How to Homeschool in Ohio: Complete Guide (2026)

Want to learn how to homeschool in Ohio? Fortunately, Ohio now has some of the easiest homeschool laws in the country. Recent changes made in 2023 cut out most of the red tape. As a result, no more yearly testing. Similarly, no more progress reports. Essentially, just a simple notice to your school district, and you’re ready to teach your kids at home.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Ohio homeschool laws and requirements for 2026.

Ohio Homeschool Laws at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Legal Status	Legal with notification
Notification	Yearly notice to superintendent
Subjects Required	Language arts, geography, U.S. and state history, government, math, health, PE, fine arts, first aid, science
Testing	Not required (changed in 2023)
Record Keeping	Suggested but not required
Compulsory Age	6 to 18 years old

Big News: The 2023 Law Change

Importantly, House Bill 33 changed everything for Ohio homeschoolers. Starting in September 2023, you no longer need to test your kids each year. Before this change, families had to send test scores or written reports to the superintendent. However, that’s all gone now.

Consequently, this makes the Buckeye State one of the most homeschool-friendly places in America. Indeed, it joins Texas and Alaska as states with very little oversight. Therefore, Ohio now trusts parents to educate their children well.

The old system caused stress for many families. For example, some kids don’t test well. Similarly, others follow paths that don’t match grade-level standards. Fortunately, now parents can focus on learning, not paperwork.

How to Homeschool in Ohio: Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Send Your Notification

First, before you start teaching at home, you must tell your local school district. Simply send a letter to the superintendent with:

• First, your name and address
• Also, your child’s name and birth date
• Additionally, a short list of subjects you’ll teach
• Moreover, a promise to teach at least 900 hours per year
• Finally, proof that you have a high school diploma or GED

Then, send this notice in the first week of your school year. Typically, most families send it in August. Additionally, keep a copy for your records. However, some districts have their own forms, so check your district’s website first. For reference, the Ohio Revised Code Section 3321.04 outlines all notification requirements.

Step 2: Pick Your Curriculum

Next, Ohio tells you what subjects to teach, but not how to teach them. Essentially, you have total freedom to choose:

• For example, all-in-one boxed programs
• Alternatively, mix-and-match subjects from different companies
• Also, online classes and video courses
• Moreover, unit studies that combine multiple subjects
• Additionally, child-led or interest-based learning
• Finally, any mix that works for your family

Basically, there’s no wrong answer here. Simply use what fits your child and your teaching style. For instance, some families spend months picking the perfect curriculum. Alternatively, others just dive in and adjust as they go. Either way, both approaches work fine.

Step 3: Teach 900 Hours Per Year

Then, Ohio law requires 900 hours of teaching each year. Admittedly, that sounds like a lot, but it breaks down easily:

• First, about 25 hours per week for 36 weeks
• Alternatively, 5 hours per day for 180 days
• Finally, any other mix that adds up to 900 hours

Importantly, you don’t have to track every minute. Indeed, no one checks your logs. However, some families like to keep simple records anyway. Essentially, a quick note in a planner works great.

Furthermore, keep in mind that homeschool often takes less time than public school. Specifically, without bus rides, lunch lines, and class changes, you can cover more material faster.

Required Subjects in Ohio

Specifically, Ohio law requires instruction in these subjects:

• Language arts – specifically reading, writing, spelling, grammar
• Geography
• Also, U.S. history
• Additionally, Ohio state history
• Moreover, Government – national, state, and local
• Furthermore, Math
• Also, Health
• Additionally, Physical education
• Moreover, Fine arts – music and art
• Also, First aid and safety
• Finally, Science

However, don’t panic at this list! Fortunately, most good curriculums already cover these subjects. In fact, you don’t need a separate class for each one. For example, a unit study about the Civil War can cover history, geography, and language arts all at once.

Popular Curriculum Choices for Ohio Families

Notably, Ohio homeschoolers use many different curriculum options. Below are popular choices that cover the required subjects:

• First, All-in-one programs: Sonlight, My Father’s World, and Timberdoodle provide complete packages. Essentially, these work great for families who want everything planned out.
• Also, Math favorites: Saxon Math, Teaching Textbooks, and Math-U-See are top picks. Basically, each has a different teaching style to match your child.
• Additionally, Language arts: The Good and the Beautiful, All About Reading, and Logic of English help with reading and writing skills.
• Moreover, History and science: Many families love Story of the World for history. Similarly, for science, Apologia and Real Science-4-Kids are popular choices.
• Finally, Online options: Time4Learning, Khan Academy, and Outschool offer flexible digital learning. Particularly, these are great for older kids or tech-loving families.

