Homeschool Law in the United States of America: Connecticut

"Homeschooling is legal in all states. The laws governing homeschooling differ from state to state, however. In Connecticut there are two main things homeschoolers need to understand; the law, and the Guidelines. The two sometimes cause confusion for people. The Guidelines (C-4 or C-14) are part of the Suggested Procedure on Home Instruction in CT. The law, is Ct General Statute 10-184 that mandates parents having the care and instruction of their children unless they choose another venue for it."

"Compulsory School Age
“five years of age and over and under eighteen years of age…unless such child is a high school graduate”; five- or six-year-olds may be opted out when the parent goes to the school district and signs an option form."

"In Connecticut there are two main docu- ments related to homeschooling:
The Law – CT General Statute 10-184
The “Guidelines” – C-14 Guidelines"

"These provide suggested procedures for Home Instruction in Connecticut. These guidelines do not carry the force of law. There is no specific statute governing homeschooling in Connecticut, only suggested Guidelines, which as noted are not law. The language in the Guidelines can be at times both vague and contradictory, leading to occasional inconsistencies in interpretation from one school district to another. The following are recommendations of TEACH, in accordance with Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), which we hope will clarify your understanding of how these two documents work together and support your right to homeschool with confidence in Connecticut."

"All parents and those who have the care of children shall bring them up in some lawful and honest employment and instruct them or cause them to be instructed in reading, writing, spelling, English grammar, geography, arithmetic and United States history and in citizenship, including a study of the town, state and federal governments."

"(a) The provisions of sections 10-76a to 10-76h, inclusive, shall not be construed to require any local, regional or state board of education to provide special education programs or services for any child whose parent or guardian has chosen to educate such child in a home or private school in accordance with the provisions of section 10-184 and who refuses to consent to such programs or services.
(b) If any such board of education provides special education programs or services for any child whose parent or guardian has chosen to educate such child in a private school in accordance with the provisions of section 10-184, such programs or services shall be in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 USC 1400 et seq., as amended from time to time."

"(a) The board of education of each local and regional school district shall annually determine by age the number of children of compulsory school age who reside within the jurisdiction of such school district as of January first of each year. Such determination shall be made by (1) enumeration of each such child individually or (2) any reasonable means of accounting approved by the Commissioner of Education."