SB26-023 is a new Colorado law that changes how homeschool enrichment programs (HSEs) operate beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. The law creates new rules regarding:

• state funding, 

• homeschool eligibility, 

• cross-district operations, 

• enrollment requirements, 

• and program oversight. 

These changes affect homeschool enrichment programs across Colorado, including Falcon AeroLab.

Yes. Falcon AeroLab fully intends to continue operating programs during the 2026–2027 school year while working with school partners and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to comply with the new law.

However, some:

• locations, 

• schedules, 

• funding pathways, 

• class availability, 

and fees
may change as implementation guidance continues to develop.

The Colorado legislature passed SB26-023 to increase oversight and regulation of homeschool enrichment programs statewide. The law significantly changes:

• how public funding may be used, 

• where programs may operate, 

• and which students qualify for state-funded participation.

A Notice of Intent (NOI) is a homeschool filing submitted to a Colorado public school district under Colorado homeschool law.

Under SB26-023, students participating in a state-funded homeschool enrichment program must now have a valid NOI on file in order to qualify for state funding eligibility.

If your student will participate in Falcon AeroLab using state-funded enrollment through a homeschool enrichment program, then yes — a homeschool NOI will likely be required.

Falcon AeroLab will also be required to:

• collect proof of the NOI, 

• maintain records, 

• and provide documentation during any CDE audit or compliance review.

Falcon AeroLab intends to offer self-pay enrollment options for eligible programs and available class seats for families who:

• do not wish to file an NOI, 

• prefer not to participate in the public funding pathway, 

• or choose to remain in a private, parochial, or umbrella school structure. 

Availability may vary by program and location.

An “umbrella school” is not a concept that is recognized in Colorado laws. However, CDE is aware that some “umbrella schools” have offered supportive services to homeschool families, such as transcripts and records retention, under the label of being a “private school.” When a student is enrolled in an umbrella school that is not providing private school instruction to satisfy the student’s compulsory school attendance requirements, the student remains eligible to enroll in a public school part-time program for homeschool students. However, to confirm eligibility for public school enrollment, the student’s family will need to submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool to a school district in the state and provide a copy of that notice to the local education provider enrolling the student in the part-time program.

In simple terms:

• families generally must choose between: 

  • participating through the homeschool NOI pathway, OR 

  • participating through a private/umbrella school structure for state-funded enrollment.

Possibly — through Falcon AeroLab’s self-pay enrollment options.

Families who choose not to participate in the NOI/public funding pathway may still be eligible for:

• private-pay enrollment, 

• available class seats, 

• and eligible programs. 

Additional details regarding self-pay options will be provided as operational planning continues.

SB26-023 significantly changes the funding structure for homeschool enrichment programs across Colorado.

Historically, some program costs were offset through public funding structures. Under the new law:

• operational costs, 

• compliance requirements, 

• insurance, 

• aviation costs, 

• staffing, 

• and program delivery
  have changed substantially. 

As a result, lab fees now more closely reflect the actual costs associated with each program.

Current proposed annual lab fees are:

• IFT-P: $1,250 

• IFT-G: $1,250 

• Fledglings: $500 

• All Other Programs: $750 

These amounts remain subject to final operational approval and funding guidance.

Falcon AeroLab has consolidated some locations for the 2026–2027 school year in response to:

• operational changes, 

• enrollment projections, 

• funding uncertainty, 

• and new district boundary requirements under SB26-023. 

Your preliminary offer reflects the closest currently available location to your original preference whenever possible.

Possibly, but the new law creates significant restrictions on cross-district homeschool enrichment operations.

Programs operating outside the boundaries of their funding district may now require:

• district approvals, 

• additional agreements, 

• or Colorado Department of Education authorization. 

Some locations and partnerships may therefore change for the 2026–2027 school year.

No.

Preliminary offers are being used to determine:

• student interest, 

• likely enrollment numbers, 

• operational feasibility, 

• and program viability under the new law. 

Official enrollment and class confirmations will occur after Falcon AeroLab finalizes:

• funding pathways, 

• operational approvals, 

• staffing, 

• and minimum enrollment requirements.

Yes.

Due to the ongoing implementation of SB26-023, some programs may:

• consolidate, 

• relocate, 

• adjust schedules, 

• or not operate if minimum enrollment or operational requirements cannot be met.

Yes. Falcon AeroLab remains committed to:

• aerospace education, 

• aviation instruction, 

• STEM programming, 

• workforce development, 

• and experiential learning opportunities. 

However, some aviation-related activities, locations, or funding structures may be adjusted as we continue working through the new state requirements.

No.

Many aspects of SB26-023 still require:

• additional guidance from CDE, 

• future State Board rulemaking, 

• and implementation procedures. 

Because of this, some requirements and operational details may continue to evolve throughout the coming months.

Falcon AeroLab will continue providing updates through:

• email communications, 

• registration updates, 

• and our website: 

www.falconaerolab.org

We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate these statewide changes together.

Yes. The student would still be eligible if they are a homeschool student for purposes of compulsory school attendance laws and are only supplementing their homeschool education with private services. However, to confirm eligibility, the parent must submit the Notice of Intent to Homeschool to a school district in the state and a copy of that notice to the local education provider enrolling the student in the part-time program. 

If the student is enrolled in a private school full-time, the student is not eligible to participate in a part-time public school program for homeschool students.