Homeschooling in Wyoming

Wyoming has been a homeschool-friendly state since 1985, and HB 46 (effective July 1, 2025) made it even simpler — the homeschool entity is NO LONGER required to submit curriculum to the local school district. Now families simply file an annual letter of intent. Wyoming law explicitly states that homeschool families cannot be required to teach 'any concept, topic, or practice in conflict with [their] religious doctrines.' Wyoming also offers ESA grant funding through the Hathaway Scholarship and other programs. Compulsory ages 7-16.

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: Two pathways — Home-Based Educational Program OR Parochial/Church/Religious School under W.S. 21-4-101.

Notification: Annual letter of intent to local school district board. Per HB 46 (effective July 1, 2025), homeschool entities are NO LONGER required to submit curriculum to the local district..

Instructional time: No specific days/hours required..

Required subjects: Sequentially progressive curriculum in 7 fundamental subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, civics, history, literature, and science (W.S. 21-4-101(a)(vi))..

Testing and evaluation: NO state-mandated testing. Homeschool students are 'invited' (optional) to take the state assessment free of charge..

What Wyoming families need to know

**ANNUAL LETTER OF INTENT** (W.S. 21-4-101(a)(v)): submit to the local school district board each year. Most families use Homeschool Wyoming's free downloadable form OR write their own letter with required information. Recommended to send via Certified Mail with Return Receipt.

**HB 46 OF 2025** (effective July 1, 2025): MAJOR DEREGULATION — the homeschool entity is NO LONGER required to submit curriculum to the local school district. Per WDE: 'Per HB 46, effective July 1, 2025, the homeschooling entity is no longer required to submit this curriculum to the local school district.' Significant simplification.

**'Basic academic educational program'** defined by W.S. 21-4-101: 'a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction' in 7 subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, civics, history, literature, and science. The curriculum requirements DO NOT require any private school or home-based educational program to teach concepts in conflict with parents' religious doctrines.

**Religious freedom protection**: Wyoming law explicitly states families cannot be required to teach concepts conflicting with their religious doctrines.

**No teacher qualifications required**: any parent or legal guardian may instruct their children at home.

**No specific attendance, instruction time, or recordkeeping requirements** under state law. Voluntary recordkeeping recommended for transcripts and college applications.

**Sports access** (Wyoming Activities Association / WHSAA): generally permitted with conditions. Homeschool students have the right to participate in extracurricular activities offered by their local public school in many districts. Specific rules vary by district.

**Homeschool diploma**: per Wyoming law, a homeschool diploma is a valid high school completion credential when issued in accordance with Wyoming law. Should be accompanied by a formal, notarized transcript signed by parent(s).

**Hathaway Scholarship**: state-funded merit scholarship program. Homeschool graduates ARE ELIGIBLE — with specific requirements and procedures detailed by Homeschool Wyoming.

**ESA Grant Funding**: Wyoming offers ESA grants for homeschool families. Approved vendors include online learning programs (e.g., ABCmouse is approved). Grant funding can cover subscription costs and educational materials.

**Wyoming Educational Standards**: voluntary guidelines, not legally required for homeschool families.

**Withdrawal from public school**: if your child is currently enrolled, formally withdraw before beginning homeschool. We recommend HSLDA membership for individualized advice.

**Parochial/Church/Religious School option**: alternative pathway for families who want to homeschool under religious institutional oversight. Different requirements than home-based educational program.

**Wyoming homeschool growth**: post-pandemic homeschool numbers remain elevated. About 7.30% of K-12 students were homeschooled in 2023-24 (above national average).

Compulsory attendance: ages 7-16 (child is school age if 7 by Sept 15, through 16 or completion of 10th grade).

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

Diploma recognition

Wyoming homeschool parents issue their own diplomas with notarized transcripts. Per Wyoming law, this homeschool diploma is a valid high school completion credential. Wyoming public colleges (University of Wyoming, Wyoming community colleges) accept homeschool transcripts. Strong ACT/SAT scores significantly strengthen applications. The Hathaway Scholarship is available to homeschool graduates — check Homeschool Wyoming's Hathaway Scholarship Course for specific qualification requirements.

Getting started in Wyoming

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

1. Read the statute. Visit the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) 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. Wyoming 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. Wyoming 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.

Wyoming homeschool organizations

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

• Homeschool Wyoming — Largest statewide homeschool organization with Hathaway Scholarship guidance — homeschoolwy.org
• Wyoming Homeschoolers — Inclusive statewide network
• HSLDA Wyoming — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "Wyoming 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 Wyoming'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 • Wyoming State Guide