Homeschooling in Ohio: How To Homeschool While Following State Laws

by Rita Onyx

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.

There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.

Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in Ohio. Know the Ohio homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.

Quick Facts:

• There are two ways to homeschool:

1. Homeschool statute
2. Non-charted, non-tax-supported school (“-08 school”)

Requirements:

• Children between 6-18 of age must be in school 

• You MUST notify your local school district of your intentions

• There ARE teacher qualifications

• There ARE state mandated subjects 

• There ARE required assessments or testing 

• There are NO immunization requirements

How to Homeschool Under the Homeschool Statute

• Notify the superintendent of the resident school district within the first week of the start of the public school in the school district of residence or one week of the date that the child began to reside in the district

• Include in the notification:

1. School year
2. Name and address of parent
3. Name and address of instructor
4. Affirmation that the required subjects will be taught
5. Outline of curriculum
6. Affirmation of hours and qualifications
7. Ensure that you meet the teacher qualifications:
8. High school diploma or GED
9. Scores from a standardized test demonstrating high school equivalence

• If you do not have the teacher qualifications, then you may be monitored by a person who holds a baccalaureate degree until the child’s evaluations demonstrate proficiency

• Include the following subjects:

1. Language
2. Spelling
3. Writing
4. Reading
5. Geography
6. U.S. history
7. Ohio history
8. Science
9. Math
10. Health
11. Physical education
12. Fine arts (including music)
13. First aid
14. Safety
15. Fire prevention

• Instruction must be at least 900 hours

• Have your child evaluated annually using one of three options:

a) National standardized achievement test

b) Written narrative with a portfolio of samples of the child’s work by an Ohio licensed or certified teacher

c) A mutually agreed upon assessment that is different than those listed above

How to Homeschool as a Non-Charted, Non-Tax-Supported School (“-08 school”)

• If you are a parent that chooses to homeschool under this mandate for “truly held religious beliefs” you have to meet certain minimum standards under Ohio Administrative Code 3301-35 08.

• You can read the following for further information on Ohio Administrative Code 3301-35 08:

a) https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Operating-Standards/3301-35-08-Summary.pdf.aspx

b) http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/3301-35-08

Helpful links:

https://www.cheohome.org/

http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Education-Options/Home-Schooling

https://ohiohomeschoolingparents.com/

https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/ohio.html

Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education

• Ohio Department of Education
  Nonpublic Educational Options Program
  25 South Front Street, MS 710
  Columbus, OH 43215-4183Phone: 877-644-6338
  Website: http://education.ohio.gov/

• U.S. Department of Education, Ohio

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.