Indiana Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Indiana Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: No

1 Option for Homeschooling: Non-Public, Non-Accredited School

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: No

Attendance Age Requirements: 7-18

Record-Keeping Requirements: Attendance Records

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Indiana

Indiana makes it fairly easy for families to homeschool, which they refer to as “non-public, non-accredited schools.” Some record-keeping requirements exist, but home educators don’t need to file these with the local district or state. The laws are also very open regarding what you must teach your child as long as you provide instruction for at least 180 days in an academic year. 

Here’s an overview of homeschooling in Indiana, plus resources and tools to help you get started. The state of Indiana’s Homeschool FAQ has even more useful information.

Registering for Homeschool in Indiana

Families are not required to register their homeschools in Indiana. If you choose to, you only need to do it once–there’s no need to do it yearly. If you’re interested in registering your homeschool, get more information here.

Do I need to sign anything to withdraw my child from public school?

Suppose your child has been attending public school and you decide to withdraw and homeschool them. In that case, you must inform the school to avoid accidentally triggering a truancy investigation. 

TIP: You are not required to sign any forms to withdraw an elementary or middle school child from school.

Parents or legal guardians must sign the “Withdrawal to Non-Accredited Non-public School Located in Indiana” form for high school students. This is not a registration form of any kind. It simply indicates the parents/guardians are aware of the change. If you do not sign this form, your child will be considered a “dropout.” This could affect their ability to obtain or keep their driver’s license or learner’s permit until they turn 18. 

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Public School Access for Indiana Homeschoolers

Each public school district can decide if homeschool students can attend one or more classes at a local school. Contact your local district for more details if you’re interested.

Mandatory School Age in Indiana

Children must begin their education by the time they turn 7 in Indiana. Parents/guardians are welcome to start their child’s homeschool journey earlier. Students must continue their education until they turn 18.

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Indiana Homeschool Subject Requirements

Indiana’s homeschool law does not spell out specific curriculum requirements. Instead, it says homeschooling must provide “instruction equivalent to that given in public schools.” The law leaves that open to interpretation by families and doesn’t require families to use the same curriculum or standards as public schools. If you like, you can use Indiana’s state education standards as a guideline, but you don’t have to.

Indiana Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Indiana requires home educators to conduct homeschooling for at least 180 days in an academic year (July 1st to June 30th of the following year). The law does not specify a minimum number of hours per day.

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Indiana Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

The state says families must maintain an attendance record, verifying the student’s attendance for at least 180 days in an academic year. You do not need to submit these records to anyone; simply keep them on file at home.

You’re not required to maintain any other records, though families should consider creating an academic record for each child with courses taken, evaluations and assessments, and work samples. 

TIP: The more thorough your records, the easier it will be to help provide your child with transcripts later.

Indiana Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Indiana doesn’t require any type of assessment or evaluation. Homeschool students are not permitted to participate in statewide testing unless enrolled in at least one class at a public or accredited school.

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Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Indiana

Indiana law only requires accredited public and non-public schools to verify required immunization status. Since homeschools are considered non-accredited schools, they do not need to comply with these requirements. See more here.

Resources for Homeschool Families in Indiana

Homeschool communities can be a terrific way to help with socialization, enrichment classes, and other important educational opportunities. Here are a few of Indiana’s groups and other resources from sporting to field trips.

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Indiana Private School/Homeschool Tax Deduction 

Homeschooling families in Indiana can offset some of the costs of homeschooling with the Indiana Private School/Homeschool Tax Deduction. Under this initiative, families with a child in kindergarten through 12th grade can benefit from a state income tax deduction of $1,000 for each child enrolled in either a private school or being homeschooled.

This program does not place additional requirements on the child or families opting to use private schools or home education. Educational resources, such as online curriculum programs, learning materials, and more, can be applied towards the Indiana Private School/Homeschool Tax Deduction. 

Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Indiana

Local groups and co-ops offer a chance for homeschoolers to meet up with like-minded folks. Join them for social events, classes, field trips, resources, and more. The Homeschool Mom has a terrific roundup of Indiana homeschool groups and co-ops. 

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Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschool organizations and associations are fantastic resources that provide a wide range of support for homeschool families. They commonly offer access to events, information, resources, legal support, and even advocacy efforts. Homeschool associations are more formal than a typical group or co-op and may charge membership fees.

