Homeschool connections
How To Homeschool Your Child in New York State
Homeschooling in New York
Introduction
Homeschooling is one of the fastest-growing educational choices for families seeking a more personalized, flexible, and meaningful learning experience.
Whether you're looking for a customized academic path, greater flexibility, or an environment where your child can truly thrive, homeschooling offers the freedom to tailor education to your child's unique strengths, interests, and goals.
At LEAP's Homeschool Connections (HSC), we believe families shouldn't have to choose between the flexibility of homeschooling and the benefits of expert educators, engaging enrichment, and a vibrant learning community. Our program combines the best of both worlds, providing academic excellence, hands-on learning, and meaningful social experiences within a supportive environment.
Ready to get started? If you reside in New York City, begin by reviewing the official NYC homeschooling requirements below.
How to get your child started on their homeschool journey?
To begin homeschooling in New York City, you'll first need to submit a Letter of Intent to the NYC Public Schools Office of Home Schooling.
Within 10 business days of receiving your Letter of Intent, the Office of Home Schooling will acknowledge your request and provide information about the next steps, including submitting your Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP).
Your IHIP outlines your child's educational program for the school year and helps ensure your homeschool plan meets New York State requirements.
For the latest forms and requirements, always refer to the official NYC Public Schools website.
Why Families Choose Homeschooling
Homeschooling is about more than learning at home; it's about creating an education that reflects your child's individual needs, interests, and pace.
-
Families choose homeschooling to:
-
Personalize their child's education
-
Learn at a pace that supports mastery
-
Create greater flexibility for family life
-
Foster curiosity and a love of learning
-
Provide individualized academic support
-
Reduce unnecessary stress and pressure
-
Explore learning beyond the traditional classroom
-
Build confidence and independenc
Every family's journey is unique, and homeschooling offers the freedom to design an educational experience that works best for your child.
Contents of the IHIP
Your Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) should include:
-
Student's name, age, and grade level
-
List of required instructional subjects
-
Curriculum, textbooks, or educational resources (if applicable)
-
The individual(s) providing instruction
-
A brief outline of your educational plan for the school year
Requirements vary by grade level. Download the appropriate template below to help you get started.
4 dates of quarterly reporting
Homeschooled students in New York are required to submit four Quarterly Reports each school year to document their educational progress.
Reports are typically submitted on the following schedule:
-
November 15 – Quarterly Report #1
-
January 31 – Quarterly Report #2
-
April 15 – Quarterly Report #3
-
June 30 – Quarterly Report #4 (submitted along with the Annual Assessment)
Important: Always verify current reporting dates with the NYC Public Schools Office of Home Schooling, as requirements and deadlines may change.
Homeschooled Students with IEPs
Students with disabilities who are homeschooled may still be eligible to receive special education services through their local public school district.
Families may request an Individualized Education Services Program (IESP) through the Committee on Special Education (CSE). An IESP outlines the special education services a homeschooled student may receive while remaining in a homeschool setting.
Services are provided in accordance with New York State regulations and are designed to support students with identified educational needs.
For questions regarding eligibility or available services, families should contact their local Committee on Special Education.
Annual Assessment
An Annual Assessment must be submitted with your fourth Quarterly Report at the end of each school year.
The assessment documents your child's academic progress and may take several forms, depending on the student's grade level and New York State requirements.
Acceptable assessment methods may include:
• Standardized achievement tests
• Written narrative evaluations
• Student portfolios
• Other approved assessment methods
Standardized tests may be administered by:
• A public school
• A registered non-public school
• A New York State certified teacher
• The parent, when permitted under New York State regulations
For complete assessment requirements, please refer to the official NYC Public Schools guidance.
Parents Responsibility & Instructional Requirements
Parents who choose to homeschool are responsible for ensuring that their child receives instruction that meets New York State requirements.
Instructional Hours
-
Grades 1–6: 900 hours of instruction each school year
-
Grades 7–12: 990 hours of instruction each school year
Instructional Requirements
Parents are also responsible for:
-
Providing instruction over approximately 180 school days
-
Maintaining attendance records
-
Keeping required homeschool documentation
-
Submitting all required reports and assessments on time
LEAP's Homeschool Connections (HSC) Program can help families stay organized while providing high-quality academic instruction and enrichment throughout the school year.
