Want to learn how to homeschool in Indiana? Great news—Indiana is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country. You don’t need to notify anyone, take tests, or get approval. Plus, Indiana now offers money to help pay for your homeschool costs through the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program.
This guide shows you exactly how to start homeschooling in Indiana, step by step.
Indiana Homeschool Laws: The Basics
Indiana keeps things simple for homeschool families. Your homeschool counts as a private school, which means very little government oversight.
Here’s what Indiana requires—and doesn’t require:
| Requirement | What Indiana Says |
|---|---|
| Tell the state? | No—you don’t have to notify anyone |
| Get approval? | No—just start when you’re ready |
| Teach certain subjects? | Yes—English, math, and a few others |
| Give tests? | No—testing is optional |
| Keep records? | Yes—keep track of attendance |
| School days needed? | 180 days per year |
| Ages covered? | 7 to 18 years old |
How Indiana Views Your Homeschool
In Indiana, your homeschool is a “non-accredited private school.” You’re the principal and teacher. This setup gives you lots of freedom while staying within the law.
The main law is IC 20-33-2-28. It lists what private schools (including homeschools) must teach. Don’t worry—the rules are simple and easy to follow.
Many families in neighboring Ohio and Illinois have stricter rules. Indiana’s approach trusts parents to make good choices for their kids.
How to Start Homeschooling in Indiana
Starting is easy since you don’t need to register or get permission.
Step 1: Make Your Decision
Once you decide to homeschool, you can begin right away. Kids must be in school starting at age 7. Before that, there are no rules about schooling.
Step 2: Leave Your Current School (If Needed)
If your child goes to public or private school now, write a short letter to withdraw them. Keep it simple:
Dear [Principal],
I’m writing to withdraw [Child’s Name] from [School Name] on [Date]. They will attend our home-based private school as allowed by Indiana law.
Please send their records to our home address.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
You don’t need to explain why or share your plans.
Step 3: Pick Your Curriculum
Indiana says what subjects to teach but not how to teach them. You can use:
- Textbooks and workbooks
- Online courses
- Hands-on projects
- Library books
- A mix of everything
Take time to explore different teaching approaches and find what works best for your family’s learning style.
Step 4: Track Attendance
Keep a record showing 180 school days each year. This can be as simple as:
- A calendar with school days marked
- A notebook with dates listed
- A spreadsheet on your computer
You don’t send these records anywhere. Just keep them in case questions come up later.
Step 5: Start Teaching
Begin your homeschool! Cover the required subjects (listed below) and mark your attendance. That’s it.
What Subjects Must You Teach?
Indiana law says your teaching should be “equal to public schools.” You must cover:
- English – reading, writing, spelling, grammar
- Math – from basic skills to higher levels
- U.S. Government – how our government works
- Indiana and U.S. History – state and national history
- Good citizenship – honesty, respect, following rules
You choose the books, methods, and schedule. Many families add science, art, music, and other subjects too.
The 180-Day Rule
Your homeschool must run for 180 days each year. But here’s the good news:
- You decide how long each day lasts
- You pick which days count as school
- Field trips and hands-on learning count
- You don’t report to anyone
Most families find 180 days easy to reach. A typical school year from September to May covers about 180 days even with breaks.
Indiana’s Education Scholarship Account (ESA)
Indiana now offers money for homeschool families through the ESA program. This is a big deal for families who need help with costs. The program puts state education funds directly into accounts that parents control.
What Can You Buy?
ESA funds can pay for:
- Curriculum and textbooks
- Tutoring and academic services
- Educational therapies and specialized instruction
- Standardized testing fees
- Educational technology and software
- Approved educational supplies
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Indiana’s ESA program, families must meet certain income thresholds and residency requirements. The program has expanded over recent years, making more families eligible. Check the Indiana Department of Education website for current income limits and application windows.
How to Apply
Visit the Indiana Department of Education website for current rules, application forms, and deadlines. The program has specific application periods, so mark your calendar and apply early.
Things to Know First
Taking ESA money might mean extra paperwork or accountability requirements. Some families prefer the complete freedom of self-funded homeschooling. Read all terms carefully before signing up. Make sure the requirements align with how you want to homeschool.
What Indiana Does NOT Require
Indiana gives homeschool families lots of freedom. You don’t have to:
- Tell the state you’re homeschooling
- Get your curriculum approved
- Have a teaching degree
- Give state tests
- Let officials visit your home
- Follow public school schedules
- Have your diploma checked
This makes Indiana one of the easiest states for homeschooling. Compare this to New York or Pennsylvania, which have many more rules.
Records Worth Keeping
Beyond attendance, smart homeschool families also save:
- Course lists – what you taught each year
- Book lists – curriculum and materials used
- Work samples – examples of your child’s best work
- Grades – if you give them
- Reading logs – books your child reads
- Activities – field trips, sports, clubs, co-ops
These records matter most for high school students heading to college or jobs.
