Homeschooling in Montana
Montana allows families to homeschool their children. In addition, families homeschooling in Montana may enroll their children part-time in public schools, combining homeschool with public school courses or programs. This provides flexibility for families who want to homeschool while accessing specific public school resources.
Program Type: Homeschooling with an option to enroll part-time for public school courses
Cost: $ Variable – Homeschooling is dependent on what or how the family chooses to teach; part-time public school enrollment is free
Homeschool Requirements in Montana:
1. Registration:
- Register the homeschool with the county superintendent of schools
- Provide annual notice of attendance to the county superintendent
2. Required Instructional Hours:
- Grades 1-3: 720 hours minimum
- Grades 4-12: 1,080 hours minimum
3. Required Subjects: Must teach the following subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- History
- Health
- Arts
- Career and Technical Education
- Ethical Behavior
4. Record Keeping:
- Maintain attendance records
- Keep immunization records
- Document curriculum and student progress
Part-Time Public School Enrollment:
Homeschooled students may enroll part-time in public schools, allowing them to access:
- Specific courses (advanced math, science labs, foreign languages, etc.)
- Extracurricular activities (sports, music, drama, clubs)
- Support services (special education, counseling, etc.)
- Specialized programs (CTE, STEM, arts)
How Part-Time Enrollment Works:
- Register as homeschool family with county superintendent
- Contact local public school about part-time enrollment options
- Discuss which courses or programs student will attend
- Coordinate schedule with school
- Student attends public school for specific classes/activities while continuing homeschool for other subjects
Benefits of Combining Homeschool with Public School:
- Access to specialized courses or equipment (science labs, art studios, athletic facilities)
- Socialization opportunities with peers
- Professional instruction in specific subjects
- Extracurricular participation (sports, music, clubs)
- Maintains flexibility and autonomy of homeschooling for core subjects
Teacher Qualifications: Montana does not require homeschool parents to have teaching certification. Parents can teach their own children at home.
Testing Requirements: Montana does not mandate standardized testing for homeschool students. However, families should consider preparing for SAT/ACT if student is college-bound.
Typical Costs for Homeschooling in Montana (without Scholarships):
- Low-cost: $300-$600/year using free resources, library materials, budget curricula
- Mid-range: $600-$1,500/year with packaged curricula
- High-end: $1,500-$3,000+/year with comprehensive programs, online courses, co-op fees
Scholarship Options for Homeschoolers:
- Tax-credit scholarships through SSOs may fund tutoring, curriculum, or other approved services for homeschool students
- Check with individual SSOs about eligibility for homeschool expenses
- Traditional private school scholarships are designed for full-time school enrollment, not homeschool
College Admissions: Montana homeschool students are regularly admitted to colleges and universities. Requirements vary by institution:
- Maintain detailed high school transcripts
- SAT/ACT scores typically required
- Some colleges may require additional documentation or portfolio review
Homeschool Support: Montana has active homeschool support groups, co-ops, and resources throughout the state.