Yes, homeschooling is legal in Delaware under the state’s homeschool statute, 14 Del. C. § 2703A, provided families comply with annual registration, curriculum approval, and assessment requirements enforced by local school districts and the Delaware Department of Education.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Delaware
- Annual Registration: Families must submit a Notice of Intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent by August 1 each year, including the student’s name, age, address, and proposed curriculum.
- Curriculum Approval: The submitted plan must align with Delaware’s academic standards, covering subjects equivalent to public schools (e.g., language arts, math, science, social studies). Local districts may request lesson plans or portfolios for review.
- Assessment Requirements: By July 31 of each year, homeschoolers must provide standardized test scores or a portfolio review demonstrating academic progress. The Delaware Department of Education (DOE) designates approved evaluators for portfolio assessments.
Local school boards retain discretion to deny or revoke approval if curricula fail to meet state standards. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize digital portfolio submissions and real-time progress tracking via the DOE’s Homeschool Management System, replacing prior paper-based filings. Violations may trigger district-initiated evaluations or mandatory enrollment in public school.