Guide to Homeschooling in Montana

Resources

Montana Homeschool Laws and Requirements

We encourage Montana parents to reach out to the Home School Legal Defense Association for specific questions about legally homeschooling in the state. Additionally, the Montana Office of Public Instruction provides a Home School Informational Packet with detailed information about the homeschool requirements in the state.

RECORD KEEPING

Montana homeschool laws only mandate that parents keep attendance and immunization records on file. Although these are the only things that Montana homeschoolers must keep a record of, it is always beneficial to keep thorough records of all matters relating to each student’s home education. It is a good idea to keep grades, progress reports, standardized tests, and samples of coursework. Parents should also maintain transcripts for high school students as it will make it easier for them to apply for college or trade school if they choose to do so.

Through Power Homeschool’s online parent portal, our families can track progress and download any necessary reports and transcripts to keep on file. Attendance, grades, and progress reports are all automated to make record keeping as easy as possible for the parents.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN MONTANA

Montana does not require homeschool students to participate in standardized testing. Some parents, however, use these assessments to track students’ progress and find any potential gaps in their curriculum. The Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) is made up of a series of tests based on grade levels, including end of year tests and interim assessments. High school students will also need to take the SAT or ACT if they plan to receive a post-secondary education.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN MONTANA

In Montana, a home education must cover the same subjects that are taught in public schools. Parents are responsible for establishing the graduation requirements and issuing high school diplomas instead of a public or private school. We recommend that parents set requirements based on the student’s plan following high school. Many colleges, universities, and trade schools will outline their admissions policies for homeschooled students. Depending on these requirements, students may need to earn a Montana High School Equivalency Diploma, which involves passing the HiSET exam.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Montana

With the rise of homeschoolers in Montana in the past few decades, the state has an array of support groups and networking opportunities for families to meet other homeschoolers in their area.

Homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops all exist to enhance homeschool educations, but they all offer different benefits.

Montana’s statewide homeschool association is called Montana Coalition of Home Educators (MCHE) and provides legal information, support groups, resources, and more.

In addition to a statewide association, Montana homeschoolers can have many different options for homeschooler support groups and co-ops. Homeschool support groups are parent-organized and either meet in groups or communicate via online forums. These support groups allow parents to give and receive advice, share homeschool experiences, and connect with other homeschool families in their area.

On the other hand, homeschool co-ops are academic-focused groups that allow homeschool students to participate in group learning and socialize with other homeschoolers around their age. These co-ops can be general, focus on certain subjects, or provide instruction around religious beliefs. Parents usually take turns teaching the group or join together to hire a tutor. Both homeschool support groups and co-ops often offer enrichment activities or organize field trips for students.

Most homeschool support groups and co-ops have Facebook pages or websites, making them easy to find online. With the variety of options, your family will be sure to find a homeschool group that aligns with your student’s needs. The following are just a few examples of the different homeschool support groups and co-ops in Montana:

• Bozeman Homeschool Network
• Flathead Homeschool Support and Curriculum
• Yellowstone Coalition of Home Educators
• Helena Area Christian Home Educators
• Gallatin Christian Homeschool Co-op
• Helena Homeschool Enrichment Co-op

The Montana Coalition of Home Educators also provides a list of support groups.

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

• Montana’s State Capitol Building is a must-see destination for homeschooling families. From the grandiose Capitol building itself, to the expansive grounds that feature monuments and gardens, the State Capital Building offers a unique look into Montana’s history and culture. Inside, visitors can explore the legislative chambers and historic artifacts, while outside they can enjoy the peaceful nature of the surrounding area. With its stunning architecture and rich culture, the Montana State Capital Building is a great place for families to learn and explore together.
• Montana Natural History Center in Missoula: Homeschoolers can learn about the natural history of western Montana through a variety of exhibits, including a hands-on Naturalist Lab and Kids’ Discovery Room.
• Elk Country Visitor Center in Missoula: Dedicated to the wildlife species that call this region home, the Elk Country Visitor Center explores the essential role that elk play in the region’s ecosystem. Students will also learn about conservation and wildlife species in the area.
• Glacier National Park in West Glacier: With guided tours, ranger activities, and camping, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to learn about the region’s geography, see the landforms, and explore flora and fauna native to the land.
• Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park in Whitehall: With one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest, visitors will learn a lot about geology and landforms through guided tours of the cave.
• Montana Historical Society in Helena: This field trip is the perfect way for Montana homeschoolers to learn about the heritage of their home state. With guided tours, workshops, and hands-on activities, every homeschool student will be sure to learn something new.
• Children’s Museum of Montana in Great Falls: Young learners get to learn with their hands through many different interactive exhibits, such as the Flight Zone, Reading Junction, Lego Zone, and many more!
• American Computer and Robotics Museum in Bozeman: This museum is a wonderful way to enhance STEM curriculum with exhibits that display technological developments, from the first personal computers to Artificial Intelligence and much more.
• Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station in Malta: This museum displays some of the world’s best-preserved dinosaur fossils. Students will gain an understanding of the prehistoric heritage of the region through many different fossil exhibits.
• Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in Yellowstone: Dedicated to grizzly bear and grey wolf education, this center is also a wildlife park with various species. The park has educational programs that teach students about the role these species have in the region’s ecosystem.
• Tippet Rise Art Center in Fishtail: This large art center features a sculpture collection that visitors can tour by vehicle or foot. Also, offering special events, this field trip allows students of all ages to gain an appreciation for art and culture.
• Rosebud Battlefield in Busby: This historical site was the location of the battle between the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians and General Crook’s soldiers in 1876. Today, visitors learn about the area’s history and heritage, while also participating in activities like wildlife viewing and hiking.