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New York Homeschool Requirements 2026

Everything you need to homeschool legally in New York: notification deadlines, required subjects, testing requirements, and graduation standards. Updated for the 2025–2026 school year.

Official source for New York

We link to the authoritative source so you can verify requirements directly with your state.

Questions to ask your state

  • What are the notification requirements (deadline, form, who to send it to)?
  • What subjects must be taught at my child's grade level?
  • Is standardized testing required? At what grades, and what tests are accepted?
  • Is a portfolio or annual evaluation required? What must it contain?
  • What attendance or instructional hours are required per year?
  • Who has authority to issue a high-school diploma for a homeschooled student?
  • What is the process for withdrawing my child from public or private school?
  • What records do I need to keep, and for how long?

Last reviewed

This is a summary for planning. Homeschool law changes. Confirm current requirements with the official source above before making enrollment decisions.

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Additional Requirements Detail

Verified requirements for New York.

Legal Requirements

What you need to homeschool legally in New York

Notification
File an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) with the local school district each year by July 1 (or within 14 days of beginning home instruction if starting mid-year).
Required Subjects
Required subjects vary by grade band. Grades 1–6: arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, English, geography, US history, science, health, music, visual arts, physical education. Grades 7–8 add: practical arts and library skills. Grades 9–12: English, social studies, mathematics, science, arts, health, physical education, and electives.
Testing
Annual assessment is required. Parents may choose either a standardized test approved by the state or a written evaluation by a certified teacher or other qualified person.
Portfolio / Records
Quarterly reports (IHIPs) must be submitted to the school district, along with an Annual Assessment Report. Instruction records should be maintained throughout the year.

Graduation Requirements

Diploma Issued By
Parent issues the home school diploma.
Credit Requirements
Students must complete the required courses for each grade band as specified in the IHIP. No separate state credit-hour formula is mandated beyond satisfactory completion of required subjects.
Notes
New York's home instruction regulations (Part 100.10) are among the more detailed in the country. Families must ensure annual assessments demonstrate adequate academic progress.

College Prep Readiness

Coming soon — Lab requirements, foreign language expectations, SAT/ACT targets, and dual enrollment policies for New York colleges.

Available with the College Prep add-on