Ohio Homeschool Laws
Homeschooling in Ohio
How do I start homeschooling?
To get started, follow these steps to homeschooling in Ohio:
- Notify your local school superintendent of your plan to begin homeschooling
- Become familiar with the regulations for homeschoolers in Ohio
- Choose a homeschooling method/curriculum.
Modify™ can help you with your tracking, portfolio and record keeping. Download the app today.
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Homeschool Laws
According to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3321-04, “Every parent of any child of compulsory school age who is not employed under an age and schooling certificate must send such child to a school or a special education program that conforms to the minimum standards prescribed by the state board of education, for the full time the school or program attended is in session, which shall not be for less than thirty-two weeks per school year.” A child “between six and eighteen years of age is ‘of compulsory age’” (ORC 3321.01).
Per ORC 3301-04, “Excuses from future attendance at or past absence from school or a special education program may be granted for the causes, by the authorities, and under the following conditions: […] That the child is being instructed at home by a person qualified to teach the branches in which instruction is required, and such additional branches, as the advancement and needs of the child may, in the opinion of such superintendent, require. In each such case the issuing superintendent shall file in the superintendent’s office, with a copy of the excuse, papers showing how the inability of the child to attend school or a special education program or the qualifications of the person instructing the child at home were determined.”
“As a parent or guardian of an excused child, you decide how to teach the required subjects. You select the curriculum and educational materials and take full responsibility for the education of your child or children. There is no state financial assistance for families who choose this option. You are not required to include any concept, topic or practice that conflicts with sincerely held religious belief of you or your family” (Ohio Department of Education).
What do I need to be eligible to be a homeschool parent?
According to the Ohio Department of Education, “To provide home school instruction, you, or the person providing instruction, must have one of the following qualifications:
- A high school diploma;
- The certificate of high school equivalence (GED);
- Standardized test scores that demonstrate high school equivalence; or
- Another equivalent credential found appropriate by the district superintendent.
If you do not have one of the above qualifications, someone who has a college degree from a recognized college must supervise your instruction. This is until you obtain a high school diploma or GED.”
Homeschool Requirements
Even though Ohio does not highly regulate homeschooling, there are some Ohio homeschool requirements you must satisfy when you homeschool:
- Begin homeschooling by age 6.
- File the required Home Education Notification Form to the superintendent every year.
- Provide 900 hours of instruction per year.
- Teach the required subjects: Language, reading, spelling and writing; Geography; History of the United States and Ohio, and national, state and local government; Mathematics; Science; Health; Physical education; Fine arts, including music; and First aid, safety and fire prevention. Ohio’s Learning Standards and Ohio’s Graduation Requirements are available on the Ohio Department of Education’s website.
- Submit an assessment of the student’s work with each year’s notification.
- Stay current with homeschooling laws and requirements.
Do I need to administer testing to my homeschooler?
Yes! According to the Ohio Administrative Code 3301-34-04, “The parent(s) shall send to the superintendent an academic assessment report of the child for the previous school year at the time of supplying subsequent notification. The academic assessment report shall include one of the following:
- (1) Results of a nationally normed, standardized achievement test.
- Such test shall be administered by:
- A licensed or certified teacher; or
- Another person mutually agreed upon by the parent(s) and the superintendent; or
- A person duly authorized by the publisher of the test.
- Results should demonstrate reasonable proficiency as compared to other children in the district at the same grade level. Any child that has a composite score at or above the twenty-fifth percentile shall be deemed to be performing at a level of reasonable proficiency.
- Such test shall be administered by:
- (2) A written narrative indicating that a portfolio of samples of the child’s work has been reviewed and that the child’s academic progress for the year is in accordance with the child’s abilities.
- The written narrative shall be prepared by:
- A licensed or certified teacher; or
- Other person mutually agreed upon by the parent(s) and the superintendent.
- The parent(s) shall be responsible for the payment of fees charged for preparation of the narrative.
- The written narrative shall be prepared by:
- (3) An alternative academic assessment of the child’s proficiency mutually agreed upon by the parent and the superintendent.
If the parent(s) chooses to have the standardized testing conducted as part of the school district scheduled testing program, there shall be no cost to the parent(s). The time and location for testing shall be established by the school district. If the parent(s) chooses to have the standardized testing conducted privately, the parent(s) shall pay for the testing. The time and location for testing shall be established by the parent(s).”
What records do I need to keep when I homeschool my child?
To meet Ohio’s homeschooling requirements and to provide verification of education in the event you would need to show some form of educational proof to the state or other legal entities, or to prepare for re-entry into public school or postsecondary pathways, you should keep certain records. This includes the following:
- Attendance
- Immunization records
- Record of courses completed
- Lists of texts and workbooks used
- Student schoolwork samples and/or portfolios
- Test and evaluation results
- Correspondence with school officials
You may also be able to find more information on Ohio homeschool requirements through your local school district.
Record Keeping
Homeschoolers in Ohio are required to submit annual assessments of their child’s progress to the local school superintendent.
One way to accomplish this is by maintaining a homeschool portfolio.
For high schoolers, a homeschool transcript can easily be generated through he Modify™ app.
The Modify™ app makes record keeping simple and keeps all your records organized.
Graduation requirements
Ohio homeschool parents set their own requirements for graduation and decide when a high school student has fulfilled those requirements. They also administer their own homeschool diplomas.
Modify™ helps homeschoolers to keep all necessary records and transcripts.
REFERENCE GUIDE:
Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3321-04
Ohio Administrative Code 3301-34-04
Home Education Notification Form
Ohio’s Learning Standards
Ohio’s Graduation Requirements
Note: All information on this site is provided with no guarantee of accuracy. Modify™ is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.
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