Delaware Homeschool Laws

Important Disclaimer: This comprehensive guide provides general information based on Delaware statutes, Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) guidance, and established homeschool practices as of mid-2026. It is not legal advice. Homeschool laws and procedures can change, interpretations vary, and every family’s situation is unique. Always verify current requirements directly with the Delaware Department of Education’s Nonpublic School office, consult the Delaware Code, and consider speaking with a qualified attorney or organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) before making decisions. Non-compliance can lead to truancy proceedings.

Delaware offers one of the more flexible homeschooling environments in the United States, treating homeschools as nonpublic schools with relatively low state oversight. Families enjoy broad freedom to choose curriculum, teaching methods, and schedules. However, this freedom comes with clear responsibilities: annual registration through the DDOE’s Nonpublic School (NPS) system and timely reporting of enrollment and attendance.

Whether you are a new homeschool family in Wilmington, a veteran educator in Sussex County, or considering a move to the First State, understanding these rules helps protect your right to homeschool while building a strong educational foundation for your children.

Delaware Homeschool Laws at a Glance (Quick Answer)

Here is a concise summary of the key requirements:

• Compulsory Attendance Ages: Children must be enrolled in a public or nonpublic school from age 5 (by August 31 of the school year) through age 16. For ages 16–18, enrollment in a nonpublic school (including homeschool) is strongly encouraged and may be required for access to certain state programs.
• Main Homeschool Options: Single-family homeschool or Multi-family homeschool (both registered as Nonpublic Schools via DDOE). A third statutory option (single-family coordinated with the local district) exists but is rarely used in practice.
• Registration: Required annually (or when starting) through the DDOE EdAccess portal / Nonpublic School System. You receive an official Acknowledgment Letter used for public school withdrawal.
• Annual Reporting:
  • Enrollment report: Due by September 30 each year.
  • Attendance report: Due by July 31 each year (aggregate days; no state-mandated minimum number of days or hours).
• Teacher Qualifications: None required.
• Curriculum / Subjects: No state-mandated subjects or approval process for standard single-family or multi-family homeschools.
• Testing / Assessments: None required by the state.
• Immunizations: No requirements for homeschools.
• Record Keeping: DDOE does not maintain student records. Parents must keep their own detailed academic portfolios.
• Special Education: Homeschool students qualify as “parentally-placed private school children” and may access equitable services through their local school district.
• Public School Sports/Extracurriculars: Generally not available to homeschooled students under current DIAA rules.
• High School Diploma: Issued by the homeschool (parent/administrator). DDOE does not accredit, validate, or issue diplomas for nonpublic schools.

Why Delaware’s Approach Works Well for Many Families

Delaware classifies homeschools as nonpublic schools under Title 14 of the Delaware Code, specifically § 2703A. This framework gives parents significant autonomy while ensuring basic accountability through registration and reporting.

The 2021 legislative update (SB 106) was particularly meaningful: it clarified that homeschool students are parentally-placed private school students for purposes of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This opened the door for special education services that many families previously could not access.

In practice, thousands of Delaware families successfully homeschool each year using the single-family option. Many report that the combination of legal clarity and low bureaucracy allows them to tailor education to their children’s needs, pace, and interests while meeting state expectations through simple annual filings.

The Three Statutory Homeschool Options in Delaware

Delaware law (§ 2703A) recognizes three types of homeschools:

1. Single-Family Homeschool (Most Common & Recommended for Most Families) Education of your own child(ren) primarily by you (the parent or legal guardian) mainly in your own residence. This is the simplest and most flexible path. You register your homeschool as a Nonpublic School with the DDOE, report enrollment and attendance, and otherwise operate independently. No curriculum approval or standardized testing is required.

2. Multi-Family Homeschool (Great for Pods, Co-ops, or Shared Teaching) Education of children from more than one family (children not all siblings) primarily by their parents/guardians in homes or other facilities. A designated liaison (administrator) handles all registration, enrollment, and reporting for the entire group through the NPS system. This option works well for learning pods or micro-schools and provides built-in socialization and shared resources.

3. Single-Family Homeschool Coordinated with the Local School District This option requires the local superintendent to determine in writing that your child is receiving “regular and thorough instruction” in the subjects prescribed for public schools and in a manner suitable to the child’s age and stage of advancement. While legally recognized, the DDOE does not currently integrate this option into its NPS registration system. HSLDA and many experienced families advise against it because of the added requirements and limited practical benefit.

