Good news for families in the Buckeye State! Ohio now has some of the easiest homeschool laws in the country. Recent changes made in 2023 cut out most of the red tape. No more yearly testing. No more progress reports. 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
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. That’s all gone now.
This makes the Buckeye State one of the most homeschool-friendly places in America. It joins Texas and Alaska as states with very little oversight. Ohio now trusts parents to educate their children well.
The old system caused stress for many families. Some kids don’t test well. Others follow paths that don’t match grade-level standards. Now parents can focus on learning, not paperwork.
How to Start Homeschooling in Ohio: Step by Step
Step 1: Send Your Notification
Before you start teaching at home, you must tell your local school district. Send a letter to the superintendent with:
- Your name and address
- Your child’s name and birth date
- A short list of subjects you’ll teach
- A promise to teach at least 900 hours per year
- Proof that you have a high school diploma or GED
Send this notice in the first week of your school year. Most families send it in August. Keep a copy for your records. Some districts have their own forms, so check your district’s website first.
Step 2: Pick Your Curriculum
Ohio tells you what subjects to teach, but not how to teach them. You have total freedom to choose:
- All-in-one boxed programs
- Mix-and-match subjects from different companies
- Online classes and video courses
- Unit studies that combine multiple subjects
- Child-led or interest-based learning
- Any mix that works for your family
There’s no wrong answer here. Use what fits your child and your teaching style. Some families spend months picking the perfect curriculum. Others just dive in and adjust as they go. Both approaches work fine.
Step 3: Teach 900 Hours Per Year
Ohio law requires 900 hours of teaching each year. That sounds like a lot, but it breaks down easily:
- About 25 hours per week for 36 weeks
- Or 5 hours per day for 180 days
- Or any other mix that adds up to 900 hours
You don’t have to track every minute. No one checks your logs. But some families like to keep simple records anyway. A quick note in a planner works great.
Keep in mind that homeschool often takes less time than public school. Without bus rides, lunch lines, and class changes, you can cover more material faster.
Required Subjects in Ohio
Ohio law requires instruction in these subjects:
- Language arts – reading, writing, spelling, grammar
- Geography
- U.S. history
- Ohio state history
- Government – national, state, and local
- Math
- Health
- Physical education
- Fine arts – music and art
- First aid and safety
- Science
Don’t panic at this list! Most good curriculums already cover these subjects. You don’t need a separate class for each one. A unit study about the Civil War can cover history, geography, and language arts all at once.
Popular Curriculum Choices for Ohio Families
Ohio homeschoolers use many different curriculum options. Here are popular choices that cover the required subjects:
- All-in-one programs: Sonlight, My Father’s World, and Timberdoodle provide complete packages. These work great for families who want everything planned out.
- Math favorites: Saxon Math, Teaching Textbooks, and Math-U-See are top picks. Each has a different teaching style to match your child.
- Language arts: The Good and the Beautiful, All About Reading, and Logic of English help with reading and writing skills.
- History and science: Many families love Story of the World for history. For science, Apologia and Real Science-4-Kids are popular choices.
- Online options: Time4Learning, Khan Academy, and Outschool offer flexible digital learning. Great for older kids or tech-loving families.
Remember, you can mix and match! Use one company for math and another for reading. Ohio gives you complete freedom in curriculum choices.
Testing Requirements
Here’s the best part: testing is no longer required. As of September 2023, you don’t have to:
- Give standardized tests
- Send test scores to anyone
- Create portfolios
- Write progress reports
- Meet with school officials
Some families still test their kids now and then. It helps them see how their child is doing. But it’s 100% optional. You decide what works best for your family.
Keeping Records in Ohio
Ohio doesn’t make you keep records. But it’s still a smart idea. Here’s what many families save:
- Attendance logs – shows you hit 900 hours
- Curriculum list – what you used each year
- Work samples – a few papers from each subject
- Grades – your own notes on progress
- Copy of your notice – proves you followed the law
These records help with high school transcripts and college applications later on. It’s much easier to build a transcript when you have records from each year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New Ohio homeschoolers sometimes make these errors:
- Forgetting to send yearly notice: You must notify your superintendent each school year, not just the first time.
- Using the wrong form: Check if your district has a specific form. Using their form avoids confusion.
