Welcome to Vermont Homeschooling Online, your go-to resource for homeschooling in Green Mountain State. Whether you are a current Vermont resident or considering relocating to this picturesque state, we are here to provide comprehensive guidance on homeschooling.

If you are seeking a reputable homeschooling program, we are delighted to inform you that High School of America offers accredited homeschooling programs in the state. With its rigorous curriculum and dedicated educators, High School of America delivers a top-notch educational experience tailored to the unique needs of homeschooling families.

Begin your homeschooling journey in Vermont with confidence and explore the countless opportunities and benefits that homeschooling can bring.

Whether you are new to homeschooling or a seasoned homeschooling family, High School of America supports and empowers you throughout your educational endeavors. Together, let’s create a fulfilling and enriching homeschooling experience for your child in the beautiful state of Vermont.

In this guide, you will discover all the essential information regarding homeschooling laws, regulations, and requirements specific to Vermont.

Homeschooling Laws in Vermont

Vermont law explicitly refers to homeschooling in 16 V.S.A. § 11(a) (21) and 16 V.S.A. § 166b. There are a few rules you must comply with when homeschooling your child in the state of Vermont. They include:

Enrollment Notice

You are required to annually send an enrollment notice to the secretary of education for all your homeschooling children. The notice should be in writing, and it should be sent before March 1st. The content of the notice includes:

  • Your child’s name and age
  • Parent or guardians’ names, phone numbers, legal residence, and mailing addresses.
  • The academic progress of each child who was homeschooled in the previous year.
  • Independent professional evidence regarding any disabilities for children who were not previously enrolled in a Vermont public school or home study program.
  • The names, phone numbers, and addresses, along with the signatures of all individuals responsible for teaching the required subjects, excluding fine arts, health, and physical education.
  • Signatures of all legal guardians or custodial parents who have the authority to make academic decisions for the learners.

Submission of a Narrative

To fulfill the homeschooling requirements in Vermont, you need to submit a “narrative,” which is a comprehensive outline explaining the topics covered in each subject area. If your child has a disability, you should include any special services or adjustments that will be provided to accommodate their needs.

However, if you have successfully completed two consecutive years of homeschooling in Vermont and your child is not yet 12 years old, you are not required to submit the narrative.

Required Courses

Homeschooling families are required to teach the state mandated courses.

Grades 9-12

You are required to teach the following courses in your homeschool:

  • American, English, and other literature
  • Basic communication skills, including the use of numbers, writing, and reading
  • Citizenship, history, and government in the United States and Vermont
  • Fine arts
  • Health education and physical education
  • Natural sciences

Attendance Requirements

Vermont law requires that homeschooling parents provide instruction for 175 days per academic year, similar to the number of instruction days provided in Vermont public schools.

Annual Assessment

Homeschooling students are required to take annual assessments to determine their progress at the end of every school year. The assessment can include one of the following methods:

  • A report from a Vermont-certified instructor
  • A standardized achievement test approved by the commissioner
  • A report from the student’s teachers or parents and a portfolio with samples of the child’s work demonstrating progress in all courses

Record Keeping

Record keeping is not mandatory in every state, but at the High School of America, we strongly encourage homeschooling families to maintain comprehensive records of their children’s education. These records should include attendance, grades, assignments, curriculum, and any other relevant information that may be useful if you decide to enroll your child in a school outside your home or relocate to a different state.

These records can also prove beneficial if homeschooling laws change in your state.

Graduation Requirements

In Vermont, homeschool graduation requirements are determined by the homeschooling parents. This means that parents can decide when their children are eligible for graduation while adhering to state-mandated laws for homeschoolers.

Parents should initiate early discussions with their children about their post-high school goals. Parents can tailor their children’s education to align with their future educational and career paths. It is recommended to research specific colleges, technical schools, and potential employers to understand their admission or eligibility criteria.

Parents are authorized to issue diplomas once their children have fulfilled the graduation requirements.

Transitioning from Homeschooling to Public School

If you choose to withdraw your child from the Vermont Home Study Program, it is essential to notify the Secretary of Education within 7 days of your child’s enrollment termination.

Additionally, completion of an End of Year Assessment is required to finalize the student’s homeschooling record for the period of enrollment.

It is important to note that upon re-enrolling in a public school, the school’s discretion will determine the student’s grade level and academic standing.

Furthermore, credits for courses attempted at home may not be recognized, and the student might need to repeat those courses.

Online Homeschooling Statistics in Vermont

Vermont is becoming an increasingly popular option for parents to choose online homeschooling for their children. According to a study by MyElearningWorld.com, the residents of Vermont exhibited the highest interest in homeschooling in 2021.

The study used demographic data on political parties, education level, and income to evaluate the results. States whose residents had more homeschooling interest also had higher than average levels of academics and lower average income levels.

