievement Test (retired),
- the Stanford Achievement Test, or
- another test approved by the State Education Department, such as the Personalized Achievement Summary System (PASS) test.
2.Written narrative evaluations:
You can provide a statement using the specific wording “made adequate academic progress according to the requirements of Regulation 100.10” to show the student’s academic progress.
In most districts, you can write this evaluation yourself. You can use this option annually until fourth grade and alternate years until eighth grade.
Probation
If a child’s yearly evaluation doesn’t meet the subdivision (h) standards, their homeschooling program will be on probation for up to two years. Parents must submit a remediation plan to address the child’s shortcomings, and the school district will review it. Changes may be required before acceptance.
If a child meets the goals in the remediation plan by the end of a semester during probation, the home education program will no longer be on probation.
However, if the child doesn’t meet at least 75% of the objectives by the end of a semester or if all objectives are not met within two years, the superintendent will provide notice, and the board of education will review noncompliance without needing parental consent.
During probation, the superintendent may require home visits after giving three days’ notice if they believe the home education program substantially violates regulations.
The purpose is to identify noncompliance and find ways to fix it. The superintendent or designee may conduct the visit, and a peer review panel may join.
What’s Required
New York homeschooling online requires meeting the following obligations:
- Submitting a written statement declaring the intention to homeschool.
- Developing a personalized plan for home education for each student, taking into account their learning needs, goals, and interests.
- Acquiring appropriate study materials, including textbooks, workbooks, and other educational resources, to cover the required subjects as per state laws.
- Providing at least 180 days of instruction per academic year and submitting quarterly progress reports to the designated authority.
- Completing an annual assessment, such as a standardized test or evaluation by a qualified professional, and reporting the results to the relevant authorities.
New York Homeschooling Online Frequently Asked Questions
Who is qualified to homeschool in New York?
In New York, parents or guardians can educate their children at home as long as they submit the necessary forms and reports. This means they are eligible to homeschool their children according to state law.
Is unschooling legal in New York?
Unschooling is not explicitly mentioned in New York homeschool laws, but as long as parents or legal guardians provide the required 180 days of instruction per school year and cover the listed subjects with a planned curriculum outlined in the annual Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), they are eligible to homeschool in New York. Therefore, unschooling is legal as long as it meets the state’s requirements.
Is it possible to homeschool a teenager who is not your own child in New York?
Yes, it is possible to homeschool a teenager who is not your own child in New York. However, the teenager’s parents are responsible for all the necessary paperwork and ensuring that all requirements are met. You may be enlisted as a volunteer or for a paid position to homeschool the teenager.
Do you need to report homeschooling in New York?
In New York, homeschoolers must file a letter of intent, an Individualized Home Instruction Plan, and quarterly reports for each child.
Do you need a curriculum when homeschooling?
Yes, New York homeschooling requires a curriculum outlined in the annual Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) for each child. The same curriculum can be used for multiple children.
How long can you homeschool a child?
In New York, homeschooling is allowed from first to twelfth grade, and families can choose year by year or transition at any point, even during middle or high school.
Online Homeschooling Statistics in New York
The COVID-19 pandemic led to school closures in New York State in 2020 and 2021, resulting in a significant increase in the number of families opting for homeschooling. According to data from districts and the state Education Department, the number of homeschoolers in the Capital District increased by 70%, from 2,027 in September 2019 to 3,446 two years later.
In New York City, where homeschooling was previously less popular, the number of homeschoolers more than doubled to around 15,000 students.
Overall, there are now approximately 55,000 homeschoolers statewide, which represents a 65% increase since the 2019-2020 school year.
How to Do it: New York Homeschooling Online
In order to start homeschooling in New York, the first step is to inform the superintendent of your school district by submitting a written notice. The district must respond to this letter regardless of the time of year it is filed. It is recommended to submit the letter before or on July 1st to make the process smoother.
Within 10 business days, the district will provide the homeschooling regulations and the process to submit the Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP). The IHIP must be submitted by August 15th or within four weeks of receiving the form, whichever is later.
The school district has 10 business days, or until August 31st, to confirm if the IHIP is compliant or deficient. This confirmation is a crucial document to keep in your homeschooling records. Once these two steps are completed, the enrollment in homeschooling in New York is confirmed.
High School to College
In New York State, learners who are homeschooled until the end of high school do not receive a diploma. Nevertheless, they have other ways to demonstrate that they have completed their high school education.
This is crucial for learners who plan to pursue college degrees since providing evidence of high school completion is mandatory to obtain a college degree in both public and private colleges.
The most common choices for proving that you have completed high school are:
- 24-Credit Program: Community college students can obtain an equivalent of a high school diploma if they complete a specific sequence of classes.
- High School Equivalency Diploma: Homeschoolers can obtain a high school equivalency diploma by passing a two-day standardized test accepted for most jobs. (Note: As of 2022, New York has returned to the General Education Development (GED) — and learners can take the exam from the comfort of their homes!)
- Letter of Substantial Equivalency: Learners in New York can ask their district superintendent for a letter stating they received a high school education equivalent but must submit paperwork till 12th grade.
Homeschooled students need not worry as both private and public colleges in NYS are open to admitting them, regardless of how they demonstrate their high school completion.
Benefits of Homeschooling Online
Homeschooling online can provide a wide range of advantages, including:
- Flexibility: Online homeschooling allows families to create a customized schedule that meets their needs. Learners can complete coursework at their own pace and have the freedom to learn at any time of the day.
- Customized Learning: Online homeschooling provides the opportunity for learners to receive individualized support and instruction. Instructors can customize lessons to meet the specific needs of each student, and students can work at their own pace without feeling rushed or held back.
- Wide Range of Resources: Online homeschooling programs often offer a wide range of resources, such as textbooks, videos, interactive games, and quizzes, to help students learn and reinforce concepts.
- Improved Technology Skills: Online homeschooling requires technology, which can help students develop important digital literacy skills that are increasingly important in today’s world.
- Safe and Secure Learning Environment: Homeschooling online provides a safe and secure learning environment, free from many of the social pressures and distractions that can occur in traditional classrooms.
- More Time with Family: Homeschooling online allows families to spend more time together, which can strengthen family bonds and create lifelong memories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homeschooling online in New York has become increasingly popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Families are turning to online homeschooling as a viable alternative to traditional schooling.
High School of America provides a world-class education that prepares students for college and beyond. With a fully accredited program and highly qualified online teachers, students receive an education tailored to their needs, allowing them to excel academically.
While there are specific laws and requirements to follow, the benefits of homeschooling online in New York far outweigh the challenges. It provides a flexible, safe, and high-quality education that empowers students to succeed academically and professionally.