- Not keeping copies: Always save a copy of your notification letter. You may need proof later.
- Trying to do too much: You don’t need to teach all subjects the same way public schools do. Home education is more flexible.
- Skipping the 900 hours: While no one checks, aim to meet this requirement. It ensures your child gets enough instruction time.
Your Ohio Homeschool Options
Option 1: Home Education (Most Popular)
This is what most families do. You send your notice to the superintendent, then teach your kids at home. Simple and flexible. You have almost total freedom in how you teach.
Option 2: Non-Public School Status
Some families register as a private school instead. This has different rules and may help with sports eligibility. It’s more complex than regular home education. Most families don’t need this option.
Option 3: Online Public School
Ohio has several online public schools like ECOT and TRECA. Your child learns at home but is still a public school student. Teachers provide the lessons while you help at home. This isn’t true homeschooling since you don’t choose the curriculum. But it works well for some families.
Resources and Support
State Organizations
- HSLDA Ohio Page – legal help and support for homeschool families
- Christian Home Educators of Ohio – statewide support group
- Ohio Department of Education – official state info
Local Support Groups
Ohio has active homeschool groups all over:
- Northeast region – Cleveland, Akron, Canton have many co-ops
- Central region – Columbus has groups for all beliefs
- Southwest region – Cincinnati and Dayton have big communities
- Northwest region – Toledo area groups
Search Facebook or ask at a local library to find groups near you. Most groups welcome visitors to try out a meeting before joining.
Co-ops and Classes
Many Ohio homeschool families join co-ops. These are groups where parents teach classes together. Some meet once a week. Others hire teachers for subjects like Spanish or chemistry. Co-ops give kids social time and help parents share the teaching load.
Special Situations
Leaving Public School
Want to pull your child from public school? Here’s how:
- Send your homeschool notice to the superintendent
- Tell your child’s current school
- Ask for copies of your child’s records
- Return any school books or devices
You can leave at any time during the year. Once you send proper notice, you’re legal. Some families leave mid-year when school isn’t working out.
High School and Graduation
Ohio homeschoolers get real diplomas that parents issue. For college, you’ll need:
- Transcript – list of courses and grades
- Course descriptions – what each class covered
- SAT or ACT scores – most colleges want these
- Portfolio – some schools ask for work samples
Ohio state colleges welcome homeschoolers. Many have special application steps for home-educated students. Start planning for college during 9th grade to make the process smoother.
Special Needs
You can homeschool kids with special needs using the same process. You won’t get public school services automatically. But some districts offer help to homeschoolers. Ask your district’s special education office what’s available. Many families find private therapists and tutors to fill the gaps.
Sports and Activities
Great news! Ohio law lets homeschoolers play sports at their local public school. Your child must meet the same rules as other students. Talk to the school’s athletic director to sign up. 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. You just need a high school diploma or GED. No teaching certificate required. Parents know their children best.
Can Ohio homeschoolers play public school sports?
Yes! Ohio law allows this. Contact your local school’s athletic director for details on eligibility and tryouts.
How do I give my homeschooler a diploma?
You issue it yourself. Create a diploma that says your child graduated from your homeschool. This is legal and accepted by employers and colleges.
What if the superintendent ignores my notice?
That’s fine. They don’t have to respond. Once you send proper notice, you’re legally homeschooling. The superintendent can’t approve or deny your notice. Keep your copy as proof.
Can I homeschool my special needs child in Ohio?
Yes. Same process as any other child. 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?
Not anymore. House Bill 33 removed all testing requirements in 2023. You can still test if you want, but it’s completely optional now.
When do I need to send my homeschool notification?
Send it before you start teaching each school year. Most families submit in August. You must send a new notice every year, not just once.
Start Your Ohio Homeschool Today
The Buckeye State makes homeschooling easy. Send your notice, pick your curriculum, and start teaching. That’s it. No tests. No inspections. No stress.
With these simple laws, you can focus on what really matters: giving your child a great education that fits their needs.
Curious how other states compare? Check out our guide to homeschooling in New York to see a high-regulation state, or read about homeschooling in Texas for another easy-going approach.
Official Resources
- Ohio Department of Education – Home Schooling Page
- HSLDA Ohio Homeschool Laws
- Ohio Revised Code 3321.04 – covers education exemptions
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