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HOMESCHOOLING IN OHIO & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering homeschooling in Ohio, but don’t know where to start regarding homeschooling laws in Ohio. This guide with up-to-date information will walk you through what you need to know to successfully set up your own homeschool program legally in Ohio. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in Ohio, new homeschool laws in Ohio, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing choices, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
This page is not intended to provide legal advice or otherwise constitute legal guidance. Always check your state regulations for the most current laws.
History of Homeschooling in Ohio
In the genesis of the homeschool movement, Ohio’s legislation featured a provision empowering superintendents to exempt a child from compulsory attendance if they received instruction at home from a qualified individual and started homeschooling. The criteria for obtaining such exemptions varied by public school district; some demanded a parent hold teaching certifications, while others required college degrees. Advocates contended Ohio homeschool laws were vague and sought invalidation, while certain homeschoolers advocated for religious exemptions under new law.
While the majority pursued these exemptions, alternative pathways were available. Initially, the Ohio Department of Education permitted homeschools to be “approved” by local Christian or private schools, effectively serving as umbrella schools. Simultaneously, homeschoolers meeting specific criteria—such as deeply held religious convictions against government oversight and possessing a bachelor’s degree—could opt for non-chartered, non-tax-supported schooling (referred to as 08 schools), established in response to the 1976 Whisner v. State case involving Christian schools.
In March 1988, the Ohio State Board of Education convened a Citizen’s Advisory Committee to Study Home Based Education, inclusive of homeschool representatives. By April 1989, the committee, through collaborative efforts, proposed a new law, “Rules For Excuses From Compulsory Education for Home Education.” These Ohio homeschool laws, endorsed by the Board in July 1989, replaced vague and disparate practices with a standardized approval process, maintaining superintendent discretion while ensuring uniform requirements. Codified in the Ohio administrative code as OAC 3301-34, these laws for homeschooling in Ohio aimed to “prescribe conditions governing the issuance of excuses from school attendance” and safeguard parents’ primary right to educate their kids under this new law in the Ohio revised code.
Current Ohio Homeschool Laws and Regulations
Ohio law recognizes home education as a lawful option through a notification-based system rather than an approval process. Home education programs are operated by parents and are not classified as public or charter schools.
Recent changes under Ohio House Bill 33 significantly simplified homeschooling requirements by reducing administrative burdens on families.
Under current law:
- Children are of compulsory school age if they are 6 years old on or before the first day of school in their resident district.
- Parents must submit a notification of intent to home educate to their local superintendent.
- The superintendent must acknowledge receipt within 14 calendar days. This acknowledgment is not an approval or excuse, but confirmation of submission.
Notice of Intent (NOI)
- Must be submitted by August 30, or
- Within 5 calendar days of:
- Starting homeschooling
- Moving into a new district
- Withdrawing from a school
The notice must include:
- Parent/guardian name and address
- Child’s name
- Assurance that the child will receive education in required subject areas
Importantly, Ohio law no longer requires:
- Curriculum submission
- Teacher qualifications
- Instructional hour minimums
- Annual academic assessments
Ohio law requires instruction in the following subjects:
- English language arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- History
- Government
- Social studies
Families retain full discretion over curriculum and instructional methods.
Important Distinction: Homeschool vs. Online School
Many parents mistakenly believe that online schools are a form of homeschooling. In Ohio:
- Online public schools are internet-based community schools (e-schools)
- District-operated virtual programs are still considered public education
These are not homeschooling.
If your child is enrolled in an out-of-state online private school, compulsory attendance may be satisfied through that enrollment, and a homeschool notice is generally not required, though families should confirm with their local district.
How to Set Up a Homeschool In Ohio
Ohio families generally choose between two legal pathways:
Option 1: Home Education (Most Common)
To comply with Ohio law:
- Submit a notice of intent annually
- Provide instruction in required subject areas
There are:
- No required testing or assessments
- No minimum hours
- No teacher credential requirements
Option 2: Non-Chartered, Nonpublic School (NCNP)
Families may also educate their children through a non-chartered, nonpublic school, often for religious reasons.
Key points:
- These schools operate under Ohio Revised Code 3321.04
- They are not state-chartered and not state-funded
- The state does not actively regulate or supervise these schools
Because this pathway is more legally nuanced, families often seek legal guidance before choosing it.
Maintaining Your Ohio Homeschool
To remain compliant:
- Submit your annual notice of intent
- Teach required subjects
Recommended (but not required):
- Keep records (attendance, work samples, curriculum)
- Track progress informally
- Maintain a portfolio for personal use or future documentation
Ohio Homeschool Reporting Requirements
Under current law:
- No academic assessments are required
- No reporting of progress is required
Portfolios and transcripts are optional but strongly recommended for:
- College applications
- Transfers
- Scholarships
Homeschool Testing In Ohio
Homeschool students in Ohio are not required to take standardized tests.
