Homeschooling in Delaware: Requirements, Costs, and How to Start
Delaware requires minimal paperwork — file a notice and you're set.
Last reviewed by the HomeschoolOS Compliance Team
Always verify with Delaware's Department of Education before filing or submitting compliance documents — laws change, and edge cases can apply.
Key Takeaways
- Compulsory school attendance in Delaware applies to children ages 5 through 16.
- Delaware requires homeschool families to file a notice of intent or similar notification with the state or local district.
- Delaware does not require standardized testing for homeschool students.
- Delaware does not require a homeschool portfolio.
Delaware offers three legal homeschool pathways, and most families choose one of the first two. A "single-family" homeschool serves only one family's children and reports enrollment to the Delaware Department of Education by September 30, plus an attendance count by July 31. A "multi-family" homeschool can serve a co-op of multiple families with the same reporting cadence. The third pathway is district-coordinated and rarely used. None of the three requires teacher credentials, standardized testing, portfolio review, or specific subjects. Compulsory attendance applies to ages 5–16. The annual reporting is genuinely lightweight — two web-form submissions per year — and the Department's homeschool guidance is unusually clear and well-maintained. Delaware families benefit from a homeschool-friendly statewide community that organizes co-ops, field trips, and standardized-testing opportunities for families who want them on a voluntary basis. If you're moving to Delaware from a more regulated state, the operational change is small; if you're moving from an unregulated state, the two annual web forms are the only added friction.
At a Glance
Compulsory Ages
5–16
Regulation Level
Low regulation
Notification
Required
Testing
Not required
Portfolio
Not required
Is homeschooling legal in Delaware?
Yes — homeschooling is legal in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, including Delaware. Delaware keeps the legal footprint light: a single notice of intent and minimal ongoing reporting is generally all that is required.
Delaware Homeschool Requirements: Detailed Breakdown
Notification Required
Yes — must file with your district or state
Testing Required
No testing required
Portfolio Required
No portfolio required
Details
Report enrollment by Sept 30 and attendance by July 31 via DDOE website. Three options: single-family, multi-family, or district-coordinated. No teacher qualifications or testing required for any option.
How much does it cost to homeschool in Delaware?
Most Delaware homeschool families spend roughly $500 to $2,500 per child per year. The exact figure depends on whether you build your own curriculum from low-cost or free resources (libraries, Khan Academy, open educational materials), use a packaged curriculum, or layer in tutoring, co-ops, and enrichment classes. Standardized testing fees, when required, typically run $30–$50 per test.
Delaware does not currently have a widely-known statewide homeschool scholarship or ESA program with universal eligibility. Check Delaware's school choice landscape annually — programs are expanding rapidly across the country.
Can homeschool students play public school sports in Delaware?
Public school sports access for homeschool students varies by district in Delaware, and the rules are typically set by the state high school athletic association rather than the legislature. Many districts allow participation under state equal-access laws or athletic association rules; others have restrictions tied to part-time enrollment or residency.
Contact your local school district's athletic director directly to confirm what your child can participate in this year, and consult HSLDA's Delaware page for the current statewide picture.
Homeschooling high school in Delaware: transcripts, diplomas, and college
In Delaware, homeschool families are responsible for issuing their own high school diploma and maintaining their own transcript. Colleges across the country routinely admit homeschool graduates — many state universities have published homeschool admission policies, and selective private colleges increasingly recruit homeschoolers actively.
Most Delaware homeschool teens strengthen their college applications by taking the SAT or ACT, completing dual-enrollment courses at a local community college, building a portfolio of meaningful projects, and securing strong recommendations from adult mentors outside the family. HomeschoolOS includes a transcript and GPA generator that pulls from the lessons, grades, and credit-hour data you log throughout the year.
How do I withdraw my child from public school to homeschool in Delaware?
Generate your Delawarewithdrawal letter →
Free 90-second wizard. Letter, attendance log, and 30/60/90 checklist as PDFs. No account.
The standard procedure
- Submit a written withdrawal letter to your child's current school principal. Keep a copy and obtain confirmation of receipt.
- File your homeschool notice of intent with Delaware's appropriate state or district office, following the state's required cadence and content. This establishes your homeschool legally and ends the public school's compulsory-attendance jurisdiction.
- Begin tracking attendance, lessons, and any required portfolio work from day one — in Delaware, your records protect you against any later truancy or state-requirement question.
Delaware homeschool community and resources
The most useful Delaware homeschool resources for new families are typically a statewide convention or association, a local co-op for weekly community, and HSLDA for legal questions.
- HSLDA — Delaware — Legal-defense membership and current statutory analysis. Visit page
- Local co-ops and Facebook groups— Search “[your city] Delawarehomeschool” on Facebook to find weekly co-ops, park days, and field-trip groups that match your child's age and your educational philosophy.
How Homeschool OS tracks Delaware's requirements
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start homeschooling in Delaware?
To start homeschooling in Delaware, you must file a notice of intent with your local school district or state education agency. Compulsory education applies to children ages 5 through 16.
Do I need to notify anyone to homeschool in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware requires homeschool families to file a notice of intent or similar notification with their local school district or state education agency.
Is testing required for homeschoolers in Delaware?
No. Delaware does not require standardized testing or assessments for homeschooled students.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Delaware?
Delaware does not mandate specific subjects for homeschool instruction.
What ages are covered by compulsory education in Delaware?
Children ages 5 through 16 are subject to compulsory education laws in Delaware.
How much does it cost to homeschool in Delaware?
Most homeschool families in Delaware spend roughly $500 to $2,500 per child per year on curriculum, supplies, testing fees, and enrichment. The exact figure depends on whether you build your own program from low-cost resources or use a packaged curriculum.
Can homeschool students play public school sports in Delaware?
Public school sports access for homeschool students varies by district in Delaware. Many districts allow participation under state equal-access laws or athletic association rules; others have restrictions. Contact your local district directly, and consult HSLDA's Delaware page for the current statewide picture.
Can homeschool students earn a diploma and go to college in Delaware?
Yes. Homeschool families in Delaware are responsible for issuing their own high school diploma and transcript. Colleges across the country routinely admit homeschool graduates; many Delaware families strengthen their applications with SAT or ACT scores, dual-enrollment courses at a local community college, and a portfolio of meaningful projects.
How do I withdraw my child from public school to homeschool in Delaware?
In Delaware, withdrawing from public school typically involves submitting a written withdrawal letter to the school principal and filing your homeschool notice of intent with the appropriate state or district office. The notification protects you from truancy concerns and establishes your homeschool legally for the school year.
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This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements with your state's department of education before relying on this data.