The proposals would bar public funding for activities such as ski lessons, private piano lessons and lacrosse club fees, and prevent programs from giving parents debit cards loaded with taxpayer money. They would also limit fee-based field trips to two per semester and cap class time at 16 hours a week.

The board is considering two approaches. One would allow only school districts and charter schools to operate programs, though they could hire private groups to teach specific classes. The other would let nonprofit groups run programs directly, with private providers barred from subcontracting the work. Under that option, nonprofits could offer subjects including dance, visual arts and theater; physical education would remain prohibited for private providers.

Colorado tightened oversight after lawmakers objected to programs using public funds for activities including trips to ski resorts, trampoline parks and climbing gyms. Homeschool enrichment cost the state nearly $100 million last year. The programs generally provide homeschooled students with a day of classes each week, offering social opportunities and instruction families may not be able to provide at home.

The programs expanded rapidly after the pandemic, including through a now-closed public education cooperative in Monument that authorized dozens of programs. Many operated outside the boundaries of the district that approved them. This summer’s temporary rules introduced a more demanding application process for such programs, and the state is still counting how many sought approval through local districts or charter schools instead.

The board will also discuss a separate proposal to lower the funding rate. Programs now receive an average of about $6,000 per student annually for 90 hours of instruction per semester—twice the hourly rate for public schools. Under the proposed change, the rate would be about $3,000 for 90 hours per semester, rising to $6,000 for 180 hours.

Some homeschool parents have urged the board to choose the option that keeps nonprofit providers eligible. Jefferson County parent Melissa Hosie said her child is learning airplane, motorcycle and bicycle mechanics, as well as blacksmithing—skills she said she could not teach herself. Acknowledging concerns about past misuse, she said officials should stop abusive programs rather than eliminate opportunities for everyone.

Jill Duvall, a retired teacher from the Elizabeth school district, called for stronger limits. She pointed to public school layoffs and budget cuts while specialized enrichment programs received millions in public funding for classes unavailable to full-time public school students. The board plans to vote on a final version of the rules later this fall.