How to homeschool in Oklahoma

No notice requiredChecked against official sources October 9, 2026

Oklahoma has one of the most hands-off homeschool laws in the country. The state constitution lets parents provide "other means of education," and you don't have to register, get approval, or test. The state recommends you teach the equivalent of a full school year and cover the core subjects, and that you tell your school in writing if you are pulling your child out.

Homeschooling in Oklahoma at a glance: no notice of intent required; instruction time: full term the district's schools are in session; the state department of education suggests the equivalent of 180 days a year and about 6 hours (360 minutes) a day, adjusted to the child's age; 10 required…

Requirements in Oklahoma

Home school ("other means of education") · Okla. Const. art. XIII, § 4; 70 O.S. § 10-105

Parents may teach their own children at home as an "other means of education" for the full term the local schools are in session. No notice, approval, teacher certification, or testing is required by law.

Notice
Not required.
Instruction time
Full term the district's schools are in session; the state department of education suggests the equivalent of 180 days a year and about 6 hours (360 minutes) a day, adjusted to the child's age.
Required subjects
Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Citizenship, U.S. Constitution, Health, Safety, Physical education, Conservation.
Records to keep
  • Attendance or days taught (recommended, to show a full term).
  • Curriculum used and samples of work (recommended, helpful if your child re-enters public school).
Testing / evaluation
None required. A child who re-enters public school will be given a standardized achievement test for placement.
Parent qualifications
None. Instruction must be given in good faith and be equivalent to what the state provides.
Also
  • Compulsory attendance covers ages 5 through 17; half-day kindergarten is required at age 5 unless you notify the district by certified mail that you are delaying it a year.

What the notice must include

  • Parent's name and address.
  • Each child's name and birthdate.
  • Statement that you are providing other means of education at home.

Checklist

  • Withdraw from current school in writing if enrolled: before you start homeschooling.
  • Keep a simple record of days taught and subjects covered: ongoing.
  • Save receipts for the homeschool Parental Choice Tax Credit (Form 591-D) if you plan to claim it: ongoing; claim on your state tax return.

Leaving a public school

Not set by statute. The state department of education recommends notifying the principal of your resident school that you plan to homeschool; some schools ask you to sign a release form. Homeschooling must not be used to get around truancy rules.

Common questions about homeschooling in Oklahoma

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Oklahoma?
No. Oklahoma doesn't require a notice of intent for this option. If your child is enrolled in a public school, withdraw them in writing first.
What subjects do I have to teach in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma requires: Reading; Writing; Math; Science; Citizenship; U.S. Constitution; Health; Safety; Physical education; Conservation.
How many days or hours of homeschool does Oklahoma require?
Full term the district's schools are in session; the state department of education suggests the equivalent of 180 days a year and about 6 hours (360 minutes) a day, adjusted to the child's age.
Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Oklahoma?
None required. A child who re-enters public school will be given a standardized achievement test for placement.
Do parents need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Oklahoma?
None. Instruction must be given in good faith and be equivalent to what the state provides.
What records should I keep when homeschooling in Oklahoma?
Attendance or days taught (recommended, to show a full term); Curriculum used and samples of work (recommended, helpful if your child re-enters public school).

Worth double-checking

  • The subject list and the 180-day / 6-hour benchmark come from state department of education guidance, which says these recommendations are not required by law; the statute itself only says "other means of education" for the full school term.
  • Since tax year 2024, homeschool families can claim a refundable Parental Choice Tax Credit of up to $1,000 per student for qualifying expenses on their Oklahoma tax return (Form 591-D, receipts required). Check the Tax Commission page for current rules and caps.

Sources

This is a plain-language summary to help you get organized, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the details with your state or school district before you file.