Kansas Homeschool Funding
Funding status, virtual options, and districts.
KS
Funding guide
State programs
Main program
Program name: No statewide ESA, voucher, or homeschool reimbursement
Admin: Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) for homeschool registration as a nonaccredited private school; local districts for any optional access and virtual programs.
Typical award
Amount: None for independent homeschool
Disbursement: Not applicable
Who qualifies
- Residency: Student lives in Kansas.
- Homeschool status: Family operates as a nonaccredited private school and provides regular, bona fide instruction.
- Compulsory age: School-age children (typically 7–18); younger learners may participate voluntarily.
Timeline
- NAPS registration: One-time, anytime (recommended at the start of homeschooling).
- District/virtual enrollments: Application windows usually late spring–summer for fall start; midyear transfers case-by-case.
- Activities/part-time: Follow local district and KSHSAA calendars.
Overview
Kansas does not provide state funds (ESA/voucher/reimbursement) for families who independently homeschool. Instead, Kansas treats homeschools as nonaccredited private schools. Families register once with KSDE, choose their own curriculum, and fund purchases themselves. Some supports may be available locally: public-school part-time enrollment, evaluations and potential equitable services for students with disabilities, and district-run virtual schools that are free to enrolled students (but are not the same as independent homeschool).
Programs
Independent Home Education (Nonaccredited Private School)
- Type: Parent-directed homeschool (recognized as a nonaccredited private school).
- Award: None (no ESA/stipend/reimbursement).
- Uses: Family selects curriculum, tutors, co-ops, classes, activities.
- Admin: Parent/guardian; KSDE collects one-time registration.
KSDE — Nonaccredited Private School (homeschool) info & registration
District Virtual Schools (Public, Online)
- Type: Full-time public-school enrollment delivered online through a Kansas district.
- Award/Costs: No tuition for residents; districts often provide curriculum and may loan devices/materials.
- Uses: K–12 courses taught/supervised by the district; parent acts as learning coach.
- Admin: Local school districts (policies, capacity, and offerings vary).
Part-Time Enrollment & Activities (Local Option)
- Type: Access to specific public-school classes, services, or activities while homeschooling.
- Award: No cash benefit; potential access to courses, labs, or activities if the district permits.
- Uses: Band/choir, lab sciences, CTE, select extracurriculars subject to district/KSHSAA rules.
- Admin: Local school district; eligibility and space availability vary.
Special Education — Evaluations & Equitable Services
- Type: Child Find evaluations; if eligible, limited services via a services plan (not an IEP for homeschoolers).
- Award/Uses: Evaluation and possible services funded from the district’s IDEA proportionate share; scope depends on local planning.
- Admin: Local school district special education department.
Tax-Credit Scholarships (Private School, not Homeschool)
- Type: Scholarships for qualifying students to attend participating private schools.
- Award/Uses: Tuition/fees at participating private schools; not for homeschool purchases.
- Admin: Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) approved by the state.
Kansas Tax Credit for Low-Income Students Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- Residency: Student is a Kansas resident.
- Registration: Homeschool registers once as a nonaccredited private school with KSDE (no annual renewal).
- Instruction: Regular, bona fide instruction; parent selects curriculum/methods.
- Records: Keep basic records (calendar, course list, work samples, immunization record if applicable).
- Access to services/classes: Follow local district policies and any activity eligibility rules.
How to apply
- Register your homeschool: Complete the KSDE Nonaccredited Private School (homeschool) online registration (one-time).
- Withdraw (if applicable): If coming from a public school, provide a dated withdrawal/transfer notice and keep a copy.
- Set your plan: Choose curriculum and create a regular instruction schedule; keep a simple calendar and portfolio.
- Optional — Virtual school: If you prefer a district-run virtual program, apply with the district during its window (materials are provided by the school).
- Optional — Part-time/activities: Contact your local district (and check KSHSAA rules) for course/activity access and deadlines.
- Optional — Special education: Request an evaluation through your local district if you suspect a disability.
Covered expenses
- Curriculum & textbooks (family-paid)
- Online courses & software
- Tutoring / co-ops
- Testing & assessments (optional)
- Supplies & hands-on materials
- Field trips & educational activities
- Technology & devices
- Therapies (privately arranged)
- Exam fees (AP/CLEP, etc.)
- No state reimbursements for independent homeschool purchases
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Homeschool registration (NAPS) | Any time (one-time) | Recommended at start of homeschooling or within 30 days of establishing the school. |
| District virtual school applications | Spring–Summer | Varies by district; limited capacity; earlier is better for fall start. |
| Part-time classes / activities | Local window | Check district and KSHSAA calendars each semester/season. |
Docs & forms
Official sources
FAQs
Does Kansas give ESA or vouchers to homeschoolers?
No. Kansas does not fund independent homeschool purchases with ESA/vouchers/reimbursements.
What is the homeschool “registration” in Kansas?
Families register their homeschool once with KSDE as a nonaccredited private school. It’s informational, not approval or accreditation.
Can my child take public-school classes or join activities?
Often possible, depending on local district policy and KSHSAA eligibility rules. Contact your district for specifics and deadlines.
What’s the difference between homeschooling and a district virtual school?
Virtual schools are public schools run by districts (free to enrolled students, district-provided curriculum); homeschooling is parent-directed and unfunded by the state.
Do Kansas tax-credit scholarships help homeschoolers?
No. They apply to tuition/fees at participating private schools, not homeschool expenses.
Contacts
Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE)
Homeschool / Nonaccredited Private School info
For registration questions; for services/classes, contact your local district.
Your Local School District
Ask about part-time enrollment, virtual options, special education evaluations, and activities.
Find district website
Law & regulations
- Compulsory attendance — Kansas statutes (nonpublic/private school options) — overview of school-age requirements and alternatives.
- KSDE — Nonaccredited Private School guidance — homeschool treated as private school; one-time registration.
- Special Education (IDEA) — equitable services — evaluations and services plan through the district.