Welcome to the scenic state of Wyoming, where education knows no bounds! With its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Wyoming is not only a place of natural wonders but also a state that embraces educational diversity. In Wyoming, homeschooling is legal and encouraged, providing families with the freedom to tailor their children’s education to their unique needs.
If you’re seeking a comprehensive homeschooling program, look no further than High School of America. As a trusted institution, it offers a range of online homeschooling programs designed to meet the academic goals and aspirations of students in Wyoming.
With flexible schedules, personalized curricula, and dedicated instructors, High School of America empowers students to excel in their studies while enjoying the benefits of homeschooling.
Curious to learn more about homeschooling in Wyoming and the exciting opportunities it offers? Keep reading to discover the homeschool laws and advantages in this educational haven.
Homeschooling Laws in Wyoming
In Wyoming, there are two available choices for legally homeschooling, allowing you the freedom to select the option that aligns best with your family’s requirements.
The two homeschooling options are:
- Homeschooling under Wyoming’s homeschool statute.
- Homeschool as a parochial, religious, church, or parochial school
a) Homeschooling Under Wyoming’s Homeschool Statute
1. Submit Your Homeschool Curriculum to the Public School District Yearly
When homeschooling under the homeschool statute, you are required to submit a curriculum that indicates that your student is getting “sequentially progressive” instruction in the state
2. Teach the Required Courses
Wyoming homeschooling law mandates parents and legal parents to offer a consecutively progressive curriculum of fundamental education in science, literature, civics, mathematics, and reading.
b) Homeschool as Religious, Church, or Parochial School
You have the option of enrolling your student in a religious school that gives you the freedom to educate them at home. To be eligible in this option, your homeschool is required to be under the control or auspices of a local denomination, church, or a comparable organization.
Other Homeschooling Requirements in Wyoming
Attendance Requirements
There are no minimum days per year or hours per day of instruction in Wyoming.
Assessment Tests
In Wyoming, homeschooling is not legally obligated to include standardized testing or annual assessments. Nonetheless, some parents choose to utilize these assessments to gauge their students’ progress compared to traditionally schooled peers. Several nationally recognized tests, like PSAT or the ACT, are available for homeschoolers to take if they wish to do so.
Record Keeping
While the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) doesn’t mandate recordkeeping for homeschooling, it is recommended that homeschooling parents maintain certain important records. These may include transcripts documenting grades and classes, a lesson plan book or log for each student, and updated immunization records.
Some homeschool parents opt to create personalized portfolios for their students, which serve as souvenirs and validate the students’ dedication and achievements.
Graduation Requirements
The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) doesn’t outline graduation requirements for homeschooled learners. Parents are responsible for setting graduation guidelines and issuing high school diplomas. Some employers, universities, and colleges require homeschooling students to take the GED test for eligibility.
Shifting to Public School from Homeschool
One advantage of homeschooling is the flexibility to discontinue it if it no longer suits your family’s needs. If you decide to enroll your children in a public or private school in Wyoming, you can initiate the process by reaching out to the administration office of your local school district. The staff members there will guide you on how to proceed with enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in Wyoming
What is a homeschool program?
A homeschool program refers to educational instruction given to a child by their parent or legal guardian or someone designated by the parent or legal guardian. It is important to note that a homeschool educational program does not include instruction provided to multiple families Wyoming Statute 21-4-101(a)(v).
What courses are required for homeschooling in Wyoming?
Wyoming state only requires homeschooling families to include science, literature, history, civics, mathematics, writing, and reading in their instruction.
Is Wyoming homeschooling friendly?
Yes, Wyoming is a homeschool-friendly state with few legal requirements that you are required to meet.
At what age is school mandatory in Wyoming?
School attendance is compulsory in Wyoming for children starting at the age of 7, provided their seventh birthday falls on or before September 15 of the current academic year. Mandatory attendance lasts until they complete the 10th grade or reach age 16.
What are the regulations for homeschooling in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, parents have the freedom to start homeschooling at any time during the year. To begin homeschooling, parents can either send a letter to the superintendent’s office or complete the registration form provided by the school district.
Can my child attend most classes at the local school while homeschooling for one or two classes?
Whether or not a student can take most courses at the local school while being homeschooled for one or two classes depends on the district’s policy. Each school district should have specific guidelines in its board policy that are applied consistently to all students.
