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Last Update: 05/26/2009

Independent Home School Requirements

Requirement Grades K-8 Grades 9-12
Parent's Education H.S. Diploma or GED Baccalaureate Degree or Waiver from Commissioner of Education
Registration With local school system by Aug. 1st; $20/week late fee from Aug. 1 to Sep. 1; superintendent may waive fee and deadline after Sep. 1st With local school system by Aug. 1st; $20/week late fee from Aug. 1st. to Sep. 1st; superintendent may waive fee and deadline after Sep. 1st
Curriculum Not Mandated-Determined  by parent Parent must choose either College Prep or General; General must include subjects required for graduation; College prep must include subjects required for entrance to public universities
Attendance 4 hours per day  180 days per year  4 hours per day  180 days per year
Record Keeping and  Reporting Attendance Record sent to Superintendent at the end of the school year Attendance Record sent to  Superintendent at the end  of the school year
Testing In grades 5 and 7 same state board approved secure standardized tests required of public school students In grade 9 same state board approved secure standardized tests required of public school students but NOT the high school proficiency test
Location and Cost of  Testing In the local public school which the student would otherwise attend at no charge OR by a professional testing service at parent’s expense In the local public school which the student would otherwise attend at no charge OR by a professional testing service at parent’s expense
Test Sanctions 1 year or more below grade level for 2 years in a row, superintendent MAY req. parents to enroll child in public or private school (unless child is learning disabled) 1 yr. or more below grade level, for 2 years in a row, superintendent MAY req. parents to enroll child in public or private school (unless child is learning disabled)
Enter or Re-Enter Public or Approved Private School Must be tested for grade placement Must be tested in each subject for credit toward graduation
High School Diploma or Certificate of   Attendance None None