Homeschooling in Delaware: A Comprehensive Guide

Homeschooling in Delaware offers families the flexibility to tailor education to their children’s unique needs. This guide provides an in-depth look at Delaware’s homeschooling laws, demographics, resources, and more.

Delaware’s Homeschooling Laws and Regulations

Delaware recognizes homeschooling as a form of nonpublic education, offering three distinct classifications:

Single-Family Homeschool: Education of an individual’s own child, primarily by the parent or legal guardian, mainly in their own residence.

Multi-Family Homeschool: Education of children, primarily by the parents or legal guardians, mainly in one or more residences, when the children are not all related to each other as brother or sister. A designated liaison must report enrollment and attendance information for all families involved.

Single-Family Homeschool Coordinated with the Local School District: Education of a child primarily by the parent or legal guardian, mainly in their own residence, using a curriculum approved by the local superintendent or the superintendent’s designee. This option has been discontinued.

To legally homeschool in Delaware, parents must:

Register: Notify the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) of their intent to homeschool through the online system. This notification must include the name and address of the homeschool and parent, and the name, address, date of birth, and grade of each child.
Annual Reporting: Submit an enrollment report by October 5th each year, detailing the number of students in the homeschool, and an attendance report by July 31st, confirming the child’s enrollment in a homeschool program. Failure to report can result in the homeschool being closed and students withdrawn.

Delaware does not mandate specific qualifications for homeschooling parents, nor does it require a minimum number of instructional days or hours. There are no subject requirements, and no state-mandated assessments are required. However, maintaining accurate records of attendance and educational activities is strongly recommended.

Demographics and Population Data

Delaware, the second smallest state in the U.S., has a diverse population. As of the 2020 Census, Delaware’s population was approximately 990,000, with a median age of 41.1 years. The state has a racial composition of about 69% White, 21% Black or African American, 9% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% Asian.

In the 2022–23 school year, Delaware reported 3,467 homeschooled students, with the following racial and ethnic distribution:

68% Caucasian
11% African American
8% Hispanic/Latinx
12% Multi-racial
1% Asian

This reflects a growing diversity in homeschooling, aligning with national trends toward increased diversity among homeschoolers.

Geographic and Regional Context

Delaware is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north and west, Maryland to the south and west, and New Jersey to the east. Its proximity to major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., provides residents with access to a wealth of educational and cultural resources.

Comparisons with National Averages

Nationally, homeschooling has seen significant growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, about 11.1% of U.S. families were homeschooling, slightly higher than Delaware’s 9.1% during the same period. By the 2022–23 school year, approximately 4.85% of K-12 students in Delaware were homeschooled, compared to the national average of around 3.1%.

Local Resources and Contacts

Delaware offers several resources to support homeschooling families:

Delaware Department of Education: Provides guidance on homeschooling requirements and annual reporting. Visit their website for more information.
Delaware Homeschoolers Network: A community organization offering support, resources, and networking opportunities for homeschooling families.
Local School Districts: Some districts may offer special education services to homeschoolers. Contact your local district’s special education office for more details.

Special Education Services

In 2021, Delaware passed Senate Bill 106, classifying homeschool students as private school students for the purpose of special education eligibility. This allows homeschoolers to request services typically provided to private school students, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy. Families should contact their local district’s special education office to inquire about evaluation and support options.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in Delaware provides families with the flexibility to customize their children’s education while adhering to state regulations. By understanding the legal requirements, utilizing available resources, and staying informed about demographic trends, homeschooling families can create a supportive and effective learning environment.

Comprehensive Guide to Homeschooling Laws and Resources in Delaware