Homeschooling in Kansas

Kansas does NOT have a separate homeschool statute. All homeschools in Kansas are classified as Non-Accredited Private Schools (NAPS) under K.S.A. 72-4345 through 72-4347. The only legal requirement is a ONE-TIME registration with KSDE — no annual filings, no testing, no curriculum approval. Always refer to your homeschool as a 'private school' when dealing with officials. Kansas is a low-regulation state but does require ‘competent’ instructors and instruction time substantially equivalent to public schools.

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: One pathway — Non-Accredited Private School (NAPS) under K.S.A. 72-4345 through 72-4347.

Notification: ONE-TIME registration with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) when establishing the school. NOT annual. Submit the school name, address, and 'custodian of records.' No fee. Online or by mail..

Instructional time: Per KSDE guidance: 'substantially equivalent' to public school time — 186 days of not less than 6 hours per day (1,116 hours per year for grades 1-11). Statute itself does NOT require submission of proof..

Required subjects: No specific statutory subject requirements for non-accredited private schools. KSDE recommends following K.S.A. 72-1101 standards for accredited schools as a benchmark: reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, spelling, English grammar/composition, U.S. and Kansas history, civil government and the duties of citizenship, health and hygiene..

Testing and evaluation: NO state-mandated testing for non-accredited private schools. KSDE simply requires that 'instruction must be planned and scheduled with periodic testing' — the form and frequency of testing is the parent's choice..

What Kansas families need to know

**ONE-TIME REGISTRATION ONLY**: under K.S.A. 72-4345 through 72-4347, you register your homeschool ONCE with KSDE when you establish it. No annual re-registration required (unless you change the school name or address — use the 'Update' option).

**Online registration**: at apps.ksde.gov/naps_form/default.aspx. Phone: 785-368-7088 for questions. Free, no fee.

Required information for registration: (1) school name (you choose any name); (2) school address; (3) name and address of the 'custodian of records' (typically the parent); (4) school grade levels (elementary or secondary).

**ALWAYS REFER TO YOUR HOMESCHOOL AS A 'PRIVATE SCHOOL'** when dealing with officials. Kansas does not legally recognize the term 'homeschool' — your home-based education is legally a private school. This terminology matters in court and with truancy investigations.

**Competent instructor requirement**: Kansas statute requires courses be taught by a 'competent instructor.' This standard does NOT require a teaching license. Parents are presumed competent to teach their own children.

**Time requirement** (per KSDE guidance): 'classes must be held for a period of time substantially equivalent to the time public schools are in session.' Public school requirement = 186 days of not less than 6 hours per day, OR 1,116 hours per year for grades 1-11. NOTE: the law does NOT require parents to submit proof of time to any agency, only to maintain the standard.

**Subject requirements**: NONE specifically required for non-accredited private schools. KSDE recommends following K.S.A. 72-1101 standards as a benchmark: reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, spelling, English grammar/composition, U.S. and Kansas history, civil government and duties of citizenship, health and hygiene.

**Recordkeeping**: NO mandated records. Kansas law does NOT require parents to keep any specific records. However, FHE and KSDE recommend keeping accurate records voluntarily for transcript purposes and as protection against any potential truancy or educational neglect inquiries.

**Withdrawal from public school**: notify your district in writing (recommended) and register your private school with KSDE. To prevent truancy issues, complete the NAPS registration BEFORE or simultaneously with withdrawal.

**Compulsory attendance**: ages 7-18. Compulsory attendance may end at age 16 or 17 with parental consent (parent may sign a 'Form NS' to allow withdrawal at 16).

**Guaranteed admission to Kansas state universities**: students who graduate from non-accredited high schools have GUARANTEED admission to the five Kansas Regents universities (University of Kansas, Kansas State, Wichita State, Emporia State, Pittsburg State, Fort Hays State) by meeting Qualified Admissions coursework requirements OR by scoring an ACT of 21+ or SAT of 980+. This is a major benefit for Kansas homeschool graduates.

**Kansas Curricular Standards**: parents are encouraged to use these as a guide for what students should know at each grade level (not legally required).

**KESA 2.0 (Kansas Education Systems Accreditation)**: applies ONLY to accredited public and private schools. Non-accredited private schools (homeschools) are NOT subject to KESA 2.0 requirements.

**SB 75 of 2025** (currently stalled): would have created an education tax credit program providing $4,000 per child for homeschoolers. Withdrawn from calendar in February 2025 and referred to Committee on Ways and Means. NOT currently law — monitor for 2026 session updates.

Kansas does NOT currently have a state ESA, voucher, or homeschool tax credit. Federal Coverdell ESAs ($2,000/year) and 529 K-12 expenses (up to $20,000/year as of 2026) remain available.

Sports/extracurriculars: not guaranteed by state law. Some districts may allow homeschool participation; check with your local district.

Always verify current requirements with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) before filing any official paperwork. State rules can change.

Diploma recognition

Kansas homeschool parents (operating as a non-accredited private school) issue their own diplomas. The state does NOT issue diplomas to homeschool graduates. KEY ADVANTAGE: students who graduate from non-accredited high schools have GUARANTEED admission to the five Kansas Regents universities by completing Qualified Admissions coursework OR scoring an ACT of 21+ or SAT of 980+. This is one of the strongest college access provisions for homeschool graduates in any state. Document courses thoroughly with credit hours, grades, and course descriptions.

Getting started in Kansas

If you are new to homeschooling in Kansas, here is the practical sequence to follow:

1. Read the statute. Visit the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) website and read the current homeschool regulations in full. The summary on this page is a starting point, but the official statute is the final authority.
2. Choose your legal pathway. Kansas offers specific options described above. Choose the one that fits your family before you file anything.
3. Prepare your notification. Gather the information required for your notice or registration — child's name, date of birth, address, subjects, curriculum plans, and anything else your chosen pathway requires.
4. File before withdrawing. If your child is currently in public school, file your homeschool notification before you send the withdrawal letter to the school. See our withdrawal guide for the full process.
5. Set up your record-keeping system. Even in low-regulation states, keep attendance records, a list of curriculum used, and samples of your child's work. See our record-keeping guide for what to save and how.
6. Connect with a local homeschool organization. Kansas has active statewide homeschool organizations (listed below) and usually several local co-ops in each region. These are your best source of current, practical information.

Kansas homeschool organizations

The following organizations provide advocacy, support, and current information for Kansas homeschool families:

• Teaching Parents Association (TPA) — Largest statewide Christian homeschool organization, with detailed legal guidance — teachingparents.org
• Kansas Home Educators (KHE) — Statewide inclusive organization — kansashomeschool.org
• HSLDA Kansas — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "Kansas homeschool co-op [your city]" typically surfaces groups meeting near you. The statewide organizations listed above maintain co-op directories.

Beyond the legal requirements

Meeting Kansas's legal requirements is only the foundation. The day-to-day work of homeschooling — choosing a curriculum, teaching multiple children at different levels, building a transcript — is the larger task. Once your legal compliance is in order, explore the rest of this site:

Homeschool360 • Kansas State Guide