Guide to Homeschooling in Kansas

Resources

Kansas Homeschool Laws and Requirements

Education laws and requirements are mandated by state governments, which means that the guidelines relating to homeschool differ some from state to state. Before beginning the transition to homeschool, parents should research the homeschool laws to make sure they can abide by all requirements. In Kansas, there are certain things parents should consider, including the state registration process and hours of instruction. When a homeschool registers with the State of Kansas, it is considered a non-accredited private school. In addition to legal filings, we always recommend that parents notify their student’s current school, whether it is required or not. This will prevent any potential truancy concerns from the school district.

The homeschool guidelines in Kansas are straightforward and make homeschooling more accessible to families across the state. For more information about homeschooling in Kansas, the Kansas Department of Education is a resource that homeschool parents should become familiar with.

RECORD KEEPING

Kansas does not require homeschoolers to submit any type of report or annual assessment. Instead, it is up to the parent to ensure their student performs on track with peers. We recommend that parents keep detailed records of each student’s home education. This includes transcripts, progress reports, attendance, course materials, samples of the student’s work, and any other items that the parents find pertinent to the child’s education.

Power Homeschool makes the record keeping process simple because all these things are done automatically. Our online program generates all reports, which parents can then download and print. All of these things will be beneficial when the student finishes high school and moves on the college, trade school, or employment.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN KANSAS

Homeschoolers in Kansas are not required to participate in standardized testing. However, many homeschool parents use standardized assessments to measure their students’ progress and make sure there are no gaps in their education. Students can participate in the Kansas Assessment Program, which is made up of a series of tests for different grade levels.

In addition to the Kansas Assessment Program, homeschoolers can participate in nationally normed tests, such as the SAT or ACT. These tests will also be required if a student wants to attend college after high school.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN KANSAS

The state of Kansas does not specifically set graduation requirements for homeschoolers. It does, however, make recommendations for what requirements non-accredited private schools should set. These include a certain number of credits in subjects like English and language arts, history and government, science, mathematics, physical education, fine arts, and electives.

Homeschool parents should also establish graduation requirements based on the students’ plans after high school. Many colleges, universities, and trade schools share the admission policies for homeschool students. Researching these early on in a student’s high school education will ensure these requirements are being met.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Kansas

Homeschoolers in Kansas can get support from different sources, which helps the experience feel less lonely and ensure students are on the right course.

Homeschool associations, support groups, and cooperations (co-ops) all exist to help parents and students have successful homeschool experiences.

Christian Home Educators Confederation of Kansas (CHECK) is a faith-based organization that is comprised of numerous regional groups, including the Kansas Home Educators and the Midwest Parent Educators. These organizations provide events, resources, legal advice, and support groups.

In addition to homeschool associations, Kansas has many different support groups and co-ops. Homeschool support groups may meet in person regularly or share tips and advice online. They may also meet up for playdates or plan special events for their students. Homeschool co-ops are similar to support groups but are more focused on academics and provide group learning opportunities. Many of these have Facebook pages or websites, so you can find them easily online with a few searches. Some of these groups have a specific focus based on subjects or religious beliefs. The following are just a few examples of the homeschool groups in Kansas:

• • Reno County Homeschool Connection
  • LOK Homeschool Group
  • E.D.U.C.A.T.E.
  • Cornerstone Family Schools
  • Imagine Homeschool Community

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

Homeschoolers in Kansas have many different options when it comes to field trip destinations. The following are just a few examples of the many different field trips available to homeschoolers in the Sunflower State.

GREATER KANSAS CITY, KANSAS AREA

• Johnson Arts & Heritage Center in Shawnee: This museum shares the community’s history and culture through numerous exhibits and educational programs, including summer camps, special events, and homeschool programs.
• Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City in Shawnee: Youngsters can learn with hands-on exhibits and programs that bring the arts and sciences together. Exhibits include the Raceways, TinkerSpace, Artworks, and more!
• Wyandotte County Historical Museum in Kansas City: With temporary exhibits, youth programs, and an auditorium, this museum is the perfect place to learn about the region’s history dating back to the first Native Americans who lived on the land.
• National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame in Kansas City: Homeschoolers can learn about the importance of agriculture through exhibits, galleries, and various hands-on educational activities. The center also offers events throughout the years.

EASTERN KANSAS

• Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum in Lawrence: Students can tour fossil exhibits, learn about parasites, see live insects and amphibians, and view one of the oldest natural history dioramas from the 1890s! Summer camps and other educational programs are also available.
• Spencer Museum of Art in Lawrence: Located on the University of Kansas, this art museum is full of exhibitions and collections of paintings, prints, sculptures, and more. The museum offers several different programs for K-12 students, as well.
• Kansas Museum of History in Topeka: Learn about Kansas culture and history dating back to the indigenous tribes of the region. On the first Wednesday of each month, the museum hosts Homeschool Wednesdays, which allow students to learn about an array of topics through hands-on activities.

FLINT HILLS

• Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan: Visitors can explore the ecosystem, culture, and history of the Flint Hills. The center offers some educational programs and special events as well.
• Red Rocks State Historic Site in Emporia: Former home to William Allan White, the award-winning journalist hosted many famous people, including Albert Einstein and Theodore Roosevelt. The museum houses many different artifacts, such as books, art, and photos.

CENTRAL KANSAS

• Hutchinson Zoo in Hutchinson: With more than 100 wildlife species, homeschoolers will have a lot to explore and learn at the Hutchinson Zoo. Seasonal camps and educational programs are available to teach students about conservation, ecosystems, and much more.
• Museum of World Treasures in Wichita: With exhibits for fossils and sea creatures, American Wars, ancient eras, and so much more, this museum is sure to have exhibits that align with every social studies or history lesson. Homeschool programs are also available.
• Exploration Place in Wichita: Science comes to life at the Exploration Place! For more than 20 years, Exploration Place has been providing exciting hands-on exhibits for students of all ages. Learn about the state of Kansas, the human body, and more with the interactive exhibits at this unique museum.
• Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard: Get up close and personal with a variety of animal species at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Feed giraffes, pet kangaroos, and let lemurs climb on you all at this special wildlife park. Don’t forget to stop by the nursery to see the baby animals and be on the lookout for staff educators who love teaching visitors about the animals that call the park home.

WESTERN KANSAS

• Fort Hays: Homeschoolers can learn about the rich history of Fort Hays and the influence of the African American “Buffalo Soldiers” during the events of the 1880s. Exhibits display the soldiers’ clothing, weapons, and personal items.
• Sandsage Bison Range and Wildlife Area in Garden City: Visitors get up close with a herd of more than 100 bison with a guided tour of the land. Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Sandsage Bison Range is home to a publicly-owned herd in Kansas.