Learn about Home Schooling

Parents of, or persons in parental relation to, compulsory school age children have the legal right to instruct their children at home under Education Law, section 3212(2).

If a child is being educated at home, the Poughkeepsie City School District must be assured that the child is receiving instruction in certain required courses/subjects.

Parents who wish to home school their children must provide written notice of intent to the school district by July 1 each school year. The district must then respond to the family and provide a copy of the home instruction regulations as well as an individualized home instruction plan (IHIP) form to complete. Parents are responsible for identifying the curriculum materials that they will use to instruct their children in the required subject areas.

Full directions for this process, as well as updated home instruction regulations and a variety of form templates, can be found on the Dutchess County BOCES website.

More information can be found on the state Education Department site.