Based on Delaware Education Law, and according to the Delaware Department of Education, “If you live in Delaware and your child(ren) is/are between the ages of 5 (by August 31st of the school year) and 18 [unless over the age of 16 and withdrawn with parent consent and completion of an exit interview], your child(ren) must be enrolled in a public or nonpublic (private or homeschool) school. This is due to compulsory attendance laws in Delaware.” (Delaware law, 14 Del.C. § 2702).

In Delaware, there are two main types of homeschool:

• Single-family homeschool: “the education of one’s own child(ren) primarily by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of such child(ren) mainly in their own residence.”
• Multi-family homeschool: “the education of children, primarily by the parents(s) or legal guardian(s) of such children mainly in one or several residences, or other facilities, when such children are not all related to each other as brother or sister. A person shall act as a liaison to the Department of Education for reporting enrollment and attendance information for all families involved.”

Both are considered a nonpublic school and must be registered with the Department of Education. To remain open, a homeschool must report annual enrollment and attendance. You must either enroll your own children in your single-family homeschool or contact the liaison of a multi-family homeschool. Once your child is enrolled in a homeschool, you must withdraw your child from the public school or other nonpublic school.

According to the Delaware Department of Education, the Department of Education does not provide or recommend a curriculum, keep any student records, or ensure that post-secondary organizations will accept records or a diploma from your homeschool. You will be responsible for courses, coursework, materials, and supplies.

You may choose to enroll your child in an online school, program, or curriculum, but your homeschool must be registered as an open Delaware nonpublic school first.