Taking the plunge into homeschooling can feel intimidating. From lesson plans to curriculum choices to compliance with state laws, it can feel like there is a lot to coordinate. However, understanding state homeschool requirements brings families one step closer to enjoying the freedom that homeschooling affords. Kansas allows homeschool families plenty of autonomy in running their homeschools.
Kansas Homeschool Mandates
Kansas compulsory attendance laws require children to be in school from ages 7 through 18. (Some exceptions apply). Homeschool parents are not legally required to meet teaching qualifications, teach specific subjects, submit students to standardized testing, or meet student immunization requirements. In Kansas, parents can run homeschools as non-accredited private schools. Requirements include:
- Registering the name of their homeschool as a private school with the Kansas Board of Education
- Ensuring instructors (including themselves) are competent
- Teaching the same number of days (usually 186) as public schools
- Teaching subjects similar to public school subjects
- Providing planned and scheduled instruction
- Providing periodic student testing
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in Kansas
If your children attend a public or private school, you will need to withdraw them to homeschool. Contact your school to learn which forms or procedures they require. In many cases, you will be able to withdraw your children by sending a letter of withdrawal to the school.
Special Education Provisions
Kansas has no additional requirements for parents wishing to homeschool their special needs children. Since homeschools operate as private schools, students may be eligible for special education services under the federal IDEA program and the state of Kansas.
Record Keeping
The state of Kansas requires homeschools to keep a record of their initial private school registration notice. It is wise to maintain a file for each student containing:
- School district correspondence
- Attendance records
- Documentation of the curriculum used and subjects covered
- Samples of student work
- Any standardized test scores or evaluations
With a clear understanding of Kansas homeschool laws and the wide availability of resources, homeschooling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. LightSail’s comprehensive language arts platform provides children with the tools to grow reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. At the same time, LightSail’s built-in assessments and progress-tracking capabilities give parents peace of mind about meeting the homeschool requirements of Kansas.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. State laws are constantly changing. Consult an attorney or call your state’s Department of Education for any questions regarding the legalities of homeschooling.
