Want to homeschool in Kentucky? Great news—you’ve picked a state that makes it pretty easy. The Bluegrass State gives families plenty of freedom while keeping things clear and simple.
Each year, thousands of families across the state choose this path. They come from all backgrounds. Military families at Fort Campbell. Rural families wanting more flexibility. City parents in Louisville or Lexington looking for something different. This guide shows you exactly how to get started and stay on track.
Kentucky’s approach sits in the middle ground—more freedom than neighboring Ohio or Virginia, with clearer requirements than Indiana or Tennessee. You’ll find the balance works well for most families.
Quick Look at the Rules
| What You Need to Know | The Details |
|---|---|
| Is it Legal? | Yes, since 1978 |
| Tell Anyone? | Yes, once a year |
| How Many Days? | At least 170 |
| How Many Hours? | At least 1,062 |
| What Subjects? | Reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, math, science, civics |
| Big Tests? | Nope, not required |
| Keep Records? | Yes—attendance and progress reports |
| Ages Covered? | 6 through 18 |
How to Start: A Simple Four-Step Process
Step 1: Send Your Notice
Within two weeks of starting, send a letter to your local school district superintendent. Keep it simple. Include your name, address, your kids’ names and ages, and a statement that you’ll be teaching them at home.
Mail it or drop it off in person. Some districts take email too—call first to check. Always keep a copy for your files. This protects you if questions come up later.
Step 2: Pick Your Teaching Materials
The state says what subjects to cover but not how to teach them. You get to choose your own books, programs, and methods. Many families buy packaged programs from publishers. Others mix library books, online classes, and hands-on projects. Some create unit studies around their kids’ interests. Do what works for your family.
You must cover these areas:
- Reading and writing
- Spelling and grammar
- History and civics
- Math
- Science
Beyond these basics, you can add anything else—art, music, foreign languages, cooking, coding, or whatever sparks your child’s curiosity.
Step 3: Keep Simple Records
Track two things: attendance and progress. For attendance, mark your school days on a calendar. For progress, save work samples or write short notes about what your child learned. Nothing fancy required.
You can school year-round or take summers off. Some families follow a traditional September-to-May schedule. Others prefer four days a week for more weeks. Just hit 170 days total and you’re good.
Step 4: File Again Each Year
Every year, send a new notice saying you’re still teaching at home. Same process as step one. This keeps you legal and on the radar in a good way. Mark it on your calendar so you don’t forget.
What Subjects to Cover
State law requires eight subject areas. Here’s what each one means in practice:
- Reading: Books, stories, articles—build those comprehension skills through daily practice
- Writing: Essays, stories, letters, journals—get thoughts on paper clearly
- Spelling: Word lists, dictation, spelling games—master common words
- Grammar: Sentence structure, punctuation, proper usage—communicate correctly
- History: American, world, and local history—understand how we got here
- Math: From basic arithmetic up through algebra and geometry—problem-solving skills
- Science: Life science, physical science, earth science—explore how the world works
- Civics: Government, citizenship, how democracy works—prepare informed citizens
These eight subjects form your foundation. Most curriculum packages cover all of them. If you’re piecing things together yourself, make sure each area gets regular attention throughout the year.
No State Tests Required
This is big news for many families: you don’t have to give standardized tests. The state trusts you to track your own child’s progress without official exams.
Some families still test by choice. It can show how your child compares to peers and help spot weak areas. Popular options include the Iowa Test, Stanford Achievement Test, and CAT tests. You can order these online and give them at home.
For college-bound teens, the ACT and SAT matter more than any state test anyway. Register for those just like any other student would. Most colleges in the region prefer the ACT, but check your target schools’ requirements.
Your Record-Keeping System
Keep it simple but keep it organized. You need two types of records.
Attendance Records
Use a calendar or planner. Check off each school day. When you hit 170, you’re good for the year. Some families count field trips, co-op days, and educational activities beyond bookwork. That’s fine—learning happens everywhere.
Progress Reports
Show what your child learned and how they’re doing. Options include:
- A folder of their best work from each subject
- Simple grade sheets or checklists
- Finished workbooks and tests
- Written notes on their progress each month
- Photos of projects and activities
The superintendent can ask to see these records. It rarely happens, but stay ready just in case. A simple binder system works great for most families.
Different Ways to Do This
Go It Alone
Most families handle everything themselves. You pick the books, set the schedule, and teach your kids your way. Maximum freedom, maximum control. This works well if you like planning and want things done a certain way.
Join a Co-op
Co-ops let families share the work. One parent teaches science while another handles art. Kids get group classes and make friends. You’ll find active co-ops in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and smaller towns too. Some meet weekly, others monthly.
