Homeschooling in
the State of Ohio

Ohio law states that the compulsory ages for children to attend school is between the ages of six and eighteen years of age. The minimum amount of instruction that a child can receive a year is 900 hours. Required subjects are language, reading, spelling, writing, geography, history (United States and Ohio), government, math, science, health, physical education, fine arts (including music), first aid, safety and fire prevention. A teacher is deemed qualified if they have a high school diploma or GED or test scores which demonstrate high school equivalence or the parent must “work under the direction a person holding a baccalaureate degree.” Ohio state law also presents rules about a child’s assessment. The child can either take the state standardized test (scoring in the top 25th percentile), create a portfolio that includes samples of the child’s academic progress or must contact a superintendent to agree upon another form of assessment.

A parent that feels they can meet these requirements must notify their local school district of their decision to homeschool their child. Ohio state law requires that parents send an annual notification to their appropriate superintendent that includes a school year for which notification is made; general information such as full name, date of birth, address, etc., assurance that the homeschool will include the required subjects; a brief outline of intended curriculum and list of textbooks or other basic teaching materials being used; assurance of hours and qualification. Once this information is presented, the superintendent will either accept or deny your request if the there are substantial reasons.

Homeschooling is not a job that should be taken on alone; there are many ways to obtain support. Doing research to find state support groups can allow access to a range of engaging activities and lesson plans to use with your child. Ohio offers many support groups and websites to assist with homeschooling. The Hearts Towards Home organization (www.heartstowardhome.org) for example, has home school orientations, leadership meetings, weekly events, field trips, science fairs, talent shows and other events to help home schooling parents and students experience some traditional school activities. In any given region of Ohio, support groups like this exist and help to unite Ohio’s home schooling community.




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