Find answers to your questions about the CHEC Independent School right here. Don’t see your question listed? Contact us.
What’s the difference between filing an NOI and enrolling in the CHEC Independent School?
In Colorado, you have three options to private educate at home (see illustration below or learn more about all three on CHEC's website).
When you enroll in the CHEC Independent School for a school year, your educational program is governed by our policies as we operate under the Non-Public School Law. You’re still responsible to control, direct, and actively be involved in your child's education. However, you will report to the CHEC Independent School as a private school student instead of to a public school district as a homeschool student.
Additionally, there are different assessment requirements between these two options (see illustration below).
Do I need to submit a Notice of Intent to the school district if I enroll?
No. If you enroll in the CHEC Independent School, you are NOT subject to the requirements of the Home Based Education Law and should not submit a Notice of Intent.
Oops! I already submitted a Notice of Intent, but I’d rather enroll in the CHEC Independent School. What can I do?
If you intend to join the CHEC Independent School and have already filed a Notice of Intent, you should withdraw your Notice of Intent by sending a letter to the school district.
If I filed a Notice of Intent (under the Home Based Education Law), can I file test scores with you?
Yes! The CHEC Independent School is able to hold test scores for those families who have filed a Notice of Intent under the Home Based Education Law and are looking for a place to file their assessments. Go here to submit the assessment(s) electronically through our form.
How do I apply?
We’re glad you asked! You can apply here, usually from mid-June through April 30th.
Who can apply?
Applications are accepted from all students and families. In the event of truancy, suspension, parents with disputed educational authority, or other similar situations, the application may need to be reviewed by CHEC’s Executive Director.
When is enrollment open?
The CHEC Independent School year runs from August through July, but enrollment is typically open from June through April 30th. Enrollments are good from the date noted on the enrollment confirmation letter through July 31st.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Enrollment for the current school year closes after April 30th.
There is not a summer deadline for enrollment, however make sure you are following the compulsory education law and have enrollment in place before you begin to homeschool in August/September.
Things to note:
If you apply to enroll after your school year has begun, you will be considered a transfer/partial-year enrollment.
Attendance days completed prior to accepted enrollment can be combined with CHEC Independent School attendance days to reach the required 172 days of attendance. You will be able to include the total number of attendance days completed prior to your enrollment when you submit your attendance record that is built into your current enrollment in your online account.
Enrollments are good from the date noted on the enrollment confirmation letter through July 31st.
How much does it cost to apply?
Application fees are per family, not per student. Registration opens in mid-late June, and if you apply online by August 31st for the upcoming year it costs $95 (save $10!) or apply from September–April for $105.
Enrollments are valid from the date noted on the enrollment confirmation letter through July 31st. These fees are not prorated for partial year enrollment.
Please note: The CHEC Independent School does not receive any government funding.
What are the benefits of enrolling?
When you enroll with the CHEC Independent School, you’ll enjoy security, privacy, flexibility, and a terrific lineup of enrollment perks. Learn more here.
What is required of enrolled families?
Check out the policies of the CHEC Independent School for more information.
Where are my student’s records stored?
All records are stored electronically on a private secure network.
How can I submit my student’s records?
You may submit your built-in attendance record and upload your assessment records here.
What do I need to know about assessments? When are they due?
Click here for more information about assessment options & requirements for families enrolled in the CHEC Independent School. Assessments are due in odd-ending school years (i.e. for the 2024/2025 school year).
How do I know which grade I should enroll my student in?
When you submit an application, you will select a grade for your student either according to our listed Age/Grade Chart (included below) or as a modified grade. (More information about the modified grades is located on the policies page; scroll down to “Grade Level Assignment or Changes”).
Here is the chart for the 2025–2026 school year.
My family is currently enrolled. How can I update my records with a new address, etc.?
To update your contact info, log into your account, and then click on the menu tab that says "Manage Account."
If you are wanting to add an additional student to your enrollment for the current school year (before April 30), you can do so by logging into your online account and submitting a request to add a student through the “My Family” page.
How can I add a new student to my family enrollment? Is there an additional fee?
Enrollment in the CHEC Independent School is based on family, so additional students within the same family are included in the registration fee (through April 30th). To add a new student, log into your online account and submit a request to add a student through the “My Family” page.
Does the CHEC Independent School provide curricula for enrolled families?
Parents have the flexibility to choose educational materials and resources that best meet their child's individual needs for each subject as long as they cover the required subjects. For more in-depth guidance, view the CHEC Independent School Curriculum Plan document!
Can my student participate in public school classes, extracurricular activities, or sports?
Students taught at home under the CHEC Independent School are considered private school students, but they are still eligible to participate in public school extracurricular activities if the public school district allows. Read below for details, and for more information, view our policies.
Public School Classes: Contact your school of residence to see if they allow private schooled students to take classes on a part-time basis.
Extracurricular Activities: These are non-academic activities like Chess Club. Contact your school of residence to see if they allow private schooled students to participate in extracurricular activities.
Sports: CHSAA governs high school sports, and they have stated that, as a private school enrollee, your student can play for their school of residence (district authorities can determine which high school within that district) or their school of “attendance” (the district where the independent school is located).
How do I withdraw my student from the CHEC Independent School?
To withdraw your enrollment, log into your online account and submit a withdrawal request through the “My Family” page. Upon withdrawal of enrollment, you must also submit an attendance record on the CHEC Independent School Attendance Record that is built into your current enrollment in your online account, listing the number of days schooled with the CHEC Independent School.
Can I enroll if I am out-of-state or out-of-country?
You must follow the homeschool laws for the state or country that you live in.
If your state or country allows for a family to be enrolled in a private school located in Colorado/the U.S. and teach their children at home, then you can enroll in the CHEC Independent School by clicking here to submit an application.
If your family is US military and living on base, then U.S. laws apply.
Is support offered for single moms?
Yes! The Casterline Scholarship is offered for your enrollment in the CHEC Independent School (select “Yes” to the Casterline Fund under the “Donations and Misc” section). You can learn about more ways our parent ministry, CHEC, supports single moms by clicking here.
What if a biological parent lives outside the home?
In cases where biological parents share educational authority, but one lives outside the home (e.g. due to separation or divorce), a Shared Educational Authority Form must be downloaded when you are filling out your application, and filled out by the party who resides outside the home. Then you must include the completed form when you submit your application. (Your application will not be processed without this completed form on file with the CHEC Independent School.)
If sole educational authority is claimed by the parent submitting the application, but the other party professes to share educational authority, we will require the official parenting plan (signed by the judge) to be submitted.