Most co-ops charge modest fees to cover facility rental and supplies. Some focus on specific subjects like science labs or foreign languages. Others offer full academic programs. Faith-based and secular options exist throughout the state. Visit a few before committing to find the right fit for your family’s needs and schedule.
Try Online School
Virtual programs offer structured lessons from home. Some are public (which means you follow their rules), and some are private. Check how any program you consider affects your legal status before signing up.
Use an Umbrella School
These organizations provide support, keep records for you, and sometimes offer accreditation. Not required, but some families like the extra structure and official transcripts they provide.
Where to Find Help
Statewide Groups
- HSLDA State Page – Legal info and support for member families
- State Department of Education – Official requirements and forms
- Christian Home Educators of KY (CHEK) – Large support network with conventions
Local Groups by Region
- Louisville area: Several co-ops and support groups serving Jefferson County
- Lexington area: Central region organizations and classes
- Northern area: Groups near the Cincinnati metro area
- Western area: Networks in Bowling Green, Owensboro, and Paducah
- Eastern area: Communities serving Appalachian regions
College Options
Most state colleges gladly accept home-educated graduates. The University of Louisville, Western, Eastern, and other schools have admitted many such students. Many community colleges offer dual enrollment—your teen can earn college credits while finishing high school at home. This saves money and gives a head start.
Special Situations
Leaving Public School
Formally withdraw your child first. Get the paperwork from the school office. Then send your notice of intent to the superintendent. Some districts handle both at once. Don’t just stop showing up—proper withdrawal protects you from truancy concerns.
Request copies of all educational records before leaving. These include transcripts, standardized test scores, immunization records, and any special education documentation. Having complete records makes transitions smoother.
High School Credits and Diplomas
You assign the credits and grades. You create the diploma. For college apps, make a transcript showing courses completed, grades earned, and any test scores. Keep good records starting in 9th grade. Colleges accept parent-issued diplomas along with transcripts—they’ve seen plenty of successful home-educated applicants.
When creating your transcript, include course titles, credit hours (typically 120-180 hours equals one credit), letter grades, and a calculated GPA. List any standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and community service hours. Many families use transcript templates available from homeschool organizations or create their own format.
Consider dual enrollment at community colleges for high school juniors and seniors. Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) schools across the state welcome home-educated students. Jefferson Community College, Bluegrass Community College in Lexington, and others offer this option. These credits count toward both high school graduation and college degrees, often at reduced tuition rates.
Students with Special Needs
The same rules apply to all families. Many parents of children with learning differences find teaching at home lets them customize everything. You can go slower in tough subjects, faster in strong ones, and use methods that fit how your child actually learns.
You may still access some public school services. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and evaluations might be available depending on your district. Contact your local school to ask about options for home-educated students with special needs.
Military Families
Fort Campbell and other military installations bring many families through the state. Home education works well for military life—you control the curriculum regardless of where you’re stationed. Kentucky’s straightforward notification process means you can start quickly upon arrival.
Keep detailed records since your next duty station might have different requirements. Connect with military homeschool groups on or near your installation. These communities understand the unique challenges of balancing education with military life.
Mid-Year Transitions
You can start home education any time of year. Send your notification within two weeks of beginning, regardless of the calendar date. Many families begin mid-year when public school isn’t working out. There’s no need to wait for a new school year to make the change.
Common Questions Answered
Do I need a teaching degree?
No. Any parent can teach their own children. No degree, certification, or special training required. You know your kids better than anyone.
Can my kids play public school sports?
No state law guarantees this. Some districts allow it; others don’t. Ask your local school. Many families join sports leagues, YMCA programs, or community teams instead.
How does graduation work?
You issue your own diploma. You decide the requirements, create the transcript, and hold a ceremony if you want one. Colleges accept parent-issued diplomas along with test scores.
What if an official asks for my records?
Show them your attendance log and progress reports. This rarely happens. Just stay organized and you’ll be fine.
Is this state a good place for home education?
Yes. Moderate rules with real freedom. No mandatory testing. Active communities statewide. Strong legal protections. Many families thrive here.
Start Your Kentucky Homeschool Journey Today
Starting is easier than you might think. Send your notice, pick your materials, keep simple records, and teach your kids. That’s really all there is to it.
Connect with other families who’ve done this. Join a local group or online community. You’ll find experienced parents happy to answer questions and share what’s worked for them. If you’re considering other states, check out our guides for North Carolina and Georgia to compare requirements.
You’ve got this. Kentucky’s homeschool laws support families like yours, resources abound, and your children will thrive under your guidance and care.
Official Links
- State Department of Education – Home Education Page
- HSLDA – State Laws Summary
- State Revised Statutes 159.010-159.990: Compulsory attendance laws
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