Guide to Homeschooling in Connecticut

Resources

Connecticut Homeschool Laws and Requirements

For more information about homeschooling in Connecticut, the Home School Legal Defense Association and CT.gov are both resources that outline the guidelines and options for home instruction.

RECORD KEEPING

Homeschoolers in Connecticut are not required to keep records of their children’s education. However, it is a good idea to keep files of all pertinent information regarding each child’s education, especially if a parent elects to attend an annual portfolio review.

Power Homeschool makes it easy to keep thorough records of each student’s homeschool education, including attendance, samples of coursework, and progress reports. You can access all of this information via the Acellus app. We also suggest maintaining immunization records and standardized assessment results. All of these documents make it easier for students when they finish high school and move on to college, trade school, or employment.

.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN CONNECTICUT

Although Connecticut does not require homeschool students to participate in standardized assessments. Some parents, however, choose to have their students take standardized tests to measure their progress, find potential gaps in their knowledge, and compare their performance to traditionally school peers.

The Connecticut Summative Assessment System includes various tests, including Connecticut Smarter Balanced Assessment and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). If homeschoolers plan on attending college, they will be required to take the SAT or ACT, depending on the college or university they want to go to.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN CONNECTICUT

In Connecticut, parents establish the graduation requirements for their homeschool students and issue their diploma. We recommend setting these requirements based on your plans after graduation. If your student wants to attend college or trade school, you should research their homeschool eligibility requirements for homeschoolers. This will ensure they are meeting requirements throughout their high school education. Students can also take the GED test, but a homeschool-issued diploma is legally equivalent to that of one issued by the school district.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Connecticut

Even before homeschooling was legalized, networks of parents began to form to lobby for the right to homeschool and provide support to other homeschoolers in the region. 

• • • Connecticut Homeschool Network (CHN) is a homeschool organization that aims to help home educators in Connecticut. CHN memberships are free for any homeschoolers and include numerous perks, including discounts, teaching resources, and special events.
    • The Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers of Connecticut (TEACH) provides information and resources to homeschooling families center around Christian beliefs. Membership benefits to TEACH involve an ID card, discounted admission to sponsored events, local support groups, and a platform for home educators to buy and sell homeschooling materials and supplies.

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

• • • Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington: With various indoor and outdoor exhibits, this museum and research center is dedicated to researching and preserving the traditions and knowledge of Native American cultures.
    • White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield: Touring the museum and exploring 4,000 acres of land is the perfect way to learn about the region’s natural habitat. With numerous outdoor activities, this field trip is sure to be fun for the whole family.
    • Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford: Learn about one of America’s most famous authors with guided tours of the place Mark Twain called home for almost two decades. Special events and writing programs are also available.
    • Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill: Learn about the species that roamed the earth over 200 million years ago at one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Complete with various exhibits and a large geodesic dome, this is the perfect field trip to learn about fossils, geology, and extinct species.
    • Connecticut Science Center in Hartford: Students can discover many different STEM-related topics with hands-on exhibits and interactive activities, including Forces in Motion, Butterfly Encounter, Engineering Lab, and so much more.
    • Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford: Homeschoolers can learn about the government and history of their home state by touring the capitol building and historical displays. Guided tours are available on weekdays and start in the Legislative Office Building.
    • Mystic Aquarium in Mystic: Home to penguins, sharks, and so many more aquatic species, this aquarium allows homeschoolers to view these beautiful creatures and learn about the importance of conservation. Educational and family programs are available for students of all ages.
    • Connecticut Historical Society Museum in Hartford: As the state’s official historical society, visitors can tour exhibits and learn more about Connecticut’s history and culture. Homeschool Days are available for students to participate in educational workshops and connect with other homeschoolers.
    • Bruce Museum in Greenwich: This museum features art, science, and natural history through various changing exhibits and permanent galleries. Special events, youth programs, and festivals offer even more educational opportunities to homeschool students.
    • Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport: As an almost hundred-year-old zoo, the Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to the preservation of endangered animals through education, conservation, and research. Animal species at this zoo include the African Grey Parrot, Amur Leopard, Pale-Faced Saki Monkey, and many more.