Colorado Homeschool Notice of Intent: How to File and What It Requires

Before you start homeschooling in Colorado, you need to file a Notice of Intent with your local school district. It's a simple form — but "simple" doesn't mean families don't get it wrong. A missed renewal, the wrong recipient, or an incomplete form can technically put you in violation of compulsory attendance law even though you're actively teaching your children every day.

Here's exactly how the NOI process works under CRS §22-33-104.5.

What the Notice of Intent Is

The NOI is a written notification you file with the administrative unit (your local school district) informing them that your child will be educated at home. It is not an application. You are not asking for permission. You are providing required notice.

Colorado is a notification-only state — the district cannot approve or deny your homeschool. They can only receive your notice. Once filed, you are legally operating as a homeschool family under state law.

What the NOI Must Include

Colorado's Notice of Intent is minimal by design. Under CRS §22-33-104.5, it must include:

1. The child's name
2. The child's age
3. The address of the home school
4. The number of hours of instruction per day (at least 4 hours average)

That's it. The law does not require you to list your curriculum, your teaching qualifications, your educational philosophy, or your schedule. Districts sometimes send forms that ask for more — you are not legally required to provide information beyond what the statute requires, though many families fill out whatever the district sends to avoid friction.

When to File

You must file the NOI at least 14 days before beginning homeschool instruction. If you're withdrawing from a public school mid-year, that 14-day window starts when you submit the NOI — so send it before your child's last day of attendance if you want a clean transition.

For new families starting at the beginning of the school year, filing in late July or early August gives you plenty of lead time.

Filing With the Right Office

The NOI goes to the administrative unit — meaning the superintendent's office of your local school district, not a specific school. Look for the district's central administrative office contact. Many districts now accept NOIs by email; some still require mail or in-person delivery. Check your district's website or call the superintendent's office to confirm the preferred method.

If your child attends a public school or charter school and you're transitioning to homeschool, you'll also want to notify that school separately — but the legal requirement is to file with the district, not the individual school.

Annual Renewal

This is where many families stumble: the NOI must be renewed every year. There is no permanent filing. If you forget to renew and a district employee notices, you're technically out of compliance even if you've been homeschooling successfully for years.

Set a calendar reminder in late July to renew your NOI each year. Many families file it the same week they start their new school year planning. Once you've done it twice, it takes about five minutes.

The only exception: families enrolled under a private school or umbrella school handle their compliance through the umbrella, not directly with the district. If you're registered with Statheros Academy, Poudre River School, or a similar organization, confirm with them whether they handle NOI filing on your behalf or whether you file separately.

Compulsory Age and When the NOI Stops

Colorado's compulsory attendance law applies to children ages 6 (by August 1 of the school year) through 17. Once your child turns 16, the NOI requirement no longer applies — you may continue homeschooling but are not legally required to file. Most families continue filing through graduation for documentation purposes, but it is not required.

You do not need to file an NOI for a child under age 6, even if you're providing structured academic instruction.

What Happens After You File

Nothing, in most cases. Colorado districts are not authorized to audit your homeschool without probable cause, and they must provide 14 days' written notice before any inspection. The vast majority of Colorado homeschool families file their NOI annually and never have any further contact with their district.

Keep a copy of every NOI you file — either a timestamped email receipt or a copy of your mailed letter — as part of your permanent homeschool records.

Common NOI Mistakes

Not renewing annually. The most frequent error. Auto-reminders help.

Filing with the wrong office. The NOI goes to the district superintendent's administrative office, not to your child's former school building.

Waiting until after you start. The 14-day advance requirement means if you pull your child from school on a Monday, you should have already filed the previous week, not on Monday morning.

Providing more information than required. Some districts send detailed questionnaires. You are not legally required to list your curriculum, your teaching credentials, or your daily schedule. Answering optional questions isn't harmful, but families sometimes feel pressured into sharing more than the law requires.

Assuming the umbrella school handles it. If you're with an umbrella school, verify explicitly whether they file the NOI or whether you do. Assumptions in either direction create gaps.

The Colorado Portfolio & Assessment Templates include an NOI tracking sheet and a year-by-year compliance checklist so you never lose track of your filing status across multiple children or school years.

See more United States homeschool guides →