HOMESCHOOLING IN OKLAHOMA & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering homeschooling in Oklahoma, but don’t know where to start regarding Oklahoma homeschool laws. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully set up your own program legally in the state. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in Oklahoma, current laws and regulations, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing choices, the high school transcript, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services for homeschoolers.
History of Homeschooling in Oklahoma
Oklahoma homeschooling was legalized in 1907 and is the only state to include the right to homeschool in its state constitution. Oklahoma law recognizes the right to homeschool under homeschool laws “so long as the private instruction is supplied in good faith and equivalent in fact to that afforded by the State.”
Over the next few decades, the Oklahoma homeschooling community continued to grow, and homeschool laws evolved to provide more flexibility and options for homeschoolers. In the case of Snyder v. Asbery, the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a homeschool father, overturning a previous judgment and granting him custody of his two children.
Today, homeschool is a widely accepted and respected educational choice in Oklahoma. Oklahoma homeschool laws are considered relatively permissive, giving families a high degree of freedom and responsibility in directing their children’s learning path.
Current Oklahoma Homeschool Laws and Regulations
In the sooner state, compulsory attendance applies to children between the ages of 5 and 18. Families are responsible for ensuring their children receive schooling during these years. Truancy laws also apply to children between the ages of 5 and 18 who are not enrolled in a public, private, or home program.
The state’s compulsory law defines a “homeschool” as a “private school that offers a privately funded, privately staffed, and privately controlled system of education.” This allows homeschool families to operate their home-based programs with a high degree of flexibility, without many Oklahoma homeschool laws.
How to Set Up a Homeschool In Oklahoma
While homeschooling in Oklahoma is pretty relaxed, knowing the requirements is key to a successful experience. To set up a homeschool in Oklahoma and begin homeschooling Oklahoma requires the following steps:
Step 1: Inform the district about your intention to home educate your child. Some schools may request a signed form relieving them of educational responsibilities and confirming your assumption of full responsibility for your child’s learning for the school year.
Step 2: It’s crucial to understand that the Attorney General has clarified that although homeschooling doesn’t mandate a certification to teach, the instruction provided must be genuine and equivalent to state-provided instruction.
Step 3: Develop a homeschool curriculum and plan for your child’s learning. There are no subject requirements for homeschooling in Oklahoma. Oklahoma homeschool laws do not require specific homeschool curriculum, but the education provided should cover language arts, mathematics, science, citizenship, US constitution, health, safety, physical ed, and conservation. You can choose from a wide variety of homeschool curricula and instructional approaches to create a customized educational program that meets the needs of your homeschooled child.
Step 4: If you are moving to the sooner state from another state and were previously home schooling, notify your local district in writing of your intent to continue Oklahoma homeschooling.
Step 5: You do not need teaching credentials to homeschool in Oklahoma. Parents are considered competent instructors under Oklahoma homeschool laws.
Maintaining Your Oklahoma Homeschool
The sooner state does not require any specific paperwork or filing to maintain a home education. However, it is highly advisable to keep detailed records of your child’s homeschool curriculum, including:
Curriculum and lesson plans.
Work samples and assignments.
Test scores and evaluations.
Attendance records.
Reading logs and book lists.
Field trip documentation.
Co-op or group class records.
When homeschooling in Oklahoma, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Before you start homeschooling, consider creating an annual portfolio for each child, documenting their coursework and accomplishments throughout the school year to prepare for college and other life opportunities.
Oklahoma Homeschool Reporting Requirements
Oklahoma does not have any specific homeschool requirements for reporting by parents. Homeschool families are not required to submit test scores or other documentation to the state.
However, it is a good practice to keep detailed records of your child’s academic progress, including any standardized test scores, in case you need to provide evidence of educational achievement in your Oklahoma homeschool. While not legally required, some homeschool families choose to have their children take standardized tests to ensure they are making adequate progress.
Homeschool Testing In Oklahoma
The Department of Education does not offer state assessments for nonpublic students. Private options are accessible for families seeking annual testing for their children. Homeschool students can participate in these private options, including the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
Funding Your Oklahoma Homeschool
Unfortunately, the state does not provide any direct funding for homeschool families. All costs associated with home schooling, including curriculum, equipment, activities, and any testing, must be covered by the family.
However, there are some ways to reduce the financial burden of home schooling:
Join a local homeschool co-op or group to share resources and costs.
Take advantage of free or low-cost online educational sources.
Use the public library system for books and other materials.
Look for discounts on curricula and supplies from Oklahoma homeschooling retailers.
Consider selling used materials.
While homeschooling requires a financial investment, many homeschool families find creative ways to provide a high-quality education on a reasonable budget.
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 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 in Oklahoma. Finally, tax credits could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curriculum used for homeschool instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, homeschooling families should review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
Oklahoma Immunization Requirements
Oklahoma homeschool laws require homeschooled students to meet the same immunization requirements as students attending public school. Parents must provide their local district with a record of their child’s immunizations or a valid exemption.
The State Department of Health outlines the required immunizations for each grade level. These include vaccinations for diseases such as polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.
If you choose not to vaccinate your child due to medical, religious, or personal reasons, you must submit an exemption form to the local school district. The exemption form must be approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
Oklahoma State Graduation Requirements
Oklahoma does not have specific graduation requirements for homeschooled students. Homeschool parents are responsible for ensuring their child’s education meets their standards and prepares them for their chosen path after high school.
Here are some general recommendations for a well-rounded high school education in the following subjects:
4 years of language arts.
3-4 years of mathematics including algebra and algebra ii.
3-4 years of science.
3-4 years of social studies.
2-3 years of a foreign language.
Electives in areas of interest (fine arts, music, computer technology).
Oklahoma Homeschool Charters
The state does not have any homeschool charters, state-sponsored virtual schools, or accredited homeschool programs in Oklahoma. All homeschooling in the state is parent-led and privately funded.
There are some online and virtual learning providers that offer curriculum for homeschoolers, but these are private companies and not affiliated with the state system. Families who wish to enroll their children in a public online program would need to do so through their local public school district, which may have different requirements than homeschooling.
Local Oklahoma Homeschooling Resources
Some of the best sources to help homeschool families be successful are associations, support groups, and co-ops. While Oklahoma does not provide direct resources for homeschooling families, there are several Oklahoma homeschool groups that can be valuable resources:
Oklahoma Christian Home Educators: A statewide organization that provides support, resources, and events for homeschooling families. OCHEC offers an annual convention, regional support groups, a lending library, Oklahoma field trips, and other services.
Oklahoma homeschool groups and homeschool co ops: Many cities, such as Oklahoma City, have their own homeschool support groups that offer enrichment activities, field trips, co ops, and networking with other homeschoolers. An example includes Green Country Homeschoolers.
Libraries: Public libraries across the sooner state offer a wealth of resources for home schools in Oklahoma, including books, media, online databases, field trips, and educational programs. Many libraries have dedicated coordinators who can assist new homeschoolers in finding appropriate resources.
Oklahoma Museums and Educational Institutions: Many museums, zoos, science centers, and other educational institutions in the state, including Oklahoma City, offer programs, co ops, field trips, or special life events for homeschooling families. Examples include the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, and Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
If you decide to homeschool, Oklahoma is one of the states that has relaxed requirements. Remember to consult with other homeschooling families, support groups, and legal resources as needed as you learn how to homeschool in Oklahoma and start your homeschooling journey.
