What HB778 Means for Homeschooling in Great Falls

• A new law going into effect in 2025 is aiming to help those parents who homeschool their children
• HB778 was signed into law by Govenor Gianforte in May and will affect the 2025-2026 school year
• Great Falls Public Schools are offering an accredited online platform to help parents at no charge

What HB778 Means for Homeschooling in Great Falls

As the dust finally settles on the 2024-2025 school year in Great Falls, there are some big changes that are coming in the next session for 2025-2026.  But it isn't only public schools that will see a major change.

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Homeschooling in Montana continues to be popular and our last legislative session has made changes to ensure that children are receiving a good education and are putting in the hours to do so.

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Changes to Homeschooling in HB778 in Montana

HB778 was signed into law by Govenor Greg Gianforte on May 13, 2025, at the end of the legislative session.  The law updates several ways that homeschooling keeps records for attendance and also the curriculum being taught.

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The bill summary reads as follows and:  "amends Section 20-5-109 of the Montana Code Annotated to revise and separate the requirements for home schools from those for nonpublic schools. The new language specifies that to qualify for exemption from compulsory enrollment, home schools must notify the county superintendent of schools of student attendance each fiscal year, maintain records on pupil attendance, provide a minimum number of instructional hours, and offer an organized course of study that includes subjects required for public schools".

Great Falls Public Schools Offering Help for Homeschool Parents

To assist parents that choose to homeschool their children, the Great Falls Public Schools are reaching out to help.  GFPS will be offering an accredited online platform for grades 7-12 at no charge to families.

If you're interested in learning more about how homeschooling works within the Great Falls Public School System, information and an online application are available at their website here.