Oklahoma Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Oklahoma Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: No

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 5-18

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Oklahoma

Oklahoma doesn’t have specific laws pertaining to homeschoolers. The education law book says parents can provide education at home to their children as long as they do so “for the full term” that school is in session. An Attorney General ruling states that “instruction must be supplied in good faith and equivalent to that afforded by the State.” 

In other words, home instruction can’t be used to get around the state’s truancy laws–children must receive an education, whether at home or in a public or private school.

TIP: Beyond a few very basic requirements about attendance, subjects, and mandatory ages, Oklahoma homeschool families have complete freedom over their children’s education. 

To prepare for homeschooling, you may wish to meet with other families who use home instruction or review online resources. You’ll find information in both of these areas below. 

Qualifications to Homeschool in Oklahoma

Oklahoma does not require any certifications or other standards for homeschool instructors.

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Mandatory School Age in Oklahoma

Children must begin receiving instruction by the time they turn 5 and continue until they turn 18 unless they graduate high school earlier.

Oklahoma Homeschool Subject Requirements

Beyond the attendance and age requirements, Oklahoma simply requires children to receive instruction that is “supplied in good faith and equivalent to that afforded by the State.” The state offers the following recommendations, but it’s important to note that these are NOT requirements.

• To avoid truancy investigations, notify your local district that you’re homeschooling your child.
• Use a “well-defined curriculum or design for learning” in Oklahoma’s required subjects: reading, writing, math, science, citizenship, US Constitution, health, safety, physical education, and conservation.
• Ensure your child makes adequate academic progress for their age and abilities.
• If your child wishes to attend college, use the Oklahoma State Board of Education Regulations for Graduation to design an education program for their high school years.

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Oklahoma Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Because Oklahoma law says all children must receive instruction “for the full term,” the state interprets this to mean homeschools must provide 180 days of instruction in a school year, just as public schools do. This instruction should take place for 6 hours or 360 minutes per day. Parents are otherwise free to set their own schedules.

Oklahoma Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

Oklahoma has no legal record-keeping requirements. However, families should strongly consider creating a school file for each child. Include items like an attendance record, a list of courses taken and grades received, a portfolio of representative work samples, a list of textbooks and other instructional materials, and any evaluations or assessment results. 

TIP: Keeping complete homeschool records can help you create transcripts for your child or transition them to public school if necessary.

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Oklahoma Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Oklahoma homeschool students don’t need to take standardized tests unless they wish to re-enroll in public school. In this case, the local district may use standardized tests to determine proper grade and course placement.

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Oklahoma

Immunization requirements apply only to public, private, or parochial school students. This does not apply to homeschoolers. See the Oklahoma immunization laws here.

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Resources for Homeschool Families in Oklahoma

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 relationships help families create a rich and rewarding homeschooling experience.

Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschool families often lean on each other for support and advice. Organizations like these can help you find other homeschoolers, plus get resources and tips for making your home instruction a success. Children and home educators will also find friendships, assistance, and guidance. We recommend checking online when you begin your search for a homeschool organization, association, group or co-op. Here are two popular statewide options to get you started.

• Homeschool Oklahoma: This Christian-based educators’ community has a podcast, blog, resources, events, and lots more.
• CHEF of Oklahoma: The Christian Home Educators Fellowship offers graduation, a yearly picnic, field trips, support groups, and many more resources and events.

Looking for local homeschool groups? Check out The Homeschool Mom’s Oklahoma list.

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Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Oklahoma

Public schools in Oklahoma are not required to give homeschool students access to sports or other extracurriculars. Fortunately, homeschoolers can join a local homeschool sports league or participate in community youth sports programs, which welcome all students. Check out these options in Oklahoma:

Oklahoma Homeschool Field Trips 

Field trips let homeschool families explore the world and learn from fun, hands-on experiences. 

TIP: When you join other homeschoolers for field trips, you can often qualify for group discounts and education programs.

In Oklahoma City, learn about local history at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, check out Science Museum Oklahoma for STEM excitement, or visit the inspiring Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Tulsa boasts the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Tulsa Air & Space Museum. Love animals? Take a trip to the Oklahoma City Zoo. And be sure to explore native history at the Chickasaw Cultural Center. 

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Special Education Homeschoolers

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is clear that school districts are not obligated to provide services to homeschooling students with special needs. In the eyes of that law, students who are parentally placed in non-public schools are not considered private school students and, thus, not entitled to any federal, state, or local funding that is designated for special education services.

Oklahoma families that are homeschooling students with special needs are responsible for providing the services and supports their child needs to thrive and succeed. When making your home education plan, take time to research the impact of paying for all the services your child may need. 

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Oklahoma Homeschool FAQ

Is Oklahoma a homeschool-friendly state?

Oklahoma offers homeschool families a great deal of freedom. While you must hold school at least six hours a day for 180 days a year and provide education “equivalent to that offered by the state,” laws require little in the form of paperwork or record keeping. Parents can set their schedules and choose any curriculum program or textbooks they like with minimal oversight from the state. This makes Oklahoma very homeschool-friendly.

Can families receive textbooks or other educational materials from their local school district?

The state has ruled that public schools are under no obligation to provide textbooks or other instructional materials to homeschool families. 

How do you enroll in public school after homeschooling in Oklahoma? 

Contact your local school to begin the enrollment process. Your child will likely have to take standardized tests to determine proper grade and course placement, but this varies by district.

Can parents issue diplomas or transcripts to homeschool students?

Parents or curriculum programs can issue diplomas or transcripts. It’s up to institutions of higher education to decide whether to accept those diplomas or to require examinations to prove competency. 

TIP: The more detailed your academic records are through the years, the easier it will be to create transcripts for your child.

Is unschooling legal in Oklahoma?

Parents in Oklahoma may choose any form of home instruction, as long as students receive that instruction “in good faith and equivalent to that afforded by the State.” This includes unschooling, which is legal in all 50 states.