CO State Homeschool Organization
Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC)
CHEC has been serving homeschooling families in Colorado and around the world since 1990 through publications, training conferences and seminars, legislative work, and more.
CO Homeschool Law
There are three options for homeschooling families in Colorado. They are homeschool under Colorado’s homeschool statute, homeschool with an independent school, or homeschool with a certified teacher. For more information about these options as well as other helpful information on homeschooling in Colorado can be found on the Colorado Department of Education website, the Home School Legal Defense Association, and Christian Home Educators of Colorado.
CO Homeschool Events
Rocky Mountain Homeschool Convention
CO Homeschool Field Trip Destinations
There’s something for every type of outdoors person – from the fishing enthusiast and boater to the naturalist – at Barr Lake State Park, a short drive northeast of the Denver area.
Bicyclists of all ages and abilities, nature hikers, and horseback riders enjoy the level 8.8-mile multi-use trail that circles the lake, passing by several wildlife viewing stations and the park’s wildlife refuge. More than 350 species of birds have been spotted in the park. Numerous bald eagles winter at Barr Lake and one pair stays to nest and raise its young every year.
The Eagle Express—a motorized 13-passenger cart—takes bird watchers on naturalist-guided tours on Barr Lake’s trails weekends from mid-May through September.
Butterfly Pavilion is the first stand-alone, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world and a leader in invertebrate knowledge, inspiration and connection. The Butterfly Pavilion is leading the way in ensuring invertebrates are protected for the future with unique, hands-on learning experiences in exhibits and educational programs, research that sets the standard for zoos across the country, and innovative solutions for species and habitat conservation in countries around the world.
These small but mighty animals that surround us are the hidden heroes of the animal kingdom.
Enjoy family fun from up-close experiences and animal demos to taking a trip on the carousel or Mountaineer Sky Ride. Ranked as one of the top zoos in the country by USAToday 10Best and Trip Advisor, you’ll explore innovative exhibits, enjoy fun events, and find attractions to keep you entertained.
There are also virtual tours and activities.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is close by, so it’s easy to imagine the inspiring scenery found here. Crawford State Park invites anglers, boaters, hikers, and water sports enthusiasts to the western slope. Jet skiing, motor boating, and water skiing are very popular action-oriented activities at peak times like summer weekends. The park is quiet and restful during the week and lower peak times.
Groups are welcome to gather and enjoy the group picnic facility. Crawford is a great place to take a break and enjoy great recreation and stunning scenery.
Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.
In addition to the on-site Junior Ranger program, there is a free online Junior Ranger program you can do at home.
Stories, crafts, educational tours, and interactive experiences highlight the fun and exciting learning opportunities available at the Colorado Railroad Museum!
There are also some nice FREE online resources to go back in time and learn about the rich Colorado rail history with their individual program series of videos (segmented into playlists).
From Big Train Tours, to Small Wonders, and Story Time & Craft you’ll find hours of captivating media to entertain and educate!
The museum for future leaders, innovators, and adventurers to explore, create, and learn – on their own terms. Target ages are newborn through 8 years old, but everyone can have a good time; exhibits are hands-on, interactive, and totally one-of-a-kind!
The complex features a public aquarium with more than a million gallons of underwater exhibits highlighting fascinating ecosystems around the world. Downtown Aquarium houses over 500 species of animals, the interactive Stingray Reef touch tank, Aquarium Restaurant, Dive Lounge, the Nautilus Ballroom, and amusements for the entire family.
In addition to field trips, there is overnight programming, Zoologist for a Day, Marine Biologist for a Day, plus summer and STEAM camps. Of course, it is also always nice to see a destination offer a dedicated Homeschool Day!
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has you covered for black holes, dinosaur fossils, and sparkling gems. Let your imagination run wild in the unforgettable exhibitions, planetarium, and 3D theater. The museum offers Virtual Science Academy classes (fee) in addition to their monthly FREE Scientists in Action programs for grades 4 to 12. There are some free activities to download.
The 84-acre campus is an enchanting urban field station, where 3,000+ wonderful wild animals serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts all over the world. From early childhood to adult learners, programs are rooted in age-appropriate experiences that connect all learners to the natural world through the cultivation of empathy and self-driven exploration that builds knowledge. Students tap into their natural curiosity, engage in awe-inspiring learning experiences, and develop their inner scientists.
