How to homeschool in Ohio

Home education (notice to superintendent) · Ohio Rev. Code § 3321.042

The parent directs the child's education at home and notifies the district superintendent. The exemption from compulsory attendance takes effect as soon as the superintendent receives the notice; the district must acknowledge it in writing within 14 calendar days.

Notice

• Send to: the superintendent of your child's school district of residence.
• When: within 5 calendar days after starting home education, moving into a new district, or withdrawing from a public or nonpublic school, and by August 30 each year after that.
• How often: annually (by August 30), and again each time you move to a new district.
• How: send a written notice (mail, email, or hand delivery; keep proof of delivery). The state's form is optional; any format with the required information works.

Instruction time

Not specified.

Required subjects

English language arts, Mathematics, Science, History, Government, Social studies.

Records to keep

• A copy of each year's notice and the superintendent's acknowledgment (recommended, not required by law).

Testing / evaluation

None required.

Parent qualifications

None.

Also

• Applies to children ages 6 to 18.
• If there is evidence a child is not being taught the required subjects, the district can pursue it under the compulsory attendance laws (ORC 3321.19).

What the notice must include

• Parent's or guardian's name and address.
• Each child's name.
• An assurance that each child will receive education in English language arts, mathematics, science, history, government, and social studies.

Checklist

• Send notice of home education to your district superintendent: within 5 calendar days of starting, moving into a new district, or withdrawing from school.
• Send your annual notice to the superintendent: by August 30 each year.
• Confirm you received the superintendent's written acknowledgment: within 14 calendar days of sending each notice.
• Teach ELA, math, science, history, government, and social studies: ongoing.

Nonchartered nonpublic school (religious objection, "08" school) · Ohio Admin. Code 3301-35-08

A school that, because of truly held religious beliefs, does not seek a state charter. Some families enroll in such a school instead of filing home education notices; the school must meet its own minimum standards (hours, subjects, bachelor's-degree teachers) and file an annual report.

Notice

• Send to: the treasurer of your school district of residence (attendance report); the school's annual report goes to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
• When: attendance report within the first two weeks of the school year (mid-year changes within the first week of the next school month); the school's annual report by September 30.
• How often: annually.
• How: the school (or parent) files the reports; the school may file the attendance report on the parent's behalf.

Instruction time

910 hours/year (grades 1-6); 1,001 hours/year (grades 7-12); 455 hours for half-day kindergarten.

Required subjects

• Language arts.
• Geography, U.S. and Ohio history, and national, state, and local government.
• Mathematics.
• Science.
• Health.
• Physical education.
• Fine arts, including music.
• First aid, safety, and fire prevention.

Testing / evaluation

Not specified in the rule.

Parent qualifications

Teachers and administrators must hold at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent.

What the notice must include

• Each pupil's name, age, and place of residence (attendance report).
• The school's certification to parents that it meets the minimum standards (annual report).

Checklist

• Make sure the school files the attendance report with your district treasurer: within the first two weeks of each school year.
• Make sure the school files its annual report with the state: by September 30 each year.