Colorado homeschool laws
Moderate regulation State Rank 49 of 56 (1 = easiest)
Confidence: Medium · Last verified:
Current regulations
Notification & registration Requirement exists
Written notice to any school district in the state 14 days before starting and annually thereafter (names, ages, residence, hours of attendance).
Parent / instructor qualifications None in scored pathway
Instruction by parent, guardian, or adult relative designated by parent.
Required subjects Requirement exists
U.S. Constitution, reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, literature, science.
Testing & assessment Requirement exists
Nationally standardized test OR evaluation by qualified person (CO-certified teacher, private-school teacher, licensed psychologist, or graduate-degree holder) in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, 11; results submitted to the district (or an independent/parochial school). Below 13th percentile on a standardized test -> retest, then school placement until next testing period.
Records, days & reporting Requirement exists
172 days averaging 4 hrs/day. Keep attendance, test/evaluation, and immunization records; district may access on probable cause with 14 days' notice.
Oversight Requirement exists
Local school district that received the notice.
Immunization & other requirements Requirement exists
Students must meet state immunization rules (6 CCR 1009-2) unless exemption filed.
Legal pathways
- Homeschool statute (C.R.S. 22-33-104.5)
- Independent school (enroll in an independent/parochial school)
- Certified teacher (no filing)
Scored pathway: Homeschool statute. The score uses the least-burdensome parent-led pathway defined in law (see methodology).
Who to notify & where to start
Written notice to any school district in the state 14 days before starting and annually thereafter (names, ages, residence, hours of attendance).
Official agency / statute links:
Recent changes
HSLDA page updated 2025-11-19.
Also see Law watch.
How the score breaks down
Regulation burden 47.5 / 100 → freedom score 52.5. Bars show burden points per criterion (longer = more burdensome). HSLDA's own map tier for comparison: Low (summary dated 2025-11-19).
Data notes
- HSLDA map shows Colorado as 'Low' although periodic submitted testing exists; rubric scores it Moderate.
- CDE page timed out; primary statute not content-verified.
Sources
Primary / official
- CDPHE school vaccine exemptions (linked by HSLDA) — Linked by HSLDA; not independently fetched
Last verified . Spot an error or an update? See how to report a correction or email support@homeschoollawmap.com.
Helpful resources for Colorado families
Types of services families in this jurisdiction commonly look for, based on the requirements above. These are categories, not endorsements.
Standardized testing services
Nationally normed achievement tests that families can order for home administration or take at a testing site.
Why shown: Colorado's scored pathway includes a testing or assessment requirement.
Partner links coming soon.
Portfolio and evaluation services
Certified teachers or evaluators who review a student portfolio or write an annual progress evaluation.
Why shown: Colorado's scored pathway lists a portfolio, evaluation, or similar review as an option or requirement.
Partner links coming soon.
Curriculum and course providers
Complete curricula, single-subject courses, and online programs, including options organized around required subjects.
Why shown: Colorado lists required subjects or curriculum expectations.
Partner links coming soon.
Record-keeping and planning tools
Attendance logs, lesson planners, transcript and portfolio organizers for keeping the records your jurisdiction may ask for.
Why shown: Colorado asks for notices, records, attendance, or instruction time in the scored pathway.
Partner links coming soon.
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