Homeschool Laws in New York
In New York, parents who choose to educate their children at home are required to file an annual notice of intent with the local school district superintendent under N.Y. Educ. Law § 3204(2). This notice must be submitted each year, and it formally informs the district that the child will be receiving instruction at home rather than attending a public or private school. The notice requirement applies on a recurring basis, meaning families must file it at the start of each school year rather than only once at the outset of homeschooling.
New York law also establishes required subjects that must be taught, which vary by grade level. In grades one through six, instruction must cover arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, the English language, geography, United States history, science, health education, music, visual arts, physical education, and bilingual education or English as a second language where the need is indicated. Grades seven and eight carry their own subject requirements as well. Assessment of the homeschooled student is required, and the law provides families with options for how that assessment is conducted. Parent qualifications are addressed by the statute, and parents must meet the requirements specified under New York law.
Homeschool statutes are subject to amendment by the state legislature, with most changes taking effect on July 1 of a given year. Families should confirm the current requirements directly with the New York State Education Department or their local school district. This summary is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.
Requirement details
| Required subjects | Grades 1 through 6: arithmetic, reading, spelling, writing, the English language, geography, United States history, science, health education, music, visual arts, physical education, bilingual education and/or English as a second language where the need is indicated. Grades 7 and 8: English (two uni |
|---|---|
| Parent qualifications | required_see_detail |
Statutory source
N.Y. Educ. Law § 3204(2)
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Not legal advice. This page summarizes New York law in plain English, verified as of June 2026 against the cited statutes. Legislatures amend homeschool law (most changes take effect July 1) — confirm current requirements with the state department of education or a licensed attorney before acting. How we verify this.