FCSD Homeschool Site

Homeschool Expectations

New York State does have specific guidelines that we are required to follow.  Whether you are creating your own lessons or using an online academy, if you live in our district, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires you to meet the below guidelines.

• Read and follow all NYSED instructions and regulations for home instruction.

• Submit a Letter of Intent by August 15th or within 14 days of deciding to homeschool.

• Submit a completed IHIP no later than 4 weeks after receiving the welcome letter and information.

• Keep your contact information current, including address, email and phone number.

• Meet the annual attendance requirements:

  • • Grades 1-6 are required to meet 900 hours of instruction; divided equally over 4 quarters

    • Grades 7-12 are required to meet 990 hours of instruction; divided equally over 4 quarters

• Submit all quarterly reports at the end of each quarter.  

• Submit an appropriate annual assessment no later than June 30th.

  • • Grades K-2 are not required to submit standardized tests unless you choose to do so.  You or someone you designate may write a “Written Narrative Assessment” instead.

    • Grades 3-8 may alternate standardized test and written narrative assessments every other year. For example: Grade 3 written narrative then grade 4 would be standarized test, then grade 5 could be written narrative again.

    • Grades 9-12 are required to have a standardized test each year.  PSAT, ACT, SAT, SAT II, or college/university placement tests and military recruitment exams are also accepted as standardized tests at this grade level.

*All standardized test results below the 33rd percentile will be considered inadequate and your program shall be placed on probation for a period of two years.  A remediation plan will then be required to be submitted prior to submitting the IHIP.

Please note: If your student is a high schooler you MUST submit all required documents each year by June 30th.  Any missing documentation may prevent your child from being eligible to receive a letter of completion.  Based NY guidelines, we cannot accept backdated work, so please send things in as you go.

Important Information on Record Retention

Please note that according to the NYS Department of Education, districts are not required to retain records for home-instructed students.  Parents are required to keep attendance records, and all other documentation.  We highly encourage parents to create and maintain a portfolio for their home-instructed student(s) that is evidence of the student's progress and achievement.  The portfolio should also include any correspondence with the school district.  This portfolio may be helpful should home-instructed students decide to seek admission to college or military recruitment.