Practical Takeaway: The vast majority of families use Option 1 or 2 through the official DDOE Nonpublic School portal.

Step-by-Step: How to Legally Homeschool in Delaware

Step 1: Create an EdAccess Account Go to the DDOE EdAccess portal and apply for a Nonpublic School account. Complete multi-factor authentication (MFA) — this is required for security.

Step 2: Submit Your Nonpublic School Application Log into the NPS System. Create a new school, select “homeschool” type, enter school demographics and contact information, and add your student(s). For single-family, link students to the parent/guardian. For multi-family, the liaison completes this step and adds all students.

Step 3: Receive and Save Your Acknowledgment Letter Once approved (processed in order received), log back in, go to the Records tab, and print your official Acknowledgment Letter. This document proves your child is enrolled in a registered Delaware nonpublic school.

Step 4: Withdraw from Public School (If Applicable) Present the Acknowledgment Letter to your child’s current public school to complete withdrawal. Doing this after registration helps avoid truancy issues.

Step 5: Maintain Annual Compliance

• Report enrollment by September 30 via the NPS System.
• Report attendance (aggregate) by July 31 via the NPS System.

The NPS system is typically closed for rollover from August 1–11 each year.

New to Delaware or Starting with Kindergarten? You generally do not need to withdraw from a previous school — simply register your new homeschool and enroll your child(ren).

Using Online Curriculum or Virtual Programs? Perfectly acceptable. However, you must still register your own Delaware homeschool as a Nonpublic School. Virtual private schools without a physical Delaware presence cannot register as Delaware nonpublic schools.

Annual Reporting: What You Actually Need to Submit

Delaware does not require a specific number of instructional days or hours. You decide what constitutes a “school day” for your family and report the totals.

• Enrollment Report (by Sept 30): Basic student information as of the last school day in September. Includes promotion/grade level updates.
• Attendance Report (by July 31): Total school days your homeschool was in session and total student days attended (aggregate for the group in multi-family setups).

These reports are submitted through the same NPS portal you used to register. Keep copies of your submissions and confirmation for your records.

Curriculum Freedom and Daily Homeschool Life

One of the greatest strengths of Delaware homeschool law is the absence of mandated subjects or curriculum approval for standard single- and multi-family homeschools. You may use:

• Eclectic or interest-led approaches
• Classical education
• Charlotte Mason
• Project-based learning
• Online programs (Time4Learning, Khan Academy, Outschool, etc.)
• Community college dual enrollment
• Apprenticeships and real-world experiences

Many families voluntarily align some instruction with Delaware content standards or national frameworks simply because it helps with record-keeping and future transitions. Others follow completely unique paths. Both are valid.

Pro Tip from Experienced Families: Even without state requirements, creating a simple weekly or monthly plan helps maintain consistency and makes portfolio-building much easier later.

Record Keeping: Your Most Important Ongoing Responsibility

The DDOE does not keep academic records for nonpublic school students. This is entirely your responsibility.

Recommended Portfolio Contents:

• Attendance logs (simple calendar or spreadsheet)
• Samples of work across subjects (writing, math, projects, art, science experiments)
• Reading lists
• Test scores or standardized test results (optional but helpful)
• Report cards or progress summaries you create
• Photos/videos of projects and field trips
• Awards, certificates, or community service records

For high school students, build a formal transcript that includes course titles, grades, credits, and a brief course description. Many colleges are familiar with homeschool transcripts, especially when accompanied by a strong portfolio, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and dual-enrollment credits.

Special Education Services

Thanks to the 2021 update, Delaware homeschool students are eligible for equitable special education services as parentally-placed private school children. Contact your local school district’s special education office to request an evaluation or discuss available supports. Services are funded through proportionate share and may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other related services depending on the district and your child’s needs.

Sports, Extracurriculars, and Social Opportunities

Homeschooled students generally cannot participate in interscholastic sports or many extracurricular activities at Delaware public schools under current Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) rules.