Indiana Association of Home Educators is a well-known organization that offers plenty of family resources, plus support and an annual conference.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Indiana

Local schools are allowed to decide whether a homeschooler can participate in extracurricular activities. 

For high school sports, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) permits homeschool students to participate if they meet the following requirements:

• Have been homeschooled for at least three consecutive years
• Are enrolled in the school for at least one class per day
• Complete all required state academic assessments
• Meet academic eligibility and other requirements (learn more here)

Since many homeschoolers do not attend any classes at a public school, families will need to find other options for sports. Fortunately, Indiana has both community youth sports programs and homeschool groups that offer classes and competitive sports across the state. Here are a few to get you started.

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Indiana Homeschool Field Trips 

When you’re a homeschooler, field trips can happen anytime! Indiana has some really cool field trip options, with something for every age and interest. 

Love science? Check out the WonderLab Museum in Bloomington or Science Central in Fort Wayne. History buffs can organize a customized trip to the Indiana Historical Society. Indianapolis is full of cultural and educational experiences, like The Children’s Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, and Indiana State Museum. Nature lovers can visit Indiana Dunes National Park or spend time exploring one of Indiana’s 24 state parks.

Many places offer group discounts and educational experiences, so consider teaming up with other homeschool families when you start planning.

Special Education Homeschoolers & Indiana’s Education Scholarship Account Program

When homeschooling students with special needs in Indiana, students may be eligible to receive special education supports through their local public school district. Families are also eligible to apply for the Indiana Education Scholarship Account program, also known as the Indiana ESA program, which provides a unique opportunity for students with special needs to tap into a portion of the state’s educational funding.

Indiana Education Scholarship Account Program

Indiana ESA program funds can be applied to a wide range of educational expenses, including homeschooling resources, specialized services, therapies, classes, examination fees, and even transportation.

Participation in the Indiana ESA program required parents or legal guardians to ensure their child receives instruction in core subjects, including reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science, either through enrollment in a private school or a homeschooling setting. Additionally, children are required to complete the state-mandated assessment for their grade level or adhere to the evaluation outlined in their education plan (IEP, SIP, or CSEP).

Homeschool Support Through Public Schools

For matters of classification, Indiana regards homeschools as nonpublic, nonaccredited schools. This means that homeschoolers with special needs are eligible to receive the same special education supports and services as other nonpublic students through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Rule 34 contains the specific wording and regulations that special needs homeschoolers in Indiana should be aware of and read through. The state’s Department of Education also compiled a help sheet for parents with general homeschooling information, and the topic of special needs homeschooling is addressed under the General Information section. It is worth taking the time to look at to ensure that your child is getting the help afforded to them through the law.

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Indiana Homeschool FAQ

Is Indiana a homeschool-friendly state?

In general, homeschooling in Indiana is fairly simple. Families are not required to register and don’t need to file any evaluations or records with the local district or state. They can choose their own curriculum and educational materials as long as they provide instruction at least 180 days a year and keep an attendance record.

However, Indiana does not offer any programs to help cover the costs of homeschooling, and local districts are not required to allow homeschool students to take classes or participate in sports. But as long as families feel comfortable independently overseeing their children’s education, Indiana is pretty friendly to homeschoolers.

Do homeschool students need a work permit in Indiana? 

Effective July 1, 2021, Indiana no longer requires work permits for minors, including homeschoolers.

Do you have to report homeschooling in Indiana? 

Indiana doesn’t require homeschoolers to register with the state or file any records, evaluations, or assessments. 

TIP: If you withdraw your child from high school to begin homeschooling, you will need to sign a form so they aren’t reported as a dropout.

How do Indiana homeschoolers get a diploma?  

The state of Indiana does not issue diplomas or transcripts for homeschoolers. Home educators can issue their own, using whatever graduation requirements they like. Students can also receive diplomas from homeschool groups, co-ops, or curriculum programs. Starting at age 16, students can take the Indiana High School Equivalency test to earn a diploma.

Is unschooling legal in Indiana? 

Unschooling, a type of education where students determine their own subjects and work at their own pace, is legal in all 50 states.

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

If you decide to transition your child back to public school, it will be up to the local school to determine the appropriate grade placement and courses. They are not required by law to accept any credits you have conferred. Your child might need to take standardized tests or complete other evaluations, so the school can decide how to continue their education best. Learn more about returning to public school here.

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