This page was last updated on September 20, 2021 at 10:20 AM.
General Questions
Is the Office of Home Schooling open?
In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, New York City Department of Education central offices are open by appointment only. Please email homeschool@schools.nyc.gov to schedule an appointment.
May I still register for home schooling?
Yes. Parents and guardians can commence home schooling at any time by providing a Letter of Intent to home school. To register, Go to the Documents section of our webpage. Complete and email the 2021-2022 Letter of Intent form for any child(ren) you need to register for the first time to LetterofIntent@schools.nyc.gov.
Is Home schooling the same as Medically Necessary Instruction?
No. Homeschooling is an education model in which parents educate their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional public or private school. In homeschool, the parent or guardian is responsible for the education of their child. They choose the subjects to be taught (based on a child’s age and ability) as well as the curriculum and methods of teaching, plan the schedule, and teach or facilitate instruction. Homeschooling is independent, parent-directed, and parent-funded education.
Any family with a student who is immunocompromised due to a medical condition or treatment for an orthopedic, non-orthopedic/medical, or psychiatric reasons a medical condition may apply for medically necessary instruction. Visit the Medically Necessary Instruction page to get additional information about the application process and eligibility.
How can I contact your office? Can I drop off forms in person?
Please send an email to homeschool@schools.nyc.gov to request an appointment to visit 333 7th Avenue in person. Most requests can be accomplished with an email, and do not need an office visit, including the submission of a Letter of Intent.
Families are welcome to email all forms, documents, and questions to homeschool@schools.nyc.gov. If you’d like to speak to someone directly email homeschool@schools.nyc.gov with your name, number, and best time to call you back.
Can I take a picture of a form or document and send it in to you?
Yes. We are able to accept submissions in Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, as well as email text or digital photos taken with your smartphone. If you submit a document via Google Docs, please ensure the document is not password protected. For Apple Mac users, please export files created in Pages into Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word format. You may also simply type submissions directly into the body of an email.
Do I still have to submit an annual Letter of Intent, Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), and Quarterly Reports?
Yes. A Letter of Intent is required for all students (including those who were home schooled in the 2020-21 school year). An Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) is also required each year a student is home schooled. You should submit Quarterly Reports as indicated on the child’s approved IHIP. The fourth quarterly report for all students is due on June 30, 2022.
Are home schooled students eligible to be loaned a laptop/iPad ?
No. Only students enrolled in a public district school are eligible
Are home schooled students able to return to district schools?
Yes. Parents and guardians should contact their nearest Family Welcome Center for assistance. The Family Welcome Center office locations are similarly closed, but their staff is available for support via email. Please note that vaccine regulations are still in effect and children must meet NYC immunization requirements.
Where can I find forms and templates? Do I have to use the templates, or can I use my own?
Visit our web page https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/home-schoolingand scroll to the bottom for forms and templates in multiple languages. You are not required to use these forms. You may use your own or a form generated by an online program.
Annual Assessment Update
Are New York State tests cancelled for school year 2021-22?
We anticipate guidance from the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) on State testing for SY 22.
Can I still submit an annual assessment to demonstrate learning outcomes for 2020-21?
Yes. The NYC Office of Home Schooling will accept an annual assessment from families that choose to do so as part of a portfolio of student achievement for school year 2020-21.
You may submit a written narrative or the results of achievement test.
Parents, at their discretion, may prepare the written narrative or determine who prepares the written narrative. For more information visit the NYSED Home Instructions page. A sample template is available on the Home Schooling page.
Parents and/or individuals listed on the Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) may purchase, administer, and score achievement tests.
See below for a list of tests, available from multiple vendors:
- Iowa Assessments (formerly Iowa Test of Basic Skills)
- Stanford Achievement Test Series (formerly Stanford Test of Basic Skills)
- Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (now known as TerraNova® Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) Plus Edition for grades K-12)
- California Achievement Test
- P.A.S.S. (Personalized Assessment of Student Success) Test
- Metropolitan Achievement Test
Are there other tests available other than the ones above?
No.
Are there any other changes to NYSED Commissioner’s Regulation (CR) Part 100.10?
Please check the NYSED website for updates from the Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department's Home Instruction web page
Where can I find a copy of the State regulations on home schooling?
NYSED CR Part 100.10 and the accompanying Q&A can be found on the NYSED Home Schooling Page.