SB26-023 Independent School vs. Notice of Intent Homeschool - UPDATED 5/31/26

SB26-023 Comparison Chart: Independent School
vs. Notice of Intent for Homeschooling

Please note that SB26-023 is a regulation change that applies to each individual student in a homeschooling family. Only children enrolling in or receiving funding from a publicly funded program need to file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the school district of their program. If other children in the family are not in a publicly funded program, the family must register with an independent (umbrella) school. This rule applies on a per-student basis. Once an NOI is filed for participation in a public program, the student’s application will be reviewed to verify eligibility. Even those holding a Colorado teaching certificate must file an NOI if their child is in a publicly funded program. You may also need to include attendance records, immunization records, and odd-year standardized test results with your NOI. If your child is not accepted into the public program, you must register with an independent school. Families who already file an NOI each year as usual are not affected by these changes.

UPDATE: After reviewing the fiscal note (statute summary) and consulting other resources, SB26-023 doesn’t clearly address the idea mentioned earlier. However, it’s clear that students wanting to join a publicly funded program must file an NOI, though families may still be able to register with an independent school. As we head into the new school year, STAA will support any families who wish or need to participate in publicly funded programs while remaining covered by STAA. You can still enroll for the 2026-27 school year or contact HSLDA with questions specific to your situation. Remember, you must still follow the provisions of Colorado homeschooling law that come with an NOI.

No change to Public school extracurricular and interscholastic activities. Colorado law (§22‑33‑104.5) allows children in nonpublic home‑based programs to participate on an equal basis in public school extracurriculars, including sports, if they meet the eligibility rules for that activity HSLDA. This applies whether or not they are enrolled in an umbrella school — the key is meeting the activity’s participation requirements.

*No Change to concurrent enrollment as well.*

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​(1279) Special CHEC & HSLDA webinar regarding
​SB26-023 - YouTube
PLEASE CONSIDER WATCHING THIS VIDEO information regarding SB26-023

SB26-023: Changes to Publicly Funded Programs for Homeschoolers – Poudre River School
​PLEASE READ THE ABOVE article to help with understanding these changes.

​Please contact St. Thomas Aquinas Academy for clarifications. 
​[email protected]
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