MONTANA HOMESCHOOL LAW
by Rachel Dombach
PARENT REQUIREMENTS
Under Montana law, a homeschool is defined as “instruction by a parent of the parent’s child, stepchild, or ward in the parent’s residence.” Parents who homeschool are granted both the right and responsibility to direct all aspects of the educational program. This includes setting educational philosophy, choosing curriculum and materials, determining instructional methods and scheduling, and overseeing evaluation of instruction. There is no requirement for parents to hold teaching credentials or other qualifications.
PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS
PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS
Homeschooling families in Montana must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) to homeschool with the County Superintendent of Schools each year before the start of the school fiscal year (which generally aligns with the public school calendar). This notice establishes that a child is lawfully enrolled in homeschool rather than public school. There is no official NOI form that must be used. Parents can choose to use a form provided by the County Superintendent or this sample NOI.
Parents must also maintain attendance records and provide them only if requested by the County Superintendent. There is no legal attendance record form that must be used. Parents can simply write a letter or email stating that their children have completed the required attendance for the school year.
There is no requirement to file curriculum plans with the county superintendent or any state authority. Curriculum remains a parent-directed decision.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Montana’s compulsory attendance law applies to all children aged 7 through 16. This means that children in this age range must be enrolled in either public school, non-public (private) school, or homeschool. Homeschooling provides an option that fulfills the compulsory education requirement.
OVERSIGHT REQUIREMENTS
OVERSIGHT REQUIREMENTS
The primary oversight obligations for homeschooling families in Montana are:
- Filing the annual Notice of Intent;
- Maintaining attendance records (to be provided only upon request);
- Providing at least the minimum aggregate hours of instruction required by law;
- Offering an organized program of study that includes the subjects required in Montana public schools.
SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
Montana law requires that homeschooled students be provided an organized course of study that includes instruction in the subjects typically required of public schools. These subjects, defined in the administrative rules of the Board of Public Education, include:
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Arts
- Health and Physical Education
- Career Education
Parents must ensure a structured course of study covering these areas, but are not required to submit this documentation to the county or state. The law also clarifies that homeschoolers are not required to comply with building safety or health codes intended for school facilities. These protections were reinforced by House Bill 778, signed into law in May 2025.
TIME REQUIREMENTS
TIME REQUIREMENTS
Instructional time must meet the minimum aggregate hours established by law under MCA 20-1-301:
- Grades 1–3: 720 hours per school year
- Grades 4–12: 1,080 hours per school year
Parents must maintain records demonstrating that these minimum instructional hours are met, though records of instructional hours may not be requested by the County Superintendent.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Montana homeschool law does not specify state-mandated graduation requirements for homeschoolers. Families may choose their own high school completion standards, issue their own diplomas, or align with external programs/curricula as they see fit. Diplomas issued by homeschooling families are generally accepted for college admissions and employment, though individual institutions may set their own criteria.
ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
Neither Montana statutes nor Homeschool Montana guidance require standardized testing or periodic academic assessments for homeschooled students. There is also no mandated portfolio review, evaluation conference, or similar assessment unless parents voluntarily participate in such activities. Instructional evaluation is fully parent-directed.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
As of May 13, 2025, due to the passage of HB 778, homeschooling families are no longer required to maintain or make immunization records available to the County Superintendent simply because they homeschool. This change removed immunization documentation as a homeschool compliance obligation.
It is important to note that, if homeschooled students enroll in public school on a part-time basis, they must meet that public school’s immunization requirements.
OTHER
Part-Time Public School Enrollment:
OTHER
Part-Time Public School Enrollment:
Homeschool students may enroll in local public schools on a part-time basis for specific classes or services. School districts are required to admit part-time students provided they meet applicable requirements, including any immunization or program criteria set by a district.
Extracurricular Activities:
Extracurricular Activities:
Homeschooled students have the right to participate in public-school extracurricular activities, including athletics and clubs, provided they meet the same eligibility standards as public-school students (e.g., grade and immunization requirements, compliance with organizational rules). Verification of academic eligibility for homeschool students is done by a parent in writing and is confirmed by a school principal.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
Homeschooling in Montana is characterized by parental autonomy with minimal state interference. Parents must notify the County Superintendent annually of their intent to homeschool, maintain attendance and instructional-hour records, and provide a course of study covering required subjects. There are no teacher qualifications, testing, or state-imposed graduation requirements, and recent legislative changes have reduced compliance obligations such as immunization record-keeping. This framework offers a flexible environment for families to tailor their children's education while still complying with basic statutory requirements.
*****
Rachel Dombach is a long-time homeschooling mother and leader in Montana’s homeschool community who has homeschooled her four boys from the beginning. As a pastor’s wife, she is deeply committed to serving families and strengthening church and community life, with a heart for encouraging parents to confidently embrace their God-given role in educating and discipling their children. She serves as the State Coordinator for TeenPact Montana, which equips students to engage in civic life and develop principled leadership grounded in biblical values. Rachel is also heavily involved in supporting and connecting homeschool families across the state and currently serves as President and Executive Director of Homeschool Montana, a non-profit homeschool association dedicated to equipping families, strengthening local homeschool groups, and protecting the freedom to homeschool in Montana.