The search trends align with the observations made in Vermont during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the education system. Prior to 2020, the state had an average of around 2,500 students engaged in home-study programs. However, during the 2020-21 school year, the number of homeschoolers in Vermont more than doubled, reaching 5,504 students.

As of October 2021, although the figures were lower compared to the previous year, they still indicated a significant increase of 50% in homeschool enrollment compared to a typical year, with 3,643 students opting for homeschooling. This trend is likely to continue in the future.

How to Do it: Online Homeschooling in Vermont

If you’re interested in online homeschooling in Vermont, there are a few steps you can follow to get started. Here’s a general outline of the process:

  1. Research the Homeschooling Laws: Familiarize yourself with the homeschooling laws and regulations specific to Vermont. Visit the Vermont Department of Education’s website or contact them directly to understand the requirements, notification procedures, and any specific guidelines for online homeschooling.
  2. Understand Curriculum Requirements: Determine the curriculum requirements for homeschooling in Vermont. While there may not be strict guidelines for specific subjects, it’s important to ensure that you cover the necessary academic areas. Consider using online curriculum resources or designing your own curriculum based on your child’s needs and interests.
  3. Notify the School District: In Vermont, homeschooling families are required to submit an annual notice of intent to the school district in which they reside. Contact your local school district to understand their specific notification process and requirements. Typically, you’ll need to provide basic information about your child, your homeschooling plans, and an outline of the curriculum you’ll be using.
  4. Choose an Online Learning Platform: Select a suitable online learning platform that aligns with your homeschooling goals and curriculum choices. There are numerous options available, ranging from pre-packaged online curricula to self-designed programs. Consider factors such as affordability, flexibility, content quality, and interactive features when making your selection.
  5. Establish a Schedule: Create a schedule that works for your family and allows for structured learning time. Decide on the number of hours per day or week dedicated to online instruction, as well as any additional time for independent study, projects, or extracurricular activities. Flexibility is one of the advantages of homeschooling, so tailor the schedule to suit your child’s needs.
  6. Set Up a Learning Environment: Designate a dedicated space for online learning. Ensure that your child has a comfortable and distraction-free area equipped with a reliable internet connection, a computer or tablet, and any other necessary materials or resources.
  7. Engage in Online Communities: Connect with online homeschooling communities and support groups. These communities can provide valuable resources, advice, and opportunities for socialization for both you and your child. Consider joining online forums, social media groups, or local homeschooling associations in Vermont.
  8. Document Progress and Assessments: Keep a record of your child’s progress, including samples of their work, assessments, and any other relevant documentation. Regularly evaluate your child’s progress to ensure they are meeting educational milestones and objectives.

Advantages of Homeschooling Online in Vermont

Homeschooling online in Vermont offers several advantages for both students and their families. Here are some key benefits:

  1. Customized Curriculum: Homeschooling online in Vermont allows families to customize the curriculum to suit the individual needs and interests of the student. Parents can tailor the educational materials and resources to align with their child’s learning style, preferences, and educational goals. This flexibility can lead to a more engaging and effective learning experience.
  2. Safety and Well-being: Homeschooling online provides a safe and secure learning environment, especially in situations where parents have concerns about their child’s physical safety or well-being in a traditional school setting. By learning from the comfort of their own homes, students can avoid bullying, peer pressure, and other potential social challenges that may arise in a school setting.
  3. Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Some students may find it easier to concentrate and stay focused in a quiet and familiar environment. Online homeschooling allows for minimal distractions, creating an optimal learning environment for students who struggle to focus in a traditional classroom setting. This enhanced focus can lead to improved academic performance and deeper understanding of the material.
  4. Access to a Wide Range of Resources: Through online homeschooling, students in Vermont can access a vast array of educational resources and online tools. These resources may include interactive learning materials, virtual field trips, educational videos, and online forums for collaboration and discussion. Such diverse resources can enrich the learning experience and provide opportunities for exploration beyond traditional textbooks.
  5. Family Involvement and Bonding: Homeschooling online often involves significant parental involvement in a child’s education. This can strengthen the parent-child bond and foster a closer relationship between family members. Parents can actively participate in their child’s learning journey, gaining insight into their strengths, weaknesses, and progress, while also imparting their values and beliefs.

Conclusion

With more and more online options, homeschooling in Vermont has become easier than ever. But no matter what route you decide to take, it’s important to research the requirements thoroughly.

In addition to understanding the basics of home education in Vermont, filing the necessary paperwork and staying compliant with state laws are all vital elements of a successful homeschool program.

From lesson plans to online learning experiences, there is a range of resources at your fingertips that can guide Vermont parents as they structure a program based on their student’s interests and needs.

If you’re considering homeschooling your child in Vermont, contact High School of America today! Their team of experts can provide valuable insight into the requirements and suggest resources to give students the tailored education they are entitled to.