Ohio Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Ohio Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

Homeschool Options: Under Ohio’s Homeschool Statute; Non-Chartered, Non-Tax-Supported School

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-18

Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes

Assessments or Evaluations Required: Yes

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Ohio

Ohio homeschool families have specific requirements to meet, which include the following:

• Minimum education for homeschool instructors
• Annual Notice of Intent
• 900 hours of instruction in the required subjects
• Yearly Academic Assessments to prove adequate progress

TIP: Parents are responsible for all homeschooling costs in Ohio, but they also have the freedom to decide what to teach, plus how and when to teach it.

Notice of Intent for Homeschooling in Ohio

You must file a notice of intent to homeschool your child each year. Send your notice of intent to the district superintendent within one week of the school district’s start date. If you withdraw your child to start homeschooling in the middle of the academic year, send your notice within one week of withdrawal. 

Your notice of intent must include the following:

• Statement of your qualifications to homeschool your children (see below)
• Confirmation that you will provide 900 hours of instruction in the required subjects (see below)
• A brief outline of your proposed curriculum
• A list of the textbooks, educational materials, commercial curriculum programs, or other resources you plan to use.
• After the first year, an academic assessment as required (see below)

TIP: Sign and date your letter and consider sending it by certified mail so you have verification of receipt. Be sure to keep a copy for your files.

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Qualifications to Homeschool in Ohio

Ohio parents and guardians can teach their children at home if they have one of the following qualifications:

• High school diploma
• GED
• Standardized test scores demonstrating high school equivalence
• An equivalent credential agreed to by the local district superintendent

If you don’t have any of these qualifications, someone with a college degree from a recognized institution must oversee your instruction.

Mandatory School Age in Ohio

In Ohio, children must attend school from the age of 6 until they turn 18 unless they graduate earlier.

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Ohio Homeschool Subject Requirements

In Ohio, students must receive instruction in the following subjects according to their age and ability:

• Language, reading, spelling, and writing
• Geography; history of the United States and Ohio; and national, state, and local government
• Mathematics
• Science
• Health
• Physical education
• Fine arts, including music
• First aid and safety and fire prevention

Ohio Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Ohio law states homeschool students must receive 900 hours of instruction in the required subjects each school year. However, families can set their own schedules, including the number of instructional hours per day.

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Ohio Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

Parents should keep records showing 900 hours of instruction in the required subjects each year. You should also keep a portfolio of work samples, courses taken and grades achieved, assessments and evaluations, and any other information that will help demonstrate adequate yearly progress. 

TIP: The more detailed your records, the easier it is to generate transcripts for your child in the future.

Ohio Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Each year, Ohio home educators must submit an academic assessment of their homeschool child to prove adequate progress. Include these results with your notice of intent to homeschool for the upcoming year.

You may choose any one of the following to prove adequate progress:

• Results from a certified standardized test showing reasonable proficiency; or
• A written narrative from a certified teacher who has reviewed a portfolio of the child’s work and confirms they are progressing adequately according to their abilities; or
• An alternative assessment which both the parent and local superintendent have agreed to in advance

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Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Ohio

Ohio’s immunization laws do not apply to homeschoolers.

Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. 

Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, or larger associations. These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other. 

These organizations and groups are a great place to start:

• Ohio Homeschooling Parents: This statewide site provides useful forms, resources, FAQs, curriculum recommendations, and more.
• Christian Home Educators of Ohio: Christian families will find like-minded homeschoolers here, along with events, information, and support groups.
• Schoolmarm Ohio: This regularly-updated site helps you find co-ops, provides academic assessments, and more.

Find more Ohio homeschool groups at The Homeschool Mom.

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Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Ohio

Ohio homeschoolers are welcome to participate in sports and other extracurriculars at local public schools. They’ll need to meet the same requirements as traditional public school students.

Homeschool students can also find athletic opportunities through homeschool sports leagues. Plus, many communities have youth sports programs that are open to homeschool students of all ages. Try some of these:

Ohio Homeschool Field Trips 

Field trips are the best way to combine real-world learning with hands-on experiences. 

TIP: When you plan field trips with other homeschool families, you can qualify for group discounts and special programs.

Here are just a few ideas for Ohio homeschool field trips:

Cleveland, Toledo, Cincinnati, and Columbus all have terrific zoos that are well worth a visit. The Toledo Museum of Art is one of the best in the country, while students from around the state visit COSI in Columbus for unparalleled STEM experiences. 

Cleveland’s University Circle boasts multiple museums, including art, natural history, and botanical gardens, and the Cincinnati Museum Center offers a wide array of activities. Love history? Don’t miss the Hopewell Mound National Historical Park, the First Ladies National Historic Site, or the Sauder Village Living History Museum.  

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Special Education Homeschoolers

According to the state, homeschooled children with special needs in Ohio do not qualify to receive special education services through their local school district. This means that any assistance would have to be paid for out of pocket as no funding is available for homeschooled students in the state.

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Ohio Homeschool FAQ

Is Ohio a homeschool-friendly state?

While Ohio has a few more homeschool requirements than some other states, it makes things fairly simple for homeschool families. You can choose your curriculum and instructional materials, and students are eligible to take classes and participate in sports and extracurriculars at public schools.

You do need to submit an annual academic assessment, and parents are responsible for all homeschool costs. 

How do Ohio homeschoolers receive diplomas or transcripts?

Ohio homeschoolers can receive a diploma from their parent, guardian, or the person overseeing their schooling. These diplomas must be accompanied by a letter of excuse from the district superintendent for the final year of high school. Work with your local school district to learn more.

TIP: Home educators are responsible for issuing transcripts compiled from their student’s academic records. Keeping detailed records throughout your homeschool journey makes this process easier.

Can Ohio homeschoolers participate in the College Credit Plus program?

Yes, Ohio homeschool students can take part in this program, which provides 7th-12th grade students the chance to earn college credit by taking classes at participating Ohio colleges or universities. Learn about the College Credit Plus program here.

Is unschooling legal in Ohio?

Home educators may choose any instructional methods they like, including unschooling, as long as a child demonstrates adequate yearly progress and receives instruction in Ohio’s required subjects.