Prep for your visit or just learn from home with their free educator and student resources.
Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours
Field trip options include multi-day and single-day rafting, Jeep tours, Durango train, Mesa Verde, ziplining, and kayaking.
Navajo State Park is a major recreational facility in southwest Colorado, drawing more than 300,000 visitors every year. The 2,100-acre park offers boating, fishing, trails, wildlife viewing, 138 campsites, and three cabins (available in the wintertime for a very affordable rate -just bring your bedding and towels.) Campsites and cabins are by reservation only.
The Winter Season is a very quiet time to visit but is an excellent time to view wildlife. Note that the restrooms are closed from winter through late spring.
PPCM is currently a hands-on educational mobile museum in Colorado Springs that engages learners of all ages by sparking creativity, discovery, and life-long learning through purposeful play. Check their calendar to find them at various community events or have them come to your location for an on-site field trip!
Pikes Peak is a mountain that can be enjoyed by all. It is one of Colorado’s famed “14ers” – a series of mountain peaks with summits above 14,000 feet.
What makes it stand out from other Colorado mountains is its accessibility. Make your way to the stunning summit visitor center via a fully paved road, cog railway, shuttle tours, and a vast hiking and biking trail network.
Reservations are required to drive your personal vehicle to the summit from May 26 – September 30. None are needed in the off-season. Reservations are always recommended for the Cog Railway, Jeep tour, shuttle tour, and bike tours. No reservations are needed to hike.
Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center
Royal Gorge Regional Museum is your resource for local history, dinosaurs, local history research, g
They provide guided tours and admission is FREE and open to the public. Each of the three main galleries features different selections of artifacts, rotated on a regular basis to highlight different aspects of the area’s unique history and natural features.
Download free walking and driving tours or free history lesson plans, coloring pages, and activities.
University of Colorado Boulder Museum of Natural History
The Museum’s exhibition galleries are open to the public, free of charge, seven days a week and the Museum offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year. The Museum’s collection has grown to more than four million objects, the largest natural history collection in the Rocky Mountains. It received accreditation from the American Association of Museums in 2003, an achievement earned by less than 5% of museums in the U.S.
You’ll also want to check out the free homeschool resources on their Museum from Home page.
World of Wonder Children’s Museum
WOW! offers a variety of special events and programs in Lafayette including dance and music performances, story times, sensory-friendly playtime, science and nature programs, gardening workshops, arts and crafts activities, cultural programs, and educational classes. Field Trips provide children an opportunity to explore science, art, and practical life topics in a fun, unique, and educational environment. WOW! offers two-hour self-guided field trip opportunities on Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays. Enhance your field trip experience by adding a hands-on exploration class to your visit.
Is homeschooling for you?
The community of homeschool families is diverse. One study reports that 41% of homeschool students are Hispanic, Black, Asian, or other non-White/non-Hispanic groups (2). Homeschoolers come from all faiths – Christians, Jews, Muslims, agnostics, atheists. Teaching parents have a range of formal education, from high school diplomas to graduate degrees, and cover the array of household incomes.
How do you homeschool?
While laws regulating home education vary from state to state, homeschooling IS legal in all 50 states. Many states offer more than one option. One of the first steps in your family’s homeschool journey is to become familiar with the laws in your state. Then the fun begins!
Click on your state below for resources on homeschool regulations, state homeschool organizations, homeschool conventions in your area (here’s why these are amazing for new and experienced homeschool parents), as well as other homeschool perks in your state.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the information on this page is provided for your convenience as a research tool and resource as to where to find the information you need to homeschool in your state. The team at 3 Moms Blog are not attorneys. This content has not been reviewed by an attorney. It is not legal advice.
Brian D. Ray. (2017) A systematic review of the empirical research on selected aspects of homeschooling as a school choice, Journal of School Choice, 11:4, 604-621, accessed April 7, 2023 at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15582159.2017.1395638
US Department of Education. (2019) Homeschooling in the United States: Results from the 2012 and 2016 Parent and Family Involvement Survey (PFINHES: 2012 and 2016). Accessed 4/7/2023 at https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2020/2020001.pdf