How to Start Homeschooling in Ohio
Interested in homeschooling in Ohio? From filing a notice letter to choosing a homeschool curriculum, Ohio’s homeschool laws are simple to follow!
Please keep in mind that homeschool laws vary by state, so it’s best to do your research first. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to start homeschooling in the Buckeye State with confidence!
Homeschooling in Ohio at a Glance
Ohio – The Buckeye State
| Required Age | 6-18 |
| Standardized Testing | Not Required |
| Subjects | English language arts, mathematics, science, history, government, and social studies |
| Time Requirements | None |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | None |
| Financial Assistance Available | Yes |
Parent Qualifications
There are no educational requirements for parents who wish to homeschool. All parents, regardless of their education, are able to homeschool their children in Ohio.
Homeschool Notice Letter
You must notify your child’s school of your intent to homeschool annually. The notification needs to be sent before August 30th annually or five days before withdrawing if you are homeschooling in the middle of the year. The homeschool notice letter should include:
- Your name, address, and contact information
- Your child’s name and birthdate
Attendance
There are no time requirements for homeschool instruction. Parents are free to make their own schedules and can teach for as little or as long as their student needs.
Homeschool Curriculum
An Ohio homeschool curriculum must teach the following six subjects:
- English language arts
- Math
- Science
- History
- Government
- Social studies
Accredited Homeschool Programs
With so many options, choosing the best homeschool program in Ohio can be hard! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum!
Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to keep 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
Ohio’s homeschool requirements exempt students from standardized testing, but many parents still test to check their child’s progress. Parents can request that their child take the state test at their local public school or purchase a nationally normed standardized test, such as the IOWA and Stanford Achievement exams.
For students who are getting ready to apply to college, it’s a good idea to consider taking the SAT or ACT, as most higher education institutions require at least one test score during admissions. The State of Ohio provides free SAT tests for 11th grade students in their spring semester. You can find more information about free SAT testing on the Ohio Department of Education website.
Record Keeping
While record keeping is not required, it can be a good way to keep track of your child’s learning. One popular way to track academic progress is homeschool portfolios, which should include:
- Work samples
- Activities
- Attendance records
- Curriculum and other educational materials
- Test results
A homeschool portfolio can be a great way to showcase your child’s best work and to remember your time learning together!
Transcripts
If your child plans to apply to college, they’ll likely need a high school transcript. It’s a good idea to keep track of the courses, credit hours, and final grades to put on the transcript. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
In Ohio, homeschooling parents have the freedom to determine their child’s readiness to graduate high school. This allows for a personalized learning experience tailored to their unique needs and aspirations — however, it can be daunting to determine the right time for graduation. To ease this concern, many parents find guidance in the state’s diploma requirements for public school students.
There are some special circumstances where a homeschooled senior may receive a diploma from the state. To see if you qualify, be sure to check Ohio Code Section 3313.6110 for more information.
Financial Resources
Ohio offers the K-12 Home Education Tax Credit, which is available for all students excused from the compulsory attendance law (which includes homeschoolers). The tax credit provides up to $250 per tax return for educational materials, such as books, software, subscriptions, and more. For more information about eligibility, visit the Ohio Department of Taxation website.
In addition, parents who wish to donate to scholarship-granting organizations may also claim the Scholarship Donation Credit. The tax credit will be $750 or the dollar amount donated, whichever amount is smaller.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information and support, check out these resources:
You can also find further information about the new laws at these sites:
- Ohio Homeschooling Parents
- Ohio Homeschool Groups and Co-Ops from the Homeschool Mom
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, please reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you find the answers you need.
Please keep in mind that the information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Ohio 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
What is required to homeschool in Ohio?
To homeschool in Ohio, you must submit a homeschool notice letter and choose a curriculum that teaches the six required subjects. Otherwise, you are free to homeschool however is best for your family.
Do you get money for homeschooling in Ohio?
The State of Ohio does not provide any funds for homeschooling at this time. However, there is a tax credit option available for homeschool families who qualify.
Information accurate as of: 06/07/2024. 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.