![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/SEO-133_RankingHomeschoolStates-Montana.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHomeschooling in Montana<\/strong> Overview<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nNotice of Intent Required: Yes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSubject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAttendance Age Requirements: 7-16<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nRecord-Keeping Requirements: Yes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nProof of Immunization Required: Yes or Exemption form needed<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTable of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nMontana<\/strong> Homeschooling Laws and Regulations
<\/strong>How to Start Homeschooling<\/a>
Notice of Intent<\/a>
Mandatory School Age<\/a>
Subject Requirements<\/a>
Attendance Requirements<\/a>
Record-Keeping Requirements<\/a>
Required Immunizations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nResources for Homeschooling Families in Montana<\/strong> <\/strong>
Homeschool Groups and Co-ops<\/a>
Organizations and Associations<\/a>
Sports Opportunities<\/a>
Homeschool Field Trips<\/a>
Special Education Homeschoolers<\/a>
How Our Curriculum Can Help<\/a>
Homeschool FAQ <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/BlueDot-Separator-4.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Group-9.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nHow to Start Homeschooling in Montana<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Montana\u2019s law requires homeschool families to do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Annually notify their county\u2019s school superintendent of their intent to homeschool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Meet minimum attendance standards and keep attendance records<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep records of required immunizations or exemptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use an \u201corganized course of study\u201d that includes the same subjects required in public schools<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ensure their home meets all local safety and health standards <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Notice of Intent for Homeschooling in Montana<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Each year, you must notify your county superintendent of schools<\/a> that you\u2019ll be homeschooling your child. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe law doesn\u2019t provide specifics about this notice, but it\u2019s best to file it in writing so you\u2019ll have a record. Many superintendents have forms available, so contact them first. If they don\u2019t have a form, you can find a sample notification letter from the Montana Coalition of Home Educators here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTIP:<\/strong> Although the law doesn\u2019t specify a date, submitting your notice to homeschool at the start of the local district\u2019s school year can make it easier to remember to do it. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Notice-of-Intent.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/School-Age.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nMandatory School Age in Montana <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Children must start school (or home instruction) by the time they turn 7 in Montana. Parents and guardians can start a child\u2019s education earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students must continue attending school or receiving instruction at home until they complete 8th grade or turn 16, whichever comes later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/printables-email-registration>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nMontana Homeschool Subject & Curriculum Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Montana law states that home schools \u201cshall provide an organized course of study that includes instruction in the subjects required of public schools.\u201d These generally include language arts (reading, writing, and literature), mathematics, science, social studies, health, arts, and career education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The law doesn\u2019t require homeschoolers to follow the same curriculum content standards as public schools. Homeschoolers can use the Montana K-12 Content Standards<\/a> as a guideline, but they\u2019re not required to by law as long as they cover the general required subjects. Home educators can use any curriculum programs or educational materials to teach these subjects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Curriculum-Requirements.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Attendance-Requirements.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nMontana Homeschool Attendance Requirements <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Homeschool families are required to keep attendance records in Montana and meet a minimum number of instruction hours. These hours are the same number that public schools provide, but homeschool families can set their own schedules to offer instruction when it suits their needs. The requirements vary by grade:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- 720 hours\/year for grades 1\u20133<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 1,080 hours\/year for grades 4\u201312<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
TIP:<\/strong> You\u2019re not required to submit these records unless specifically requested by your county superintendent of schools. Just keep them on file as part of your child\u2019s school records.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nMontana Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In addition to keeping records of attendance and instruction hours, home educators must maintain a record of immunizations for each child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Montana doesn\u2019t require homeschoolers to keep any other records, but home educators should strongly consider maintaining academic records for their children. Consider including a record of courses taken, grades received, evaluations and assessments, and a portfolio of student work samples. These can be helpful if you need to create transcripts or transition your child to public school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TIP:<\/strong> Keeping records of your student\u2019s grades, courses, assessments, and work samples can make it easier to create transcripts for post-high school plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Record-Keeping.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Immunization.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nRequired Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Montana <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you choose not to immunize your child in Montana, you\u2019ll need to complete the appropriate exemption forms and keep them in your school files. (Learn more here.<\/a>) You must present these records if requested by your county school superintendent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nHomeschool Groups and Co-ops in Montana <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Families in Montana often live far away from larger communities, making it harder to meet up for events and activities. The state does have multiple homeschool associations, co-ops, and groups, which can provide support, social opportunities, and resources. Here\u2019s a popular option in Montana:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Montana Coalition of Home Educators<\/a>: Get legal advice and learn more about what it\u2019s like to homeschool in Montana. They also have a big roundup of local homeschool groups and co-ops here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Homeschool-Organization.