Please reach us at rachel@homeschoolmt.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Statement of Collaboration Between Homeschool Montana and the Montana Coalition of Home Educators
Homeschool Montana exists to equip and encourage homeschool parents, protect homeschool freedom, and connect homeschool families across our state. We serve Montana families by providing resources, community, leadership, and support so parents are confident and well-prepared in their homeschool journey. This includes coordinating events, trainings, and gatherings that strengthen families, foster connection, and support the long-term vitality of homeschooling in Montana.
From the very beginning of this endeavor, Homeschool Montana has been grateful for valuable conversations with Steve White, a well-respected and trusted voice in Montana’s homeschool community. We sincerely value and fully support the Montana Coalition of Home Educators’ (MCHE) vital and longstanding role in protecting homeschool freedom in our state. MCHE faithfully monitors legislation, tracks bills that impact homeschool families, engages with legislators and key decision-makers, and takes principled stands at the Capitol when advocacy is required.
Homeschool Montana will work to disseminate accurate information and expand the reach to homeschool families across Montana, ensuring parents are informed, connected, and supported. Our organizations share a common mission: to preserve and strengthen the freedom to homeschool in Montana. Homeschool Montana is deeply grateful for MCHE’s dedication to legislative vigilance and advocacy, recognizing that this work is essential to maintaining the freedoms that allow homeschool families to thrive.
Together, Homeschool Montana and the Montana Coalition of Home Educators are committed to educating and equipping families, remaining vigilant in the protection of homeschool freedoms, and working collaboratively to serve Montana’s homeschool community with unity, integrity, and purpose.
Notify your County Superintendent annually before the first day of public school in your district.
Some County Superintendents send a form or provide a form on their website. You are NOT required to use their form. Here is a sample NOI form to use.
We suggest emailing your form, using certified mail to send a hard copy, or taking your form in person to the Superintendent's office to receive a stamped receipt. All of these options provide you with a NOI paper trail.
If your child is already enrolled in a public or private school and you decide to start homeschooling, you’ll need to let the school know. If you begin homeschooling during the school year, make sure you withdraw your child before their first day at home. If you plan to start after summer break but your child is already registered for the fall, it’s best to withdraw before the new school year begins. This helps avoid any confusion with absences or truancy.
Most schools have their own withdrawal forms or procedures. We recommend following those whenever possible. If the school’s process feels unreasonable or overly complicated, you can simply mail a written withdrawal letter (see this sample letter) to the principal by Certified Mail—Return Receipt Requested. Keep a copy of the letter and the mailing receipt for your records.
If you’re not sure how to use the sample letter, you’re welcome to contact the HSLDA Legal Department for guidance.
NOTE: If your child has never attended a public or private school, you don’t need to go through a withdrawal process.
Many homeschooling families look for “accredited” programs, believing this ensures smooth re-entry into public school or wide acceptance of a homeschool diploma by colleges and vocational schools. However, not all programs claiming to be “accredited” meet Montana’s official accreditation standards.
In Montana, true accreditation is governed by the Montana Board of Education and administered by the Office of Public Instruction (OPI), which requires compliance with specific standards such as certified teachers and approved curriculum. Home and private programs typically do not meet these standards.
Families are advised to ask for proof of OPI-approved accreditation from any program claiming to be accredited in Montana. Some families have faced difficulties with school re-entry or college admission because the programs they used were not officially recognized.
For over 35 years Montana home educators have benefitted from important legal counsel and assistance provided by Home School Legal Defense Association.
HSLDA provides legal protection, one-on-one homeschool coaching and practical resources for homeschooling. HSLDA will protect your right to homeschool in court, advocate for homeschool freedoms in our Montana legislature and work to advance homeschooling in the public arena.
Please consider joining this important association!
The short answer is yes! See our MT Homeschool Laws page for more details.
No. Homeschoolers choose their own schedule!
Common approaches:
Things that may shape your schedule:
No. In Montana (and most states), parents do not need teaching credentials to homeschool. You just need to meet the Montana requirements.
Yes. Parents can issue a diploma when their teen completes coursework. Colleges and employers readily accept homeschool diplomas. Check out our Homeschooling High School page for more details.
Costs vary widely—anywhere from free (using libraries and online resources) to several hundred dollars per child, depending on curriculum and extras. Check out this article from HSLDA.
Worried about costs? Attend the 2026 Convention and listen to Aby Rinella share about Affordable Homeschooling.
Absolutely! Your homeschooler can get a head start on higher education while still in high school. Through credit-earning opportunities, homeschool students can save time, save money, and experience the challenge of college-level learning—all while building confidence for the future. Whether your student is exploring interests or already aiming for a degree, earning college credit in high school is a smart way to open doors and expand possibilities. Check out our Homeschooling High School page for more details.
Plan on attending our College Credit for High Schoolers event at the 2026 Montana Homeschool Convention.
Homeschool Montana
PO Box 4314 | Helena, MT | 59604
Copyright © 2026 Homeschool MT - All Rights Reserved.
Homeschool Montana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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