Ohio Homeschool Requirements
Ohio requires annual notification and assessment but offers flexible options for demonstrating educational progress.
Ohio Quick Facts
- • Annual notification to superintendent required
- • Parent must have high school diploma or work with certified teacher
- • Annual assessment required (multiple options available)
- • 900 hours of instruction per year required
- • No curriculum approval needed
What Ohio Law Requires:
Annual Notification
Submit written notice to superintendent including parent qualifications, curriculum outline, and agreement to provide 900 hours of instruction
Required Subjects
Language arts, geography, US and Ohio history, government, mathematics, science, health, physical education, fine arts, and first aid/safety/fire prevention
900 Hours of Instruction
Provide at least 900 hours of home education each school year
Annual Assessment
Demonstrate progress through one of several assessment options
Parent Qualifications:
Parent must have a high school diploma or GED, OR work under a certified teacher who holds a bachelor's degree and agrees to oversee the homeschool.
1. Standardized Testing
Administer nationally normed standardized achievement test (must score at or above 25th percentile)
2. Written Narrative
Submit written narrative by certified teacher indicating student has made satisfactory progress
3. Portfolio Review
Have portfolio reviewed by certified teacher who provides written assessment
4. Other Assessment
Alternative academic assessment as mutually agreed upon with superintendent
Submit Notice of Intent
Send written notification to your district superintendent including outline of curriculum and parent qualifications. No specific form required.
Choose Your Curriculum
Select materials covering required subjects. Ohio gives you freedom in curriculum choice - no approval needed.
Begin Homeschooling
Start instruction and track hours. Keep records and work samples for annual assessment.
Complete Annual Assessment
At year end, complete chosen assessment method and submit documentation to superintendent.
High School & Graduation
Parents can issue diplomas. Ohio homeschoolers can:
- • Create transcripts for college applications
- • Take SAT/ACT for college admission
- • Participate in College Credit Plus (dual enrollment)
- • Access state scholarship programs
Special Education
Parents can homeschool special needs children. Once withdrawn, IEP services end, but families can access private therapies and homeschool support groups for special needs.
Sports & Extracurriculars
Ohio's "Tebow Law" allows homeschoolers to participate in public school extracurricular activities and sports if they meet district requirements. Contact your local district for details.
Connect with other Ohio homeschool families for support, co-ops, and field trips.
Find Ohio GroupsBrowse Ohio Field TripsWhen should I submit my notification?
Submit notification each year before beginning homeschooling. Many families send it in late summer for a fall start.
What if my child scores below the 25th percentile?
You have two options: 1) Use a different assessment method the following year, or 2) Work with the superintendent on a remediation plan while continuing to homeschool.
Can I homeschool without a high school diploma?
Yes, if you work under the direction of a certified teacher who has a bachelor's degree and agrees to oversee your homeschool program.
Do I need to keep attendance records?
You must provide 900 hours of instruction per year. Keeping attendance/hour logs is recommended to demonstrate compliance if questioned.
Ready to Start Homeschooling in Ohio?
Join other Ohio homeschool families on Homeschool Connect