Kentucky Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Kentucky Overview 

Letter of Intent Required: Yes

1 Option for Homeschooling: Non-Public School

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-18

Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Kentucky

The state of Kentucky does not have a specific homeschool statute. Instead, home educators teach their students under the same laws that apply to other non-public schools. Here are the basic requirements for homeschooling as a non-public school in Kentucky:

• File an annual notice of intent to homeschool.
• Name your homeschool.
• Maintain attendance and scholarship records.
• Provide instruction hours equivalent to that of the local district, at least 1,062 hours per school year.
• Offer instruction in the English language in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, mathematics, science, and civics.

Find more information on these requirements in this guide or refer to the Kentucky Homeschool Packet provided by the Department of Education.

Letter of Intent for Homeschooling in Kentucky

You must notify your local school district in writing each year of your intent to homeschool. The state recommends sending this letter via certified mail and keeping a copy for your records. See a sample notice of intent letter here.

Naming Your Homeschool

Kentucky law requires you to establish a “bona fide” school for your children, including choosing a name. You may choose any name you like but should plan to keep the same name throughout your homeschooling time. You’ll need to include the name and address of your homeschool in your letter of intent.

Letter of Intent

Include the following in your letter of intent:

• Statement of your intent to homeschool for the upcoming year
• Names and ages of each child attending homeschool
• Name and address of your homeschool
• Parent/teacher names
• Signature

TIP: You should send this letter 10 days before you start schooling for the year and no later than two weeks after the beginning of your local district’s school year.

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Mandatory School Age in Kentucky

Children in Kentucky must start school when they turn 6 by August 1st of that school year. Parents may start instruction earlier if they like. Homeschool students must continue to receive instruction in accordance with the non-public school laws until they turn 18.

Kentucky Homeschool Subject Requirements

Home educators need to provide instruction in certain core subjects in Kentucky. The law also specifies that this instruction be offered in English. The required subjects in Kentucky are:

• Reading
• Writing
• Spelling
• Grammar
• History
• Mathematics
• Science
• Civics

While you must include these subjects in your instruction, you are not required to use any specific curriculum programs. You can use the Kentucky Academic Standards as a guideline, but this is not required.

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Kentucky Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Kentucky requires you to conduct homeschool instruction for at least 1,062 hours each school year. You must keep track of attendance and maintain written or digital records that you can provide for review if asked. 

Kentucky Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

In addition to maintaining attendance records, Kentucky requires homeschools to document student progress in “scholarship reports” at the same intervals as local schools. For example, if your local public school issues report cards quarterly, your scholarship reports should be updated at the same time.

You’ll also need to keep a record of courses taken and grades earned, and Kentucky guidelines suggest maintaining a portfolio of work samples (though it’s not required). 

TIP: The more thorough your academic records, the easier it will be to generate transcripts in the future.

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Kentucky Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Kentucky does not require homeschooled students to participate in any state-administered standardized testing. 

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Kentucky

Kentucky homeschooled children are only required to receive immunizations if they plan to take classes or participate in sports or other extracurriculars at a public school. Learn more about the Kentucky School Immunization Program here.

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Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Kentucky

Becoming part of a homeschool group or co-op (short for cooperative) is a fantastic way for families to interact with other homeschoolers. Numerous homeschool groups and co-ops arrange field trips, courses, seminars, and other events for homeschoolers. Children and home educators will also find friendships, assistance, and guidance.

We recommend checking online when you begin your search for a homeschool group or co-op. Christian homeschoolers statewide will find like-minded families at Christian Home Educators of Kentucky and can join events, find educational and legal resources, and more.

The Homeschool Mom has a terrific round-up of local homeschool groups and co-ops in Kentucky.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Kentucky

In Kentucky, individual districts set their own policies for allowing homeschoolers to participate in sports and extracurricular activities. If your child wants to play sports at the local public school, contact the school directly to learn their policies.

There are many other ways for homeschoolers to participate in sports activities. In some areas, homeschool groups establish their own sports leagues, and many community youth sports programs welcome homeschoolers. Here are some options for Kentucky homeschool sports:

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Kentucky Homeschool Field Trips 

It’s easy to take school on the road when you’re a homeschooler, and field trips are a great way to bring learning to life. Join other homeschool families to receive group discounts or participate in special homeschool programs at many sites and attractions.

Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Mammoth Cave, Cumberland Gap, or one of 45 state parks. History buffs will enjoy seeing Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace or one of several sites run by the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort. The Louisville Zoo welcomes animal lovers, while hands-on learning awaits at the Kentucky Science Center. Discover the state’s long relationship with horses at the Kentucky Derby Museum, or stop by the Muhammad Ali Center for an inspirational experience.  

Special Education Homeschoolers

Homeschooling a student with special needs in Kentucky may allow families to receive services through the local school district. 

Each year, an optional “Intent to Participate” form is available for non-public private schools, which includes homeschooling families. The document informs the school district that students will be seeking special services, which may consist of those for special education needs. 

By filing the yearly form, parents can access support services for their children as administered through the local public school or a third-party service that has been agreed upon. Kentucky even goes so far as to indicate where the services might occur. 

For families of students with special needs, filing the yearly “Intent to Participate” form can be an easy and effective way to get their children the services they need.

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Kentucky Homeschool FAQ

Is Kentucky a homeschool-friendly state?

While Kentucky doesn’t have a specific homeschool statute, it’s still welcoming to homeschoolers. Home educators follow the same laws as other non-public schools, keeping attendance and academic records. The state lists required core subjects but doesn’t specify curriculum standards or materials. As with most states, home educators are entirely responsible for their homeschooling costs in Kentucky.

Are Kentucky homeschoolers able to take public school classes?

In Kentucky, individual districts set their own policies on homeschoolers attending public school classes. If you want your child to take classes at a public school, contact the school about their policies.

How do I enroll my child in public school after homeschooling?

It’s best to get the exact details of this procedure from your local school district. Generally, the local school district will determine your child’s grade placement and how their homeschool credits count towards their public school education. 

How will my child get a diploma?

Kentucky does not provide diplomas to homeschooled children. As their home educator, you will determine when your child has completed their course requirements and give them their diploma. 

Is unschooling legal in Kentucky?

Unschooling is a type of education in which children drive their learning, choosing subjects and working at a pace that suits them best. It is legal in all 50 states, including Kentucky.

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