Step 1: Understand Montana's Homeschool Requirements
Montana is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country. The legal requirements are minimal, and the process to get started is simple.
Here's what Montana law requires:
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File an annual notice of intent.
Each school fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), submit a written notification to your county superintendent stating that your child will be homeschooled. There's no mandated form. A letter works fine, though many county offices provide a simple form you can fill out. We recommend putting it in writing so you have a record.
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Meet the minimum instructional hours.
Montana requires 720 hours per year for grades 1-3 and 1,080 hours per year for grades 4-12. That works out to roughly 4 hours a day for younger students and 6 hours a day for older students, spread across your school year. You set your own schedule: year-round, four-day weeks, or whatever fits your family.
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Teach the required subjects.
Montana homeschools must cover the same general subjects taught in public schools: English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, arts, and career education. You choose how and what you teach within each subject. There is no required curriculum.
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Keep attendance records.
Maintain a record of your child's school days. Your county superintendent can request these, so keep them organized. Beyond attendance, no other records are legally required, though many families keep portfolios and work samples for their own reference.
That's it. No standardized testing. No teacher qualifications. No curriculum approval. Montana trusts parents to make the right educational decisions for their children.
Note: As of May 2025, HB778 eliminated the previous requirements for immunization records and building safety compliance for homeschools.