Homeschooling in Kansas: the law and how to start

Yes. Kansas has no separate homeschool statute; instead, KSDE classifies all homeschools as nonaccredited private schools (NAPS). A child attending a registered NAPS that meets the law's requirements satisfies compulsory attendance.

To operate as a NAPS, you:

• register the school's name and address with the State Board of Education;
• use competent instructors (a state teaching license isn't required);
• provide instruction for a period substantially equivalent to the time public schools are in session.

In 2026 the legislature considered SB 338, which would have written a definition of "home school" into the private school statute. The bill died in committee, so the NAPS framework is unchanged.

• Register your school with KSDE. Use KSDE's free online registration form. You give the school's name and address and name the official custodian of the school's records. There's no approval step, and KSDE says it does not send a confirmation, so print or save a copy of what you submit.
• Register once. You don't re-register every year; update KSDE if your school's details change.
• Withdraw from your child's current school. KSDE says the parent must notify the school the child previously attended when they transfer to a NAPS — otherwise the school is required by law to report the child as truant. Give the school a copy of your registration and keep one for your records.
• Plan your school year to meet the "substantially equivalent" time requirement (see below).

Kansas law doesn't list required subjects for nonaccredited private schools, and KSDE doesn't supply books, curriculum materials or technical help. You choose what and how to teach.

The time requirement is that instruction must run for a period substantially equivalent to public school sessions. For reference, KSDE notes that public schools must provide at least 186 days of at least six hours a day, or 1,116 hours a year for grades 1–11. Keeping an attendance log is an easy way to show you meet this.

Kansas has no testing or evaluation requirement for homeschools. The State Board of Education does not review or approve nonaccredited private schools.

Because your registration names an official custodian of records, it's sensible to keep: a copy of your registration, attendance records, a summary of courses and materials, work samples, and any tests you choose to give. These records help if your child returns to public school, applies to college or needs to show proof of schooling.

As a nonaccredited private school, you set graduation requirements and issue your own high school diploma. KSDE notes that the state does not recognize NAPS diplomas as meeting any state requirements, so colleges and employers will look at your transcript and test scores instead.

Keep a clear transcript with course titles, credits and grades. Many colleges also want ACT or SAT scores from homeschooled applicants; check the admission requirements of the colleges your teen is considering.

Activities: A 2023 Kansas law requires school districts to let homeschooled (and virtual) middle and high school students take part in activities overseen by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA), as long as they meet the law's eligibility conditions. Participation has grown quickly since the law took effect. Ask your resident district about its process, residency rules and academic eligibility requirements before the season starts.

Part-time classes: Kansas law lets a child enrolled in a nonaccredited private school also enroll part time in their resident school district for courses or services, and each district must adopt a part-time enrollment policy and publish it on its website.

If you think your child has a disability, contact your local school district about an evaluation; districts must locate and evaluate children with disabilities who live in the district, including those in private schools.

Kansas has statewide homeschool organizations as well as local support groups, co-ops and sports leagues. Public libraries and museums around the state offer programs that suit homeschoolers.

For questions about registration, KSDE's nonaccredited private schools page lists a contact email and phone number.