Montana Just Made Homeschooling Easier for Families

Homeschool families in Montana are celebrating a big win. On Tuesday, House Bill 778 (HB 778) officially became law, bringing new freedoms and simplifying the rules for parents who choose to educate their kids at home.

No More Immunization Record Requirement

One of the biggest changes in HB 778 is that homeschool families no longer need to keep immunization records or share them with the county superintendent. This requirement previously aligned homeschoolers with public and private school standards, but it's now been removed to reflect the differences in learning environments.

Health and Safety Rules That Make Sense

Another change getting attention is the removal of housing compliance rules. Before, homeschoolers were expected to meet health and safety building codes meant for school facilities, like fire exits and public restrooms. That never quite made sense for people teaching at home, and now it’s officially been corrected.

Homeschools and Nonpublic Schools Are No Longer Lumped Together

Montana law used to group homeschools and nonpublic schools (like private schools) under the same rules. But HB 778 splits them into two clearly defined categories. Nonpublic schools follow one set of guidelines under Section (1), and homeschools follow a separate set under Section (2). This change makes it easier for families and local officials to understand exactly what's expected.

What Homeschool Families Still Need to Do

Even with the changes introduced by HB 778, there are still a few key responsibilities that homeschool families in Montana must follow. Each school year, parents are required to notify the county superintendent that their child is being homeschooled. They also need to maintain attendance records and make those records available to the superintendent if requested.

READ MORE: When Can Kids Legally Stay Home Alone in Montana?

In addition, homeschoolers must provide instruction for at least the minimum number of hours outlined by state law. Lastly, families are expected to offer an organized course of study that includes the core subjects required in public schools, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education.

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Why This Law Matters

For Montana families who homeschool, HB 778 is more than just a policy update, it’s a shift toward recognizing and respecting the unique nature of home education. By cutting unnecessary red tape and clearly separating homeschools from nonpublic schools, the law supports educational freedom while still ensuring students get a solid education.