How to Start Homeschooling in Indiana
If you’re wondering how to homeschool in Indiana, you’ve come to the right place! It’s always a good idea to do your research, as homeschool laws vary by state. With lenient laws and available financial support, homeschoolers in Indiana have the ability to study everything they are interested in.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about homeschooling in Indiana, so you can start your home education journey with confidence!
Homeschooling in Indiana at a Glance
Indiana – The Hoosier State
| Required Age | 7-18 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | None required |
| Time Requirements | 180 days of instruction required |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | N/A |
| Financial Resources Available | Yes |
Parent Qualifications
Indiana does not require any specific qualifications for parents who want to homeschool.
Notice of Intent
Parents must notify the school in some way to prevent their child becoming truant. You can give notice with a phone call, although written communication is beneficial to keep with your homeschool records.
If you are withdrawing your high school student to homeschool, you must complete the “Withdraw to Non-Accredited Nonpublic School” form. This is necessary to correctly calculate the district drop-out rate at the end of the year. Elementary and middle school students do not have to complete this form.
Attendance
Homeschool students in Indiana must be in school for a total of 180 days out of the year. The family can decide the school schedule, as long as they meet the total.
Academic years in Indiana begin on July 1 and end on June 30 of the following year. If your child starts the school year at a traditional school before being withdrawn to homeschool, you can count the days they attended the previous school towards the requirement.
There is no requirement for how attendance is taken for homeschoolers, as long as it is taken daily. Indiana law allows education authorities the right to verify attendance records at any time.
Homeschool Curriculum
Indiana state homeschooling laws require that parents provide an “equivalent education” (IC 20-33-2-28) and that all course content must be taught in English. While there is no official definition for what is an “equivalent education”, parents are encouraged to choose subjects that are comparable to public school curricula and that suit their child’s needs.
The Department of Education provides a list of recommended skills, known as the Indiana Academic Standards, for grades K-12. These can be a helpful benchmark to use when choosing a homeschool curriculum in Indiana.
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Since you have so much freedom over the curriculum you choose, you have the option to choose an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
Indiana homeschool requirements exempt homeschoolers from participating in state standardized testing. However, the Indiana Department of Education strongly recommends periodic standardized testing to assess the progress of homeschooled students.
Some homeschool programs can provide the state standardized tests, or you may be able to request a private testing session.
Record Keeping
State law requires all homeschool families to keep track of daily attendance for all students. There is no specific form for attendance record keeping. As long as you record daily attendance in some way, school officials will be able to verify enrollment and attendance.
Although Indiana homeschool law only requires attendance records, it’s strongly recommended to keep track of academic records too. This will make it easier if your child needs to return to public school or decides to apply for college. Your records might include details such as courses, credit hours, and final grades.
Transcripts
If your high school student plans to go to college, they will likely need a transcript. Keeping academic records for high school students is important so you can provide one if needed. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
There are no graduation requirements for homeschooled students. It is up to the parent to determine graduation requirements and provide a diploma, if desired.
Homeschooled students ages 16+ can earn the High School Equivalency (HSE), which is a diploma accredited by the state of Indiana. More information about the HSE is available on the Department of Workforce Development’s Indiana HSE website.
Financial Resources
Indiana families can claim a tax deduction of up to $1,000 per student, using the Private School/ Homeschool Deduction. The deduction covers homeschool education expenses such as software, curricula, and other materials. There is no income limit or enrollment cap to claim this deduction.
If you choose to donate to an Indiana scholarship granting organization, you can claim a tax credit with the School Scholarship Credit.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Indiana, check out:
- Homeschool Help Sheet from the Indiana Department of Education
- Homeschool Information from the Indiana Department of Education
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, please reach out to our customer service team! Our friendly and knowledgeable agents will be happy to help you find the answers you need.
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Indiana homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
How do homeschoolers graduate in Indiana?
Homeschoolers graduate after meeting the credit requirements determined by their parents. Indiana homeschoolers ages 16 and older also have the option to earn their High School Equivalency (HSE). The HSE is a diploma accredited by the state of Indiana, certifying completion of a high school education.
Does Indiana require standardized testing for homeschoolers?
No, Indiana does not require standardized testing for homeschooled students.
What are the requirements for homeschooling in Indiana?
You must notify your school district and complete the Withdraw to Non-Accredited Nonpublic School form, if applicable. You also need to keep an attendance record showing a total of 180 school days per academic year.
How many days are required for homeschool in Indiana?
Indiana requires a total of 180 days of instruction for homeschooled students. Families can choose which days and which hours work best for them, as long as they meet the requirement.
Information accurate as of: 06/03/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.