Vermont requires annual enrollment (and yearly continuation) of a 'home study program' with the Agency of Education at least 10 business days before starting. Required subjects follow 16 V.S.A. 906: for a child under 13, all listed subject areas (basic communication skills incl. reading/writing/numbers; citizenship/history/government; physical & comprehensive health education; English/American/other literature; natural sciences; fine arts). For a child 13 or older, only subdivisions 906(b)(1),(2),(4),(5) are required (basic communication skills; citizenship/history/government; literature; natural sciences) plus any others the program selects. 175 days of instruction are attested. An end-of-year academic-progress ASSESSMENT is required for each child, but the PARENT CHOOSES the method from statutory options: (a) a standardized assessment administered by the resident district, a commercial testing service, or another approved means; (b) a report by a Vermont-licensed teacher who has reviewed the child's work; (c) a parent/guardian portfolio report including a narrative summary and at least four work samples; (d) a report of grades from an online/independent academy or school; or (e) evidence of passing the GED. Records of these assessments are maintained by the parent. This is minimal-oversight: no state pre-approval of curriculum, no required standardized state test for home study students. NOTE: 16 V.S.A. 166b was substantially amended (Act 1 / 2022 reforms) to simplify enrollment; the assessment options above reflect current law.
Vermont calls homeschooling a 'home study program.' A parent/guardian must file a written enrollment notice with the Secretary of Education (Agency of Education) on a form developed by the AOE at least 10 business days before commencing home study. The notice must include the child's name, age and DOB; contact info for all custodial parents/guardians authorized to make educational decisions; an attestation that the child's academic progress will be assessed at the end of each school year and that the parent will maintain the record of those assessments; an attestation of 175 days of instruction in the minimum course of study; and (for a child not previously enrolled in a VT public school or home study program) independent professional evidence regarding whether the child has a documented disability and how it may affect progress. Within 10 business days of a complete notice, the Secretary sends a written acknowledgment of receipt, which constitutes enrollment verification. Enrollment must be renewed (continuation notice) on or before the start of each following year, at least 10 business days prior to the intended start date. Withdrawal requires written notice to the Secretary within 10 business days.
Parent/guardian must assess each child's academic progress at the END OF EACH SCHOOL YEAR (every grade level) and maintain the record of those assessments. The parent attests to this in the enrollment notice and keeps the records; they are not routinely submitted to the state. There is no minimum-score consequence in statute.
- Basic communication skills, including reading, writing, and the use of numbers
- Citizenship, history, and government in Vermont and the United States
- Physical education and comprehensive health education (including effects of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs)
- English, American, and other literature
- The natural sciences
- The fine arts