What This Bill Means for Homeschool Families (HB 5468 – CGA Published Version as of 4/7/2026)
A Plain Language Overview for Connecticut Families
🧭 What is changing?
This bill would significantly change how homeschooling (“equivalent instruction”) works in Connecticut.
If passed, homeschooling would no longer be informal.
It would become a registered, monitored process with required reporting to your local school district.
📝 1. You would have to register with the school district
Parents would be required to:
- Go in person to the school district office
- Submit an “Intent to Educate” form
- Declare that your child will be homeschooled
This would apply to:
- new homeschoolers
- families moving into a district
- and others as required under the law
🔁 2. You would have to re-confirm every year
Each year by September 1, parents must submit:
👉 A “Continuation of Equivalent Instruction” form
If the form is not submitted:
- the school district will attempt to contact you
- and may report the situation if no response is received
📊 3. You would have to show proof of education each year
Between March 1 – June 1, parents must submit a:
👉 “Demonstration of Equivalent Instruction”
This can be done by:
- A portfolio (curriculum + student work)
- Standardized testing
- Evidence of courses or programs
This information would be submitted to your local Board of Education for review
🗂️ 4. You must keep records
Parents would be required to:
- Keep homeschool records for at least 3 years
- Including curriculum and student work
🚫 5. New rules when withdrawing from public school
If your child is currently enrolled in public school:
- You must withdraw in person
- The school will request a DCF (child welfare) check
If certain conditions are found:
👉 The withdrawal to homeschool may be denied
📍 6. If you move, you must re-register
Families moving into a new district must:
- Report to the school district within 14 days
- Submit a new intent form
🏫 7. Optional access to public school activities
School districts may allow homeschool students to:
- Take up to 2 classes
- Join extracurricular activities
(Participation is optional and subject to district rules)
💰 8. School districts receive funding tied to homeschoolers
The bill creates a system where:
- Homeschool students are counted
- Funds are directed to districts
These funds are used to:
- review homeschool submissions
- manage the system
⚖️ What does this mean overall?
If enacted, this bill would:
- Require registration and annual reporting
- Require families to submit proof of education
- Allow state involvement in homeschool withdrawal decisions
- Create a formal oversight system managed by school districts
🤝 Final Thought
This proposal represents a shift from:
👉 Parent-directed homeschooling
to:
👉 A regulated system requiring ongoing interaction with the school district
Families should understand these changes fully so they can make informed decisions and participate in the discussion.
This summary is provided for informational purposes to help families understand the proposed legislation. To read the language in the 21-page bill directly, go here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TOB/H/PDF/2026HB-05468-R01-HB.PDF