Furthermore, remember you can mix and match! For instance, use one company for math and another for reading. Ultimately, Ohio gives you complete freedom in curriculum choices.

Testing Requirements

Importantly, here’s the best part: testing is no longer required. Specifically, as of September 2023, you don’t have to:

• First, give standardized tests
• Also, send test scores to anyone
• Additionally, create portfolios
• Moreover, write progress reports
• Finally, meet with school officials

However, some families still test their kids now and then. Essentially, it helps them see how their child is doing. But it’s 100% optional. Ultimately, you decide what works best for your family.

Additionally, if you choose to test voluntarily, popular options include the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Test, and CAT tests. Furthermore, you can administer these at home through companies like BJU Press Testing or Seton Testing Services. Essentially, this gives you data without any state requirements.

Keeping Records in Ohio

Technically, Ohio doesn’t make you keep records. However, it’s still a smart idea. Below is what many families save:

• First, Attendance logs – essentially shows you hit 900 hours
• Also, Curriculum list – specifically what you used each year
• Additionally, Work samples – basically a few papers from each subject
• Moreover, Grades – simply your own notes on progress
• Finally, Copy of your notice – importantly proves you followed the law

Consequently, these records help with high school transcripts and college applications later on. Indeed, it’s much easier to build a transcript when you have records from each year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Unfortunately, new Ohio homeschoolers sometimes make these errors:

• First, Forgetting to send yearly notice: Remember, you must notify your superintendent each school year, not just the first time.
• Also, Using the wrong form: Instead, check if your district has a specific form. Essentially, using their form avoids confusion.
• Additionally, Not keeping copies: Always save a copy of your notification letter. Certainly, you may need proof later.
• Moreover, Trying to do too much: Remember, you don’t need to teach all subjects the same way public schools do. Instead, home education is more flexible.
• Finally, Skipping the 900 hours: While no one checks, still aim to meet this requirement. Ultimately, it ensures your child gets enough instruction time.

Sample Daily Schedule for Ohio Homeschoolers

Wondering what a typical homeschool day looks like? Below is a sample schedule that meets Ohio’s 900-hour requirement while keeping things manageable:

• First, 8:00-9:00 AM: Morning meeting and language arts (reading, writing, grammar)
• Then, 9:00-10:00 AM: Math lessons and practice problems
• Next, 10:00-10:15 AM: Snack break and movement time
• After that, 10:15-11:15 AM: Science or history (alternate days)
• Finally, 11:15-12:00 PM: Electives like art, music, or PE

Essentially, this schedule provides about 4 hours of instruction daily. Consequently, you’ll easily meet Ohio’s 900-hour requirement over a typical 180-day school year. However, remember that homeschool schedules are flexible. Therefore, adjust times to fit your family’s rhythm and your child’s learning style.

Your Ohio Homeschool Options

Option 1: Home Education (Most Popular)

Essentially, this is what most families do. Simply, you send your notice to the superintendent, then teach your kids at home. Basically, simple and flexible. Indeed, you have almost total freedom in how you teach.

Option 2: Non-Public School Status

Alternatively, some families register as a private school instead. Notably, this has different rules and may help with sports eligibility. However, it’s more complex than regular home education. Generally, most families don’t need this option.

Option 3: Online Public School

Furthermore, Ohio has several online public schools like ECOT and TRECA. Essentially, your child learns at home but is still a public school student. Specifically, teachers provide the lessons while you help at home. However, this isn’t true homeschooling since you don’t choose the curriculum. Nevertheless, it works well for some families.

Resources and Support

State Organizations

• First, HSLDA Ohio Page – essentially legal help and support for homeschool families
• Also, Christian Home Educators of Ohio – specifically statewide support group
• Finally, Ohio Department of Education – basically official state info

Local Support Groups

Fortunately, Ohio has active homeschool groups all over:

• First, Northeast region – specifically Cleveland, Akron, Canton have many co-ops
• Also, Central region – notably Columbus has groups for all beliefs
• Additionally, Southwest region – specifically Cincinnati and Dayton have big communities
• Finally, Northwest region – essentially Toledo area groups

Simply, search Facebook or ask at a local library to find groups near you. Generally, most groups welcome visitors to try out a meeting before joining.