High School and Graduation
You can give your own high school diploma in Indiana. You’re the school, so you decide when your student graduates.
The High School Withdrawal Form (IC 20-33-2-28.6)
If your high schooler leaves public school to homeschool, the school may ask you to sign a withdrawal form. This form under IC 20-33-2-28.6 lets the school remove your student from their graduation cohort. Signing confirms your child is homeschooling, not dropping out.
Important: If you don’t sign this form, the school must report your student as a dropout to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This could affect your teen’s driver’s license. Sign the form—it simply documents your legal choice to homeschool.
Creating Transcripts
For students going to college:
- Create transcripts listing courses and grades
- Include course descriptions for each class
- Calculate GPA using a standard 4.0 scale
- Have them take the SAT or ACT
- Look into dual enrollment at local colleges
- Document all activities and achievements
- Build a portfolio of their best work
College Acceptance
Indiana colleges welcome homeschool students. Purdue, Indiana University, Ball State, Notre Dame, and many others all accept homeschool applications. Each college has its own requirements, so check admissions pages early in the junior year.
Dual Enrollment Opportunities
Indiana homeschool students can take college courses while still in high school. Ivy Tech Community College and other Indiana schools offer dual enrollment programs. These classes count for both high school and college credit, saving time and money.
Ways to Homeschool in Indiana
At Home by Yourself
Most Indiana families teach at home on their own. You pick everything—books, schedule, methods, and pace.
Homeschool Co-ops
Co-ops are groups where families share teaching. Your child might take science from one parent and art from another. Co-ops also offer friends and social time.
Hybrid Schools
Some private schools offer part-time programs. Your child might go to school two days a week and learn at home the other three.
Online Schools
Virtual schools let kids learn through a computer. Note: Indiana Virtual School is a public school, not homeschool. If you want to stay a homeschool, use private online programs instead.
Finding Help in Indiana
State Groups
- HSLDA Indiana – Legal help and info
- Indiana Department of Education – State education office
- Indiana Association of Home Educators (IAHE) – State homeschool group
Local Groups by Region
Indiana has homeschool groups everywhere:
- Indianapolis area – Many co-ops and support groups
- Fort Wayne – Northeast Indiana networks
- South Bend – Northern Indiana groups
- Evansville – Southern Indiana families
- Bloomington – College town with active homeschoolers
IAHE lists groups across the state on their website.
Special Cases
Kids with Special Needs
Homeschooling works great for kids who need extra help or different approaches. Indiana homeschool families can customize instruction for learning differences, sensory needs, or developmental delays. You set the pace and choose methods that work for your child.
Public schools may still provide certain services to homeschool students. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and evaluations might be available. Call your local school district to ask what services they offer to home-educated students.
Going Back to Public School
If your child returns to public school, the school will place them in a grade based on age and assessment. Good records help administrators see what your child has learned. Keep transcripts, work samples, and curriculum lists ready.
Military Families
Indiana’s easy rules are perfect for military families stationed at bases across the state. You can start homeschooling right away without waiting for paperwork or approvals. Keep thorough records since you may transfer to states with different requirements. Many military homeschool groups meet near Indiana bases for support and activities.
Single Parents
Single parent homeschoolers in Indiana benefit from the state’s flexible requirements. With no mandatory school hours or reporting schedules, you can arrange learning around work and other responsibilities. Many single parents successfully homeschool using online programs, co-ops, and flexible scheduling.
Common Questions About Indiana Homeschooling
Do I have to tell anyone I’m homeschooling?
No. Indiana has no notification rule. Just start teaching your kids at home.
Can my child play public school sports?
It depends on your district. The state athletics group (IHSAA) doesn’t allow homeschoolers in high school sports. But some districts let homeschoolers join other programs. Ask your local school.
Do I need a teaching license?
No. Any parent can teach their own children in Indiana. You don’t need degrees or certifications.
What about the age 18 rule?
Indiana requires school until age 18. But students can finish earlier if they complete graduation requirements or meet other conditions. Most homeschoolers continue through age 17 unless they graduate first.
How do I make a diploma?
Create a diploma document with your school name. Sign it as the administrator. Present it to your graduate at a ceremony you plan.
Start Your Indiana Homeschool Today
Indiana makes homeschooling simple. No permission needed. No tests required. Lots of freedom to teach your way.
Connect with IAHE or local groups to find friends and support. Pick curriculum that fits your family. Keep basic attendance records.
The ESA program might help with costs, so look into that too.
Welcome to homeschooling in Indiana! You have the freedom to give your children an education that fits them perfectly.
Official Resources
- HSLDA Indiana Laws
- Indiana Department of Education
- IC 20-33-2-28 – Indiana’s law on private school teaching requirements
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