Why Families Choose HSC
-
Personalized Learning Plans
-
Small-Group Instruction
-
Project-Based Education
-
Experienced, Caring, Licensed Educators
-
Hands-On STEAM Learning
-
Coding & Technology
-
Creative Arts
-
Executive Function & Study Skills
-
Social Learning & Collaboration
-
Problem-Based Learning
-
Safe, Welcoming Learning Environment
At LEAP, we believe every child deserves an education that reflects their unique strengths, interests, and learning style.
Our Homeschool Connections (HSC) Program blends academic excellence with creativity, collaboration, and hands-on experiences that prepare students not only for academic success, but for life. Through personalized instruction, engaging enrichment, and meaningful relationships, students develop the confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
How LEAP Supports Homeschool Families
Homeschooling doesn't mean learning alone.
LEAP's Homeschool Connections (HSC) program partners with families to provide engaging academics, personalized instruction, and meaningful enrichment in a collaborative learning environment.
Whether your child is academically advanced, needs additional support, or simply thrives in a smaller learning community, our experienced educators provide individualized instruction designed to help every learner succeed.
Students benefit from research-based teaching strategies, including the Orton-Gillingham approach, multisensory mathematics instruction, STEAM learning, coding, digital media, creative arts, and project-based experiences that inspire curiosity and confidence.
Rather than replacing your homeschool program, LEAP complements it by providing expert instruction, social learning opportunities, and a vibrant educational community.
Homeschooling doesn't have to mean learning alone.
At LEAP's Homeschool Connections (HSC), we partner with families to create an educational experience that is both flexible and enriching. Students benefit from personalized instruction, hands-on learning, meaningful social connections, and the guidance of experienced educators, all while preserving the freedom and individuality that make homeschooling so rewarding.
Our program is designed to nurture confident learners, creative thinkers, and compassionate leaders through engaging academics, collaborative projects, STEAM experiences, creative arts, and real-world learning opportunities. Every child is encouraged to grow at their own pace while building the skills needed to thrive in school, college, and beyond.
Whether you're just beginning your homeschool journey or looking to enrich your child's existing program, LEAP provides the academic support, community, and inspiration to help your family succeed.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CORE PROGRAM?
Our Core Partnership Program is a three-day per week program that engages students in small group blended learning labs designed to enhance their academic potential. Initial testing is done to determine your child’s individual needs so as to build fundamental success with reading, writing, and mathematics. We work to develop core reading skills inclusive of spelling, reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, mathematical thinking, problem-solving, and study, as well as ‘organizational’ skills and motivational strategies.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS?
Homeschool Connections is dedicated to providing every child with a comprehensive suite of educational services designed to unleash their full potential and celebrate their unique talents. Our programs transcend traditional boundaries, fostering creativity, intelligence, and a collaborative spirit among our students.
WE DESIGN IMMERSIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES.
Learning through play involves a multisensory experience. Research shows that from birth, we learn through exploration and discovery. Through our homeschool cooperative program, we honor the process of learning in a structured, child-centered environment.
CORE PROGRAM
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
9:00 am - 11:30 am
EXTENSION / CORE PROGRAM
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
11:30 am - 2:30 pm
THEMATIC PROGRAMS
Tuesday, Thursday
9:30 am - 11:30 am
2-DAY EXTENSION
Tuesday, Thursday
11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Age 3-5 | PRESCHOOL-AGED PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
CORE PROGRAM
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
9:00 am - 11:30 am | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
LITERACY & MATH ENRICHMENT
Tuesday, Thursday
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
2-DAY EXTENSION
Tuesday, Thursday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Age 6-13 | SCHOOL-AGED PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
Important Disclaimer: LEAP is not a school or daycare. We are a learning center offering enrichment programs and a homeschool partnership program, HSC (Homeschool Connections). Parents or guardians are required to be actively involved in their child's education. This ensures a collaborative and supportive learning environment tailored to each student's individual needs.