Guide to Homeschooling in Colorado

Resources

Colorado Homeschool Laws and Requirements

While not all states require a formal withdraw, it is a good idea to do so to ensure that your child isn’t considered truant, which could lead to legal troubles.

RECORD KEEPING

Although record-keeping isn’t required in every state, it is always a good idea to keep detailed records of attendance, curriculum, grades, assignments, and anything else that could be useful should the laws in your state change. You can also use these documents if you move to a new state with different laws or decide to re-enroll your children in either public or private school.

Power Homeschool offers an online parent portal that allows parents to easily download any documents that they may need to prove that they are following laws in whichever state they live. The parent portal is separate from the student portal.

.

COLORADO STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS

Some states require homeschooled children to take standardized tests to make sure that the students are getting the knowledge required for their age group. Many Colorado homeschooling parents have their children take these standardized tests to prove that their children are performing at the same level as children in public and private schools.

COLORADO HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation requirements for homeschooled children in Colorado are set by the homeschool. Parents might find that it is a good idea to start a discussion with their children early about their goals post-high school graduation. This can help parents tailor their student’s education to their future education and career path. Look into specific colleges, technical schools, and potential employers and what their requirements are for student admission or eligibility.

Since diplomas are issued by the homeschool, parents are free to provide a diploma for their students once they have reached the graduation requirements.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Colorado

The CHEC homeschool association provides important information and instruction for homeschooling families in Colorado.

Homeschooling support groups and co-ops are often created and ran by parents involved in homeschooling. These groups allow families to share resources, advice, and information about homeschooling with one another. Additionally, these groups might offer group activities, meet-ups, events, and other opportunities.

Unlike support groups, co-ops tend to be more focused on academics. Many co-ops offer weekly learning opportunities for homeschooling families. In co-ops, parents might alternate teaching either various subjects to homeschooled students.

Both of these types of groups can help parents home educate their children based on their age and interests. These groups can help families with homeschooling support, legal advice, resources, and other information.

Here are a few options for support groups in Colorado:

• • • Colorado Secular Homeschoolers
    • Colorado Springs Homeschool Families
    • Denver Area Unschoolers
    • Douglas County Catholic Home Educators
    • Johnstown/Milliken Homeschoolers
    • Longmont Homeschoolers
    • Montrose Home School Corner
    • Northern Colorado Homeschoolers
    • Parker County Christian Home Educators
    • Pueblo Eclectic Homeschoolers
    • Christian Homeschoolers of Pueblo

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

• • • Animas Museum in Durango: This museum showcases the past unlike any other in the state. Take your students on a tour of a 1905 classroom and browse a gallery of Native American artifacts.
    • Buell Children’s Museum in Pueblo: The Buell Children’s Museum is large enough to feature a variety of exhibits in arts, science, and history for people of all ages.
    • Castlewood Canyon in Franktown: Castlewood Canyon is the perfect field trip opportunity for nature lovers. While in the canyon, you can work your way through hiking trails and see all kinds of plant and animal species that call the area home.
    • Denver Art Museum in Denver: Visit the Denver Art Museum where you can see artwork from some of the most famous painters and sculptors in the world.
    • Denver Botanical Gardens in Denver: See a diverse selection of plants from around the world at the Denver Botanical Gardens. The garden offers hands-on explorations for children and even projects to take home. The Mordecai Children’s garden is also a great place for kids to play and learn.
    • Denver Zoo in Denver: Discover some of the most interesting animal species. With more than 3.000 animals to experience, children are sure to learn something new about animals and the ecosystem.
    • Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison: Dinosaur Ridge is the number one rated dinosaur track site in the United States. Bring your children by to see dinosaur bones and learn all about these amazing prehistoric creatures.
    • Koshare Museum in La Junta: The Koshare Museum focuses on Native American heritage. At the museum, you will find Native American and Western arts and artifacts.
    • Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan: Named for the colorful clay that can be found in the area, Paint Mines Interpretive Park is home to geological formations formed by erosion for centuries. Explore the trails in the park and watch out for interpretive signage for more detailed information along your path.
    • U.S. Mint in Denver: Tour the U.S. Mint Denver production facility. Here, you will see how coins are created and how the minting process works.