Can Parents Homeschool Their Children in Lawrence Kansas?
In the title of this post I ask the question “can parents homeschool their children in Kansas?”, the answer has to be a resounding YES. It is perfectly legal to homeschool children in Kansas. Certain requirements must be met to satisfy the rules established by The Kansas State Department of Education. The requirements are fairly flexible and straight forward.
Unlike some states, Kansas does not specifically authorize “home instruction” or “home schooling” by state statute. However, Kansas does recognize Non-accredited Independent Schools.
A nonaccredited elementary or secondary private school is one that satisfies the state’s compulsory school attendance laws, but which is not accredited by the state board of education.
Compulsory school attendance laws apply to children between the ages of 7 and 18 (may be under 7 for children identified as handicapped). Every parent, or person acting as parent, of children in that age group must require such children to attend a public, private, denominational, or parochial school for the duration of the school term.
Nonaccredited schools are not required to employ teachers who are certified by the state, but their courses must be taught by competent instructors, and they must hold classes for a period of time which is substantially equivalent to the time public schools are in session in the area in which the nonaccredited school is located (at least 186 days of not less than 6 hours per day, or 1116 hours per year for grades 1-11).
Nonaccredited schools are required by law to register the name and address of the private elementary or secondary school with the state board of education. Registration consists of completing a form provided by the state showing the name and address of the school and the name and address of the official custodian of the school’s records. The act of completing the registration form does not mean the nonaccredited school has been “approved” by the state board of education as a “school” that satisfies the compulsory school attendance law.
No fee is charged for registration of a nonaccredited school.
The Kansas State Department of Education site gives this advice to any family contemplating to homeschool their child or children
Establishing a Homeschool in Kansas
Kansas families are strongly encouraged not to withdraw their children from their current school, especially if that school is a public school, until all preparations for their homeschool have been completed. If children withdraw and do not immediately transfer to a functioning school, they are technically truant. However, if an unacceptable situation exists, for example if school officials are insisting on student testing to which the family objects or if a student’s physical safety is in jeopardy, obviously parents cannot afford to wait. But barring such an extreme situation, there are several recommended steps to establishing a homeschool in Kansas.Register your school with the Kansas State Department of Education. As noted, registration can be accomplished by mail or online at KSDE’s web site.
Establish your homeschool program. Curriculum, lesson plans, schedules, and so forth are the defining characteristics of a “school.” Once these are in place, your homeschool is officially ready to go, and students can enroll at any time.
Enroll with HSLDA. Although legal problems in Kansas are infrequent, it never hurts to have help if problems arise. Home School Legal Defense Association provides the best help around.
Formally withdraw from the current school. Don’t just disappear. Specifically inform the present school (by phone, by letter, or in person) that your student is withdrawing.
This is an introduction to inform you about the legality of the issue. Coming soon a homeschool section with help and tips, suggestions and resources.