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Homeschool-Sports.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nSports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Montana <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Montana allows homeschool students to participate in public school sports and extracurriculars. The local district may require them to meet the same standards as public school students, so be prepared to offer academic records proving eligibility. Contact your local district to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many other ways for homeschool students to play sports. Some areas have homeschool leagues, and many communities provide youth sports programs that welcome homeschoolers. Here are some to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Attendance Age Requirements: 7-16<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Proof of Immunization Required: Yes or Exemption form needed<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Montana<\/strong> Homeschooling Laws and Regulations Resources for Homeschooling Families in Montana<\/strong> <\/strong> Montana\u2019s law requires homeschool families to do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each year, you must notify your county superintendent of schools<\/a> that you\u2019ll be homeschooling your child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The law doesn\u2019t provide specifics about this notice, but it\u2019s best to file it in writing so you\u2019ll have a record. Many superintendents have forms available, so contact them first. If they don\u2019t have a form, you can find a sample notification letter from the Montana Coalition of Home Educators here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TIP:<\/strong> Although the law doesn\u2019t specify a date, submitting your notice to homeschool at the start of the local district\u2019s school year can make it easier to remember to do it. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Children must start school (or home instruction) by the time they turn 7 in Montana. Parents and guardians can start a child\u2019s education earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Students must continue attending school or receiving instruction at home until they complete 8th grade or turn 16, whichever comes later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Montana law states that home schools \u201cshall provide an organized course of study that includes instruction in the subjects required of public schools.\u201d These generally include language arts (reading, writing, and literature), mathematics, science, social studies, health, arts, and career education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The law doesn\u2019t require homeschoolers to follow the same curriculum content standards as public schools. Homeschoolers can use the Montana K-12 Content Standards<\/a> as a guideline, but they\u2019re not required to by law as long as they cover the general required subjects. Home educators can use any curriculum programs or educational materials to teach these subjects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Homeschool families are required to keep attendance records in Montana and meet a minimum number of instruction hours. These hours are the same number that public schools provide, but homeschool families can set their own schedules to offer instruction when it suits their needs. The requirements vary by grade:<\/p>\n\n\n\n TIP:<\/strong> You\u2019re not required to submit these records unless specifically requested by your county superintendent of schools. Just keep them on file as part of your child\u2019s school records.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In addition to keeping records of attendance and instruction hours, home educators must maintain a record of immunizations for each child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Montana doesn\u2019t require homeschoolers to keep any other records, but home educators should strongly consider maintaining academic records for their children. Consider including a record of courses taken, grades received, evaluations and assessments, and a portfolio of student work samples. These can be helpful if you need to create transcripts or transition your child to public school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TIP:<\/strong> Keeping records of your student\u2019s grades, courses, assessments, and work samples can make it easier to create transcripts for post-high school plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n If you choose not to immunize your child in Montana, you\u2019ll need to complete the appropriate exemption forms and keep them in your school files. (Learn more here.<\/a>) You must present these records if requested by your county school superintendent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Families in Montana often live far away from larger communities, making it harder to meet up for events and activities. The state does have multiple homeschool associations, co-ops, and groups, which can provide support, social opportunities, and resources. Here\u2019s a popular option in Montana:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Montana allows homeschool students to participate in public school sports and extracurriculars. The local district may require them to meet the same standards as public school students, so be prepared to offer academic records proving eligibility. Contact your local district to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many other ways for homeschool students to play sports. Some areas have homeschool leagues, and many communities provide youth sports programs that welcome homeschoolers. Here are some to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTable of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>How to Start Homeschooling<\/a>
Notice of Intent<\/a>
Mandatory School Age<\/a>
Subject Requirements<\/a>
Attendance Requirements<\/a>
Record-Keeping Requirements<\/a>
Required Immunizations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Homeschool Groups and Co-ops<\/a>
Organizations and Associations<\/a>
Sports Opportunities<\/a>
Homeschool Field Trips<\/a>
Special Education Homeschoolers<\/a>
How Our Curriculum Can Help<\/a>
Homeschool FAQ <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to Start Homeschooling in Montana<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNotice of Intent for Homeschooling in Montana<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMandatory School Age in Montana <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMontana Homeschool Subject & Curriculum Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMontana Homeschool Attendance Requirements <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMontana Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRequired Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Montana <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHomeschool Groups and Co-ops in Montana <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Montana <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Field-Trips.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/heart.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/ABCMouse-Mice-Group-300x204.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Screenshot-2024-09-27-at-9.28.09\u202fAM-1.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/FAQ.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n