Families may choose testing voluntarily for:
- Academic benchmarking
- College preparation (ACT/SAT)
Funding Your Ohio Homeschool
The Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) program previously provided funds for enrichment activities. However, availability and funding status may change, so families should verify current program availability through the state.
Federal Tax Breaks
Homeschooling families may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits to help offset educational expenses. One option is a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows money to grow tax-free when used for qualified education costs. Homeschool parents might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for homeschooling. Finally, tax credits or deductions could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for homeschool instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, homeschooling families should review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
Ohio Immunization Requirements
Immunizations are mandatory for children attending public and private schools governed by the state board of education’s minimum standards. However, students who are homeschooled under the state’s homeschool statute or through exempt 08 schools are exempt from these state vaccination requirements. This exemption means that homeschooling families are not obligated to adhere to the same immunization regulations imposed on traditional public and private school students.
Ohio State Graduation Requirements
Ohio homeschool parents have the autonomy to establish their own graduation criteria, such as a course in financial literacy, and determine when a high school student has met those standards. Additionally, they have the authority to issue a homeschool high school diploma. However, it is prudent for parents to consider the graduation requirements for public school students in the state, as well as the academic prerequisites of colleges their student may be interested in attending, as well as college credit. By staying informed about these benchmarks, homeschooling parents can ensure that their student is adequately prepared for future educational endeavors. In Ohio, high schoolers who start homeschooling can benefit from flexible schedules and online platforms that offer college credit opportunities.
Parents have the authority to determine when their student has met requirements for graduation and can issue their own homeschool high school diploma. Similarly, students enrolled in private or online schools may receive diplomas from those institutions.
Unlike traditional schooling, homeschool students are not bound by testing requirements for graduation. Homeschool families have the flexibility to create student transcripts, incorporating any information they deem relevant for colleges, military enlistment, or future employment. While parents ultimately decide when their student has fulfilled requirements for graduation, some homeschool parents choose to assign credits to individual courses for transcript purposes.
Additionally, homeschoolers have the option to pursue a High School equivalency exam (GED).
Ohio Homeschool Charters
Ohio does not have homeschool charter schools in the traditional sense. However, there are charter schools and online learning options that may offer programs or resources tailored to Ohio homeschooling families. These programs may provide educational materials, support, and oversight while allowing families to educate their children at home. It’s recommended to research and contact a charter school or online school directly to inquire about any homeschooling options they may offer. Additionally, contacting local Ohio homeschooling organizations or support groups can provide valuable insights into available educational opportunities in Ohio.
Local Ohio Homeschooling Resources
In many states, the primary support system for homeschoolers is their state homeschool association. In Ohio, the leading homeschool association is known as Christian Home Educators of Ohio (CHEO).
Christian Home Educators of Ohio: Ohio’s statewide association organizes field trips, co ops, and workshops for homeschoolers, such as the Ohio homeschool convention, monitors all Ohio legislation that could affect homeschooling in the state, provides information about the practical aspects of homeschooling to Ohio families who are just getting started, and provides a statewide commencement opportunity for graduating homeschoolers in the state.
While you may occasionally stumble upon sizable or well-established groups through traditional search methods, the bulk of your search efforts should be directed towards Facebook groups.
Akron/Canton Area Homeschoolers: This is a social and activities group for parents to join who currently live in the Akron/Canton area and that homeschool K-12 (ages 5-18).
Cincinnati Homeschool: This space is designated for offering support and seeking answers to questions about homeschooling in Cincinnati, including field trips.
Columbus Area Homeschoolers: This is a place to discuss all things homeschool: curriculum, classes, online learning, field trips, co ops, legislation and logistics by sharing ideas and information.
Homeschoolers in NW Ohio and SE Michigan: This group is for homeschoolers in NW Ohio and SE Michigan to share experiences, victories and struggles, to ask questions, to share upcoming field trips in the area, and, in general, to encourage each other. It is a mixed group of different faith beliefs or no faith.
Ohio is considered one of the least restrictive states for homeschooling, especially following recent legal updates. Families benefit from:
- Simple notification requirements
- No testing mandates
- Full curriculum flexibility
By submitting the required annual notice and providing instruction in core subjects, families can confidently and legally homeschool in Ohio.
About the Author
Heather holds a JD from New England Law | Boston and is a licensed attorney in Massachusetts. Heather is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in education and the law. Currently, she is Legal Counsel and Program Manager for Homeschooling at SVHS. Previously, she served as the Director of Academic Programming and as a corporate attorney at a higher education startup. Heather’s expertise spans online learning, curriculum development, accreditation, and strategic compliance, ensuring alignment with ever-evolving legal regulations.