Delaware Homeschool Laws & Requirements

Delaware Homeschool Requirements

Families in Delaware have two options with regard to homeschooling: single family or multi-family. What this means is that you can either homeschool your own children, primarily in your home, or homeschool with other families, mostly in your home(s) or another facility. Both of these options require parents to do the following three things:

• Register with the Delaware Department of Education.
• Report annual enrollment at the beginning of the school year, no later than October 5.
• Report attendance at the end of the school year, on or before July 31.

Homeschoolers who choose the multi-family option must also appoint a person to as a liaison with the state’s Department of Education. This person will be the one to submit the annual enrollment and attendance reports for all the students within the homeschool. Delaware homeschool laws do not require parents to have any specific qualifications.

It’s important for families to also know that if your child is currently attending a public or private school in Delaware, you must first register your homeschool before your child is withdrawn from the school they are currently attending.

Homeschool Recordkeeping in Delaware

Homeschool laws in Delaware don’t require parents to keep records for their students. However, it is advisable that families keep homeschool portfolios. Not only does this help them monitor their child’s progress, but also, in the event that a child will return to public school at some point or attend college, homeschool records or a high school transcript can be a huge benefit, and in some cases, a necessity. A homeschool portfolio should include grades, writing assignments, tests/quizzes, attendance, and any other important documents and information.

Homeschool Graduation Requirements in Delaware

Homeschooling requirements in Delaware don’t have any specific subjects that parents are required to teach. Therefore, it’s up to families to determine the best coursework for their child’s promotion/graduation. Many homeschoolers find it helpful to use their local school district’s requirements as a guide. Other families inquire with potential colleges and universities to help them decide what courses/subjects to teach their high school students.

When it comes to high school graduation, keep in mind that the state does not issue diplomas to homeschoolers. This responsibility falls on the parent as well. It is advisable for parents to contact prospective post-secondary institutions to find out if they accept nonpublic school diplomas.

Enrolling in Public School after Homeschooling

If at some point you plan on enrolling your child in a traditional school, it’s important to know how to transfer from homeschool to public school. Before doing so, you should contact the school and/or local school district to learn of any requirements that should be met. It is the school’s decision as to which grade level the student is placed in. Keeping a homeschool portfolio can help this process go a little smoother since all of your child’s records will be readily available.

Additional Resources Related to Homeschooling in Delaware

Do you have other questions about homeschooling in Delaware? You may find the following pages helpful.

• Homeschooling in Delaware
• Delaware Homeschooling Groups & Co-ops
• Homeschool Field Trips in Delaware
• Unit Study Supplement: Delaware Facts
• Delaware Test Prep