How to Start Homeschooling in Kentucky
If you are interested in a more relaxed and independent approach to your child’s education, you’ve come to the right place!
Kentucky’s homeschool laws are simple, and there are only a few requirements that you need to follow. It’s important to do your research, as homeschool laws vary by state. Once you’ve taken care of the legal aspects, you’ll be set to embark on your new homeschooling journey!
Homeschooling in Kentucky at a Glance
Kentucky – The Bluegrass State
| Required Age | 6-18 |
| Standardized Testing | No |
| Subjects | Reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, mathematics, science, and civics |
| Time Requirements | 1,062 hours over 170 days |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | None |
| Financial Resources Available | Yes |
Parent Qualifications
Kentucky’s homeschool laws do not outline any requirements for parents who wish to homeschool.
Notice of Intent
When you begin homeschooling in Kentucky, you are required to send a Notice of Intent to the Board of Education. This is due within two weeks of school starting, or within 10 days if you homeschool in the middle of the year.
You must continue to file a Notice of Intent each year after. We recommend sending this letter by certified mail. You can address it to the superintendent of your local school district.
Homeschool Curriculum
The Kentucky homeschool requirements include 8 subjects that homeschooled students must receive instruction in:
- Reading
- Writing
- Spelling
- Grammar
- History
- Mathematics
- Science
- Civics
The homeschool laws in Kentucky also require that all core course material be taught in English.
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool program in Kentucky can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! In Kentucky, 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.
Record Keeping
Homeschooling parents in Kentucky are required to keep both attendance and academic records, but they are not required to submit them to the state. Academic records should be, at minimum, a list of courses taken, final grades, and scholarships your child has received (if applicable). We also recommend that families regularly add a summary of their students’ progress to their records, similar to report cards.
Many parents keep their student’s records and best work in a homeschool portfolio. Portfolios can help you keep track of your child’s academic progress, and they can come in handy if your child is interested in applying to college.
Transcripts
Many colleges will ask for a transcript during the application process. This is where thorough record keeping comes in handy, especially for high schoolers! As a homeschool parent, you can make your own transcripts or enroll your student in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Attendance
Homeschool families in Kentucky must teach at least 1,062 hours, over the course of 170 school days, per school year. This equates to about 6 hours, 15 minutes of learning time per day for a family keeping the same schedule as their local school district.
However, homeschooling families can choose to reach this requirement in the way that works best for their family. For example, many families homeschool year-round, opting for around 260 4-hour days instead.
Testing
There are no standardized tests required for Kentucky homeschool students.
College-bound high school students should still plan to take the SAT or ACT. Most colleges require an entrance exam in some form to consider a student for admission.
Graduation Requirements
In Kentucky, homeschooling parents can decide when their child is ready to graduate high school. This means if you choose to homeschool your child through high school, you’ll have the freedom to tailor your child’s learning to their specific needs and goals! But this can be intimidating — how will you know when your child is ready to graduate?
Some parents find it helpful to look to the state’s diploma requirements for public schoolers as a guideline. MiaPrep’s comprehensive 9th-12th grade curriculum provides a well-rounded high school education at home!
Financial Resources
Kentucky does not have any state programs that assist with the costs of homeschooling at this time; however, homeschooled high school students are still eligible for awards and scholarships.
The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) and the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) reward students’ academic achievements with scholarship opportunities for many types of postsecondary education. Keep in mind, homeschoolers must manually submit scholarship requests and may not be eligible for all awards available. You can find more information about these scholarships at kheaa.com.
Other Tips & Resources
Homeschool families in Kentucky may also find these links to be helpful:
- Homeschool, the Kentucky Department of Education
- Kentucky Homeschool Groups from the Homeschool Mom
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team!
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Kentucky 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 I homeschool my child in Kentucky?
To start homeschooling in KY, you must notify your local Board of Education, keep attendance records, and teach all required subjects.
How many days of school do you need to homeschool in Kentucky?
You must homeschool your child for a minimum of 170 days per school year in Kentucky.
Information accurate as of: 06/24/2024. 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.