If you’re considering homeschooling in New York City, you’re not alone! With nearly 15,000 students opting for home education in 2022, homeschooling has become a popular choice for parents across all five boroughs. If it is your first time homeschooling, NYC is a great city to do so in!
You may have seen New York referred to as a “highly regulated” state in regards to homeschool laws – but don’t let that deter you! As long as you are familiar with the state’s requirements, you absolutely can successfully homeschool in the Empire State.
Plus, when you homeschool in the Big Apple, the city is your classroom! With a seemingly endless supply of potential field trip destinations, groups and co-ops, resources, and support, homeschooling in NYC is an experience like no other.
How to Homeschool in New York City
NYC homeschool laws are determined at the state level, so to begin, you’ll need to take the following steps:
- Fill out a letter of intent and email it to the NYC Department of Education at letterofintent@schools.nyc.gov. You must submit a letter of intent by July 1st (or within 14 days of beginning homeschooling, if you start mid-year).
- Submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) by Aug 15 (or within 4 weeks if you begin homeschooling mid-year).
- Select a homeschool curriculum that meets New York State’s requirements, as set by the education department.
- Keep attendance records that show an equivalent instruction of 180 days a year. Students in Kindergarten through 6th grade must be taught for at least 900 hours, 990 hours for grades 7th through 12th.
- Submit annual assessments to the Director of the Central Office of Homeschooling.
- Then, all that’s left to do is begin your homeschooling journey!
To learn more about New York’s homeschooling laws and requirements, click here!
Homeschool in NYC with Mia
At Miacademy, we offer a well-rounded education for grades K-8, and for high school students, MiaPrep covers grades 7th-12th!
Despite the fact that New York City does not have any mandatory subject requirements, parents are still required to submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) each year. The IHIP should outline their curriculum, as well as any learning materials used. To make it easy, some of our Miacademy parents have provided the scope and sequence of their child’s grade level to meet this requirement.
While homeschool portfolios are not required by NYC homeschool laws, many parents find it helpful to create one as a means of tracking their child’s academic progress. Mia makes record-keeping simple, with our comprehensive reports and automatically graded tests. From the parent account, you can download report cards, attendance records, work samples and more.
Homeschooling NYC Resources
Once you’ve covered the basics of how to homeschool in NYC, you can start enjoying the countless benefits of homeschooling! One of the great benefits of homeschooling in the city is the vast array of opportunities to enhance your child’s education and interests. From world-renowned museums, scenic parks, and educational zoos to historical sites and more, the possibilities are endless.
Many of these sites even offer fun classes and special events for kids!
- The Intrepid offers a program for homeschool students in PreK-12th.
- Across the river in Jersey City, the Liberty Science Center offers half-day workshops for homeschooled students and co-ops .
- And for parents of budding history buffs, the New York Historical Society offers classes for homeschoolers ages 5-14 and a virtual program for students ages 10-14.
Plus, there are a ton of afterschool programs in the city that cater to any interest your child may have – whether it’s playing tennis, learning Mandarin, painting, and more!
Another important aspect of successful homeschooling is connecting with other homeschool families. Not only does this provide much-needed socialization for your child, but other homeschooling parents can also serve as valuable sources of advice and support. There are so many homeschool groups and co-ops to choose from in the Big Apple! These organizations can provide field trip opportunities, group classes, learning materials, support, and other educational resources.
To learn more about making the most of homeschooling in the city, visit Homeschool NYC!
FAQ
How can I homeschool my child in NYC?
- To homeschool your child in New York City, start by submitting a letter of intent with the NYC DOE Homeschooling office. You’ll also need to submit an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) by Aug 15 and to select a homeschool curriculum that meets New York State’s requirements.
How many hours do I need to homeschool in New York?
- At least 180 days a year, for at least 900 hours for grades K-6th or 990 hours for grades 7th through 12th.