Online Homeschooling Statistics in Wyoming
Online homeschooling is increasingly becoming a popular education option in Wyoming. According to the 2020-2021 National Household Education Surveys, approximately 3,884 school-aged children in Wyoming were being homeschooled.
This data was collected from public and private schools and those who exclusively receive their education online. This shows that the number of homeschooling students in the state is growing faster.
How to Do it: Online Homeschooling in Wyoming
To engage in online homeschooling in Wyoming, you can follow these steps:
- Research Wyoming Homeschooling Laws: Familiarize yourself with the homeschooling regulations and requirements specific to Wyoming. Visit the Wyoming Department of Education’s website or contact them directly to understand the legal obligations and guidelines you need to follow.
- Notify the School District: In Wyoming, you must notify your local school district of your intent to homeschool your child. Submit a letter of intent to homeschool, including the necessary information, such as your child’s name, age, and grade level.
- Choose an Online Homeschooling Curriculum: Research and select an online curriculum that aligns with your child’s educational goals, learning style, and teaching preferences. Various online platforms and resources, both free and paid, offer comprehensive curricula for homeschooling.
- Set Up a Learning Space: Designate a dedicated learning space in your home where your child can focus and engage in their online homeschooling activities. Ensure it is quiet, well-lit, and equipped with the necessary learning materials, such as a computer, internet access, textbooks, and supplies.
- Create a Schedule: Establish a daily or weekly schedule for your child’s online homeschooling. Determine the hours of instruction, breaks, and extracurricular activities. A structured schedule can help maintain routine and productivity.
- Seek Support and Resources: Connect with other homeschooling families in Wyoming through local homeschooling groups, online forums, or social media platforms. These communities can provide valuable advice, support, and resources for your homeschooling journey.
- Supplement with Enrichment Activities: Enhance your child’s learning experience by incorporating extracurricular activities, field trips, virtual excursions, and community resources. Take advantage of Wyoming’s unique educational opportunities, such as visiting historical sites, museums or participating in local events.
- Stay Engaged and Evolve: Regularly communicate with your child, monitor their engagement, and address any challenges or concerns that arise. Adapt your approach as needed to accommodate their learning style and evolving needs.
Benefits of Wyoming Homeschooling Online
Homeschooling online in Wyoming or any other location can benefit students and their families. Here are some advantages specifically associated with Wyoming homeschooling online:
- Flexibility: Online homeschooling provides flexibility in terms of scheduling and pace of learning. Students can work at their own pace, allowing them to spend more time on challenging subjects or move ahead more quickly in areas of strength.
- Customized Learning: Online homeschooling allows for personalized and individualized learning experiences. Students can choose courses that align with their interests, abilities, and learning styles, ensuring a more tailored education.
- Individual Attention: With online homeschooling, students often receive more one-on-one attention from their parents or instructors. This personalized approach can enhance learning and provide targeted support and guidance when needed.
- Safety and Security: Homeschooling online can provide a safe and secure learning environment, particularly in situations where parents have concerns about the physical or social environment in traditional schools.
- Enhanced Focus: Online homeschooling eliminates many distractions commonly found in traditional classrooms. Students can concentrate better on their studies without the interruptions that can occur in a typical school setting.
- Self-Discipline and Time Management: Homeschooling online requires students to develop self-discipline and strong time management skills. These valuable skills can benefit students throughout their academic and professional lives.
- Family Bonding: Homeschooling online allows for increased family time and bonding. Parents can actively participate in their child’s education, fostering stronger relationships and creating a supportive learning environment.
- Individualized Support: In an online homeschooling environment, students can receive individualized support from certified instructors or tutors. They can get help and receive feedback to improve their learning experience.
Conclusion
Online homeschooling can be very beneficial for Wyoming children. With flexible schedules, parents can decide exactly how they want to structure their student’s educational experience. They also have access to the best learning resources and activities available online, as well as a wide variety of subject matter that allows for a remarkable level of customization.
Wyoming families can ensure their children get everything needed to succeed academically and beyond when considering homeschooling based in Wyoming. And for those looking for a trusted website to explore this educational option more, contact High School of America today!
They will help every family find what works best for them, whether enrolling in one of their accredited programs or connecting with other homeschoolers in the area.
The possibilities can be daunting, but it is possible to choose a fantastic path with homeschooling online in Wyoming – and start the journey with confidence!