Alternatives many Delaware families use successfully:

• Homeschool sports leagues and cooperatives
• Community recreation programs and travel teams
• Private clubs (dance, music, martial arts, robotics)
• 4-H, Scouts, church groups, and local homeschool co-ops
• Volunteer work and internships

Socialization is rarely a problem in Delaware’s active homeschool community — many families report richer social lives than in traditional school settings because activities are chosen intentionally.

High School, Graduation, and College Admissions

You (as the homeschool administrator) determine graduation requirements and issue the diploma and transcript. There is no state-mandated number of credits or exit exam.

To strengthen college applications:

• Maintain excellent documentation from 9th grade onward.
• Consider standardized tests (SAT, ACT, CLT, or subject tests).
• Pursue dual enrollment at Delaware Technical Community College or University of Delaware.
• Build a portfolio of projects, research, or creative work.
• Secure strong letters of recommendation from mentors, coaches, or employers.

Most U.S. colleges and universities accept homeschool graduates. Contact admissions offices early to understand their specific requirements.

Moving To or From Delaware

Incoming families: Register your homeschool promptly through the DDOE NPS system. Bring records from your previous state to help with placement if you ever re-enroll in public school.

Outgoing families: Submit a support request in the NPS system to close your school, note the move, and print a final Acknowledgment Letter showing closure/withdrawal.

Resources and High-Authority References

• Delaware Department of Education – Homeschools & Private Schools: https://education.delaware.gov/families/k12/homeschools-and-private-schools/
• Opening a Nonpublic School (step-by-step): https://education.delaware.gov/families/k12/homeschools-and-private-schools/opening-a-nonpublic-school/
• Delaware Code Title 14, Chapter 27 (primary law): https://delcode.delaware.gov/title14/c027/sc01/
• HSLDA Delaware Homeschool Laws: https://hslda.org/legal/delaware (excellent legal summaries and member resources)
• DDOE EdAccess / NPS Portal: https://launchpad.classlink.com/ddoe (after creating account)

Local homeschool support groups, co-ops, and Facebook communities in Delaware are also invaluable for practical day-to-day advice and friendship.

Conclusion: Freedom with Responsibility

Delaware’s homeschool laws strike a thoughtful balance. They respect parental authority and educational diversity while maintaining simple, transparent accountability through registration and annual reporting. Families who approach homeschooling with organization, genuine educational intent, and good record-keeping practices thrive in this environment.

The real work of homeschooling the daily teaching, relationship-building, and character formation — happens in your home, not in government filings. The legal requirements exist to protect everyone’s rights and ensure transparency.

If you are just beginning, start with the official DDOE pages linked above, create your EdAccess account, and connect with other Delaware homeschool families. The community is welcoming and experienced.

Homeschooling is a profound responsibility and a remarkable opportunity. When done with care and love, it can be one of the most rewarding journeys a family undertakes.

Welcome to the Delaware homeschool community, we’re glad you’re here.

FAQs

Do I need a teaching certificate or college degree to homeschool in Delaware?

No. Delaware has no teacher qualification requirements for homeschool parents.

How many days or hours per year must I homeschool?

None are mandated by the state. You define your school year and report your actual attendance totals.

Can I use an online public virtual school or charter school while homeschooling?

No. If you use a public virtual option, your child is considered publicly enrolled. To homeschool independently, you must register your own private nonpublic homeschool.

What happens if I miss the September 30 enrollment deadline?

Your NPS status may be affected. Contact the DDOE Nonpublic School office immediately if you anticipate an issue.

Can my child participate in public school sports?

Generally no, under current DIAA rules. Explore homeschool leagues and community options instead.

How do I access special education services?

Contact your local school district’s special education department and reference the 2021 update classifying homeschoolers as parentally-placed private school students.

Do I need to teach the same subjects as public schools?

Only if you choose the rarely used “coordinated with the local school district” option. Standard single- and multi-family homeschools have no mandated subjects.

What records should I keep for college?

Detailed transcripts, course descriptions, portfolios of work, test scores, and documentation of activities and achievements.

Can I re-enroll my child in public school mid-year?

Yes. Withdraw your child from the homeschool NPS (print updated Acknowledgment Letter) and present your academic portfolio to the public school for placement decisions.

Is there any state funding or tax credit for homeschooling in Delaware?

No direct funding or vouchers for nonpublic schools/homeschools at this time.