For questions pertaining to homeschooling your child, please contact the central office administration building at (307) 872-5500 or contact the Wyoming Department of Education here

What is a home-based educational program (homeschool)?

A home-based education program means a program of educational instruction provided to a child by the child’s parent or legal guardian or a person designated by the parent or legal guardian. Wyoming Statute 21-4-101(a)(v).

What is an Education Savings Account (ESA)?

An Education Savings Account is a state-funded program designed to give parents greater control over their child’s education. Parents receive the funds in an ESA account that can be used to pay for various educational expenses. These expenses might include private school tuition, educational therapy, curriculum materials, online learning programs, tutoring, and more.

You can find more information regarding the WDE Education Savings Account here.

If I choose to homeschool my child in Wyoming, what must I do?

W.S. 21-4-102(b): “A home‑based educational program shall meet the requirements of a basic academic educational program pursuant to W.S. 21‑4‑101(a)(vi). It shall be the responsibility of every person administering a home‑based educational program to ensure a curriculum is administered to pupils in the program that complies with the requirements of this subsection.”

The local school district may also have useful documents, such as a homeschool registration form that can take the place of a letter of intent, as well as where to mail or drop off the forms.

Where can I read Wyoming’s homeschool statutes?

Wyoming education statutes are available here.

What are standards? How can I read the academic standards for Wyoming?

There is no statutory requirement for alignment of the curriculum to Wyoming Content and Performance standards. The Wyoming Content and Performance Standards are a set of expectations identifying what students should know and be able to do, enabling them to be prepared for college, career, or military ready. These expectations provide a common understanding among educators as to what students should learn at particular grades. More information about the Wyoming Content and Performance Standards can be found here.

Is testing required of homeschooled students?

No testing is required of homeschooled students. They are able to take the test if they choose to, without any cost. For grades 3-10, the WY-TOPP summative assessments are online adaptive assessments for math and English language arts.

Students in grade 3, 5, 7, and 9 are assessed in writing. Grade 4, 8, and 10 students are assessed in science. If a student is attending homeschool and public school, and spends 50% or more of their time at the public school, then that student is required to take the WY-TOPP assessment.  

To participate in the assessments, contact the central office administration building of your intent well prior to the assessment so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Can a homeschool student participate in extracurricular activities (sports, music, and clubs)?

W.S. 21-4-506(a) states that any school age child who is a resident of a school district and who is not enrolled as a full-time student in the district in which they reside, shall be permitted by the district to participate in any activities which are sanctioned by the Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA) and which are offered by the district subject to the following:

1.    The district may require the student to pay any fees for participation that are required by the Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA);

 2.    The district may charge that student an additional fee for participating, but that fee shall be no more than any fee for participating charged to full-time students of the district;

 3.    As a condition of participation, the student shall be required to comply with all other rules and policies of the district or any school activities association applicable to all students participating in the activity and not related to the assessment of fees or charges.

4.    All home school students participating in athletics/activities must complete the following required paperwork.

a.  Online Registration Application (homeschool version) – registration application requires a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency.

b.  Family ID Registration for those activities/athletics that require it. 

Can my student take some courses at the local school?

Only homeschool students that are not receiving an ESA can attend classes with Sweetwater #2.

Non-ESA homeschool students must complete the required enrollment paperwork each year in order to attend classes with Sweetwater #2.  

·        Online Registration Application (homeschool version)

 ·        A local district has the right to determine whether homeschool students can enroll in certain courses (such as electives at the high school).

 ·        Elementary school offerings may depend on class size restrictions

 ·        Enrollment in courses may be delayed up to 1 week after the start of the term to ensure public school students have priority to attend.

 ·        Homeschool students are not eligible for dual & concurrent classes and/or Work Based Learning courses offered through the school district.

 ·        Transportation to and from school will not be provided.   

Please contact the public school that your child would attend for more information.

Can my student take most courses at the local school and be homeschooled for one or two classes?

This is determined by the district. Please contact the public school that your child would attend for more information.

My child requires Special Education Services. Can s/he receive them through the public school?

When a parent of an eligible Special Education child decides to homeschool their child, the parent communicates with their local school district. The school district may develop a 'homeschool/private school service plan' for the child; however, a formal IEP will not be developed as a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is unable to be provided when the child does not attend an accredited public school.

Per guidance from the Wyoming Department of Education, students who receive an ESA are forgoing their right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and therefore a homeschool/private school service plan will not be developed. 

Child find requirements still apply to students who are either homeschooled, take part in an ESA, or attend private schools.

Are homeschools in Wyoming accredited?

All homeschools in Wyoming are considered non-accredited private schools.

How does a homeschool student earn a diploma?

Because homeschools are non-accredited private schools, homeschoolers receive no diploma from the school or the state. Some commercial curriculum companies offer diplomas to students who complete their company’s requirements. Some colleges allow prospective students to complete an entrance exam or portfolio. Another option is to complete a high school equivalency exam. Wyoming focuses on the HiSET; while some states continue to administer the GED.

Students who are homeschooled and do not receive a high school diploma from Green River High School or Expedition Academy will not participate in the graduation commencements or related activities.

Can my student enroll in college or join the military with a homeschool education?

Many colleges and universities accept transcripts from homeschooling families as evidence of having completed a standard curriculum. All four military branches accept a minimum number of homeschooled students. Each branch has a set percentage for each year. If your student is interested in military service, contact the specific military branch for further information.

Can my homeschool student qualify for the Hathaway Scholarship?

Yes, students who graduate from a homeschool program are able to qualify for the Hathaway Scholarship. For more information about the Hathaway Scholarship homeschool requirements, go here.

If my child is transitioning from homeschool to public school, who determines what grade my child is in?

It is up to the local school to decide what grade a homeschooled child should enter, just as if a student was transferring from a different district or different state. Local schools do not have to accept credits earned from a homeschooled program.

What is the difference between attending an approved Wyoming virtual education program and a homeschool program?

A student who is enrolled in an approved Wyoming virtual education program is enrolled in and receiving their instruction from a Wyoming public school.

For questions pertaining to homeschooling your child, please contact the central office administration building at (307) 872-5500.

Updated Summer 2025