Co-ops and Classes

Interestingly, many Ohio homeschool families join co-ops. Essentially, these are groups where parents teach classes together. For instance, some meet once a week. Alternatively, others hire teachers for subjects like Spanish or chemistry. Ultimately, co-ops give kids social time and help parents share the teaching load.

Homeschooling Costs in Ohio

Fortunately, Ohio homeschooling can fit almost any budget. Below are typical cost ranges to help you plan:

• First, Free to $500/year: Using library resources, free online programs like Khan Academy, and secondhand curriculum
• Also, $500-$1,500/year: Purchasing new boxed curriculum or online subscriptions
• Additionally, $1,500-$3,000/year: Adding co-op fees, specialized classes, or tutoring
• Finally, $3,000+/year: Premium online schools, private tutors, or extensive extracurriculars

Importantly, Ohio offers no tax credits or vouchers specifically for homeschoolers. However, you can deduct qualifying educational expenses on federal taxes. Furthermore, many curriculum companies offer payment plans to spread costs throughout the year. Therefore, don’t let budget concerns stop you from considering homeschooling.

Special Situations

Leaving Public School

Want to pull your child from public school? Essentially, here’s how:

1. First, send your homeschool notice to the superintendent
2. Next, tell your child’s current school
3. Then, ask for copies of your child’s records
4. Finally, return any school books or devices

Importantly, you can leave at any time during the year. Simply, once you send proper notice, you’re legal. Indeed, some families leave mid-year when school isn’t working out.

High School and Graduation

Notably, Ohio homeschoolers get real diplomas that parents issue. Specifically, for college, you’ll need:

• First, Transcript – essentially list of courses and grades
• Also, Course descriptions – specifically what each class covered
• Additionally, SAT or ACT scores – typically most colleges want these
• Finally, Portfolio – sometimes some schools ask for work samples

Encouragingly, Ohio state colleges welcome homeschoolers. Indeed, many have special application steps for home-educated students. Therefore, start planning for college during 9th grade to make the process smoother. Specifically, Ohio Higher Education provides resources for homeschool students applying to state universities.

Special Needs

Importantly, you can homeschool kids with special needs using the same process. However, you won’t get public school services automatically. Nevertheless, some districts offer help to homeschoolers. Therefore, ask your district’s special education office what’s available. Alternatively, many families find private therapists and tutors to fill the gaps.

Sports and Activities

Fortunately, Ohio law lets homeschoolers play sports at their local public school. However, your child must meet the same rules as other students. Simply, talk to the school’s athletic director to sign up. Notably, many homeschoolers play football, basketball, and other sports alongside public school peers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Ohio?

No. Essentially, you just need a high school diploma or GED. Therefore, no teaching certificate required. Indeed, parents know their children best.

Can Ohio homeschoolers play public school sports?

Yes! Fortunately, Ohio law allows this. Simply, contact your local school’s athletic director for details on eligibility and tryouts.

How do I give my homeschooler a diploma?

Basically, you issue it yourself. Simply, create a diploma that says your child graduated from your homeschool. Importantly, this is legal and accepted by employers and colleges.

What if the superintendent ignores my notice?

Surprisingly, that’s fine. Essentially, they don’t have to respond. Simply, once you send proper notice, you’re legally homeschooling. Indeed, the superintendent can’t approve or deny your notice. Therefore, keep your copy as proof.

Can I homeschool my special needs child in Ohio?

Yes. Basically, same process as any other child. However, you won’t get automatic IEP services, but you can ask about district help or find private support.

Do Ohio homeschoolers have to take standardized tests?

Fortunately, not anymore. Specifically, House Bill 33 removed all testing requirements in 2023. Alternatively, you can still test if you want, but it’s completely optional now.

When do I need to send my homeschool notification?

Essentially, send it before you start teaching each school year. Typically, most families submit in August. Remember, you must send a new notice every year, not just once.

Start Your Ohio Homeschool Today

In conclusion, now you know how to homeschool in Ohio. Indeed, the Buckeye State makes it easy. Simply, send your notice, pick your curriculum, and start teaching. Basically, that’s it. Fortunately, no tests, no inspections, no stress.

Ultimately, with these simple laws, you can focus on what really matters: giving your child a great education that fits their needs.

Additionally, exploring other states? Below, check out our guides for Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, California, and Florida.

Official Resources

• First, Ohio Department of Education – Home Schooling Page
• Also, HSLDA Ohio Homeschool Laws
• Finally, Ohio Revised Code 3321.04 – specifically covers education exemptions