Are Homeschooling Families Required to Follow a Specific Calendar?

December 31, 2025

Hillary Benedict, M.S.

As a homeschooling family, it's natural to have questions about academic requirements. One common concern is whether or not there are specific academic calendar requirements that must be followed for homeschooling. With different state and country regulations, as well as individual curriculum choices, it can seem overwhelming to fulfill the academic calendar requirements or to know if there are any at all. In this blog, we will explore the academic calendar requirements for homeschooling families and provide guidance on fulfilling those requirements.

Do Your Research

Firstly, it's important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to homeschooling calendars. Unlike traditional schools, homeschooling families have the flexibility to create a calendar that best fits their needs and academic goals. However, it's essential to research the state or country regulations regarding homeschooling and academic requirements. Enlightium Academy has carefully curated resources for each state and some countries that outline their individual requirements.

If Your State Requires a Certain Number of Days of Instruction

If your state or country has a required number of days of instruction, it is important to note that Enlightium’s school calendar has 180 school days. Keep in mind that students have access to the courses 24/7 for most days of the school year, including weekends and holidays, allowing them to reach 190 or more days of instruction if needed. Additionally, with a summer school extension, students can reach about 210 days of instruction. 

If Your State Requires a Certain Number of Hours of Instruction

If your state or country has a required number of hours of instruction each school year, divide the number of hours by the number of school days your student will be receiving instruction.

The most common hourly instruction requirements are:

  • 720 hours total; four hours per day for 180 days
  • 875, 900, or 990 hours total; around five hours per day for 180 days
  • 1,032, 1,062, or 1,080 hours total; around six hours per day for 180 days

As students have access to courses 24/7 for most days of the school year, they can work more hours on one school day and fewer on the next, allowing them to meet their hourly instruction requirement.

Let Enlightium Help

At Enlightium Academy, we offer a flexible curriculum that allows students to work at their own pace while still staying on track to meet your state’s or country’s calendar requirements. Our experienced counselors can also assist in creating a customized calendar based on your student's individual needs and goals.

In conclusion, it's crucial to research and follow your state or country regulations when planning the academic year. With Enlightium Academy's flexible curriculum and personalized support from our counselors, you can confidently create an academic calendar that works best for your family and meets your state or country’s requirements.

Since 2003, Enlightium faculty and staff have served partner schools, hybrid, online, and homeschool K-12 students. With parental support, excellent instruction, and a personalized approach to learning, Enlightium equips students with the academic, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in life. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288 or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.

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About The Author

Hillary Benedict, M.S.

Ms. Benedict graduated with a Master of Science degree in School Counseling in 2019. During her time there, she became invested in working with high school students on social-emotional issues, particularly anxiety, and post-secondary planning. She began working with Enlightium Academy in 2019. She is state and ACSI-certified.

Ms. Benedict graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a minor in English. While she was in the business world, she began volunteering with the youth program at her church and teaching Junior Achievement classes in local elementary schools. This fostered her passion for encouraging and working with students and led her to attend Eastern Washington University. She believes in fostering nurturing, encouraging relationships with students and parents, and loves seeing students grow through cooperation and learning self-advocacy. 

In her free time, Ms. Benedict loves taking long walks with Hank, her golden retriever, reading, spending time with her friends and family, writing, baking, and trying new foods and recipes.

Hear From Our Families

Don’t just take our word for it—listen to the stories of families who’ve chosen Enlightium and found success. Our community of over 5,000 online students speaks to the strength of our program and the profound impact it has on our students’ lives.

We love Enlightium!

This was our first year with Enlightium Academy and I love it for my daughter! She has grown so much spiritually and academically! The weight of having to do it all has been lifted since I have 3 small children as well. We feel supported in our homeschool life! 

Brittany R.
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Greatest homeschooling program

This program is really focused on a good education for your kids.

Kristen S.
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We went from discouraged to "We can do this!!"

The ability to adapt to our child’s learning challenges made for a smooth transition bringing joy that she is actually learning now and retaining the knowledge. We can not wait to tackle another year!

L. Allen
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Love the curriculum

Love the curriculum. The teachers are wonderful and caring. Any technical issues are resolved almost immediately and the billing department has excellent customer service

EA Parent
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We love Enlightium!

This was our first year with Enlightium Academy and I love it for my daughter! She has grown so much spiritually and academically! The weight of having to do it all has been lifted since I have 3 small children as well. We feel supported in our homeschool life! 

Brittany R.
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

Greatest homeschooling program

This program is really focused on a good education for your kids.

Kristen S.
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

We went from discouraged to "We can do this!!"

The ability to adapt to our child’s learning challenges made for a smooth transition bringing joy that she is actually learning now and retaining the knowledge. We can not wait to tackle another year!

L. Allen
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

Love the curriculum

Love the curriculum. The teachers are wonderful and caring. Any technical issues are resolved almost immediately and the billing department has excellent customer service

EA Parent
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Prayers answered!

This education option has blessed our lives in so many ways. We will forever be grateful to Enlightium Academy.

Marman
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A wonderful experience

Enlightium academy has helped me so much in the homeschooling of my son. They have worked with our scheduling and been there with answers to any questions we've had. They have made this a wonderful experience.

Mandy
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My kids are making way better grades

I love the curriculum given to my kids and the teachers are very helpful. My kids are making way better grades with this program then they did in public school.

Michael
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Everything I was looking for

Enlightium Academy ended up being everything I was looking for. It offers a good, flexible curriculum that truly accommodates my schedule without sacrificing learning. Most importantly, they teach the Bible in such an amazing way. It’s just perfect—I don’t regret being part of this school for a moment.

Diliana S.
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Prayers answered!

This education option has blessed our lives in so many ways. We will forever be grateful to Enlightium Academy.

Marman
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

A wonderful experience

Enlightium academy has helped me so much in the homeschooling of my son. They have worked with our scheduling and been there with answers to any questions we've had. They have made this a wonderful experience.

Mandy
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

My kids are making way better grades

I love the curriculum given to my kids and the teachers are very helpful. My kids are making way better grades with this program then they did in public school.

Michael
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

Everything I was looking for

Enlightium Academy ended up being everything I was looking for. It offers a good, flexible curriculum that truly accommodates my schedule without sacrificing learning. Most importantly, they teach the Bible in such an amazing way. It’s just perfect—I don’t regret being part of this school for a moment.

Diliana S.
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon