Homeschooling opens up the chance to create a learning journey that feels right for your child, and in Ohio, families have a clear path to make that happen. While there are some guidelines to follow, you’ll still have the freedom to choose your materials, set your pace, and focus on what matters most to your family.
This guide walks you through what homeschooling looks like in Ohio, including key steps, requirements, and helpful resources. You’ll also find flexible tools like Outschool, where families can explore live, online classes to support and enrich their homeschool routine.
Homeschooling options in Ohio
Ohio offers two recognized legal pathways for homeschooling. Most families choose to homeschool by notifying their local school district each year, while others may operate a non-chartered school based on religious beliefs. Both options give you flexibility, but each comes with its own set of steps and expectations.
Homeschooling under Ohio’s homeschool statute
This is the most common homeschooling path in Ohio. Parents submit an annual notice to their local district, outline the subjects they’ll cover, and provide a year-end assessment. It gives you full control over curriculum and schedule, with some basic reporting to keep things on track.
Homeschooling as a Nonchartered Nonpublic (NCNP) school
Families who homeschool for religious reasons may opt to operate as an NCNP school. You report to the state instead of the local district and run your homeschool more like an independent school. It's a path that offers autonomy while still meeting Ohio’s basic education guidelines.
Requirements for homeschooling in Ohio
Once you’ve chosen your homeschooling path in Ohio, it’s important to understand the key requirements that apply to each one. From paperwork and attendance expectations to testing and recordkeeping, Ohio lays out specific guidelines to help families stay on track, some of which differ depending on the homeschooling pathway you choose.
Enrollment paperwork
Before diving into lesson plans, you’ll need to take care of some basic paperwork. What you need to submit depends on the path you choose.
- Homeschool statute path: Submit a notification of intent to your local school district superintendent within five calendar days of starting to homeschool, moving districts, or withdrawing from school.
After that, submit a new notice by August 30 each year. The form includes your and your child’s names and addresses, your signature, and an assurance that you’ll cover the required subjects. The superintendent will acknowledge receipt within 14 days.
- NCNP school path: For families opting out of chartering due to religious beliefs, submit an annual certification letter to the Department of Education and Workforce by September 30 each year. Include the school’s name, address, grade levels, and a statement confirming attendance is maintained. You’ll also need to notify your local school board treasurer of your school’s attendance within the first two weeks of the school year.
Attendance and instruction
Instructional expectations in Ohio also vary slightly depending on the homeschool path you choose. Families following the home education notification option now enjoy more flexibility, as the state no longer requires a set number of hours or specific teacher qualifications.
Those homeschooling as an NCNP school still follow hour-based guidelines: at least 455 hours per year for part-time kindergarten, 910 hours for full-day kindergarten through grade 6, and 1,001 hours for grades 7-12.
Curriculum guidelines
While families have the freedom to choose how they teach, Ohio does require instruction in specific subjects depending on the homeschool path you follow.
- Homeschool statute path: Parents must assure the superintendent that instruction will include English language arts, math, science, history, government, and social studies.
- NCNP school path: Families must provide instruction in subjects aligned with the state’s minimum standards, including language arts, geography, U.S. history, government, science, health, physical education, fine arts, and, in high school, career and citizenship education.
Recordkeeping essentials
Even though Ohio doesn’t require parents to submit detailed records during the school year, keeping documentation can help you stay organized and prepared, especially if your future plans change. It’s a good idea to keep attendance logs, samples of student work, curriculum outlines, and any correspondence with your local superintendent.
Testing and assessments
Ohio no longer requires homeschoolers to submit any kind of annual academic assessment. Under current state law, there’s no need for standardized tests, portfolio reviews, or superintendent-approved alternatives.
Public funding options for homeschoolers in Ohio
Ohio families have a few helpful programs that can ease the cost of homeschooling. These options can provide extra support as you plan your child’s education:
Parents can claim up to $250 per student each year as a nonrefundable credit. Eligible expenses include curriculum, textbooks, software, supplies, and certain online subscriptions. Any family officially homeschooling in Ohio may use this credit, regardless of income.
Qualifying families can receive a $1,000 credit per child to cover educational expenses. Families can use awarded funds for direct academic services. Homeschoolers may use ACE funds to purchase curriculum materials, but cannot apply them toward tuition or electronic devices.
Students in grades 7–12 can earn both high school and college credit by taking courses at participating Ohio colleges and universities. This program can reduce college costs significantly while giving motivated students a head start.
- Special education services
Public schools are required to provide disability evaluations for children within their districts, regardless of where they receive their education. However, access to ongoing special education services is not guaranteed and may vary by district.
- Part-time enrollment and extracurricular access
Local districts may allow homeschooled students to take individual courses or enroll part-time in public schools. In addition, state law ensures that homeschooled students can participate in extracurricular activities, including athletics, in the district where they reside, or even in a neighboring district if the program isn’t offered locally.
Homeschool with Outschool
Sometimes you need just a little more support in your homeschool day. Outschool offers a variety of live online classes that can help fill gaps, spark new interests, or keep your child engaged when your schedule gets full.
Here’s what Ohio homeschoolers can find on Outschool:
- Academic classes in reading, writing, math, and more
- Short-term or full-year curriculum options
- Interactive electives such as game design, world languages, and theater
- Supportive tutoring with experienced educators
- Interest-based clubs to build social skills and confidence
- Tools that give parents more breathing room without compromising quality
It’s an easy way to add structure or spontaneity to your homeschool rhythm, whichever you need most.
How to get started
Ohio offers families two clear homeschooling paths, each with its own set of steps. You can choose the one that best matches your educational approach and beliefs.
If you’re homeschooling under Ohio’s homeschool statute:
- Send a notice of intent to homeschool to your school district by August 30 or within 5 days of starting.
- Include basic information and confirm you’ll cover core subjects.
- Look out for an acknowledgment from your superintendent within 14 days, though there’s no need to wait for this.
- Begin teaching your chosen curriculum in the required subjects.
- There’s no need to meet specific hours, hold credentials, or test annually.
If you’re homeschooling as a nonchartered, nonpublic (NCNP) school:
- Confirm that you or the teacher has a qualifying college degree.
- Ensure your school calendar meets Ohio’s minimum instructional hour requirements.
- Teach all required subjects, including health, arts, and fire safety.
- Promote students based on your own internal benchmarks.
- Follow all applicable health and safety regulations.
- Submit a report to the state by September 30 certifying your school meets requirements.
- Report student attendance to your district’s treasurer at the start of the school year.
Find support through homeschool communities in Ohio
Homeschooling doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Ohio offers a wide range of local and statewide communities where families share resources, plan meetups, and support one another. Whether you're looking for academic help, field trip buddies, or just other parents to talk to, there's a group that fits your family.
Statewide organizations
- Ohio Homeschooling Parents - A supportive and inclusive Facebook group where thousands of families exchange advice, resources, and updates on Ohio-specific requirements.
- Ohio Homeschooling - A Facebook group connecting homeschoolers across the state with educational and social opportunities.
- Ohio Homeschool Field Trips - Focuses on statewide events and social activities curated for homeschooling families.
Local groups and co-ops
- Cincinnati Homeschool - Offers social meetups, academic classes, and cooperative events for families in the greater Cincinnati area.
- NE Ohio Homeschool - Serves families across Cleveland, Akron, and surrounding areas with homeschooling resources.
- Secular Homeschoolers of Central Ohio - A welcoming secular group for homeschooling families to share resources, plan outings, and support one another.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Here are some quick answers to parents' common questions when navigating their homeschool journey in the Buckeye State.
Is homeschooling legal in Ohio?
Yes! Homeschooling is fully legal in Ohio, and families can choose between two official options: homeschooling under the state homeschool statute or operating as a nonchartered, nonpublic school (NCNP) based on religious beliefs. Both are valid ways to educate your child at home.
Do I need to file anything before I begin homeschooling in Ohio?
You do. Most families file a home education notification with their local school district within five calendar days of starting, moving, or withdrawing. If you’re homeschooling under the NCNP option, you'll send a different type of annual report directly to the Department of Education and Workforce. Filing the right paperwork helps keep everything compliant and avoids any confusion with school officials.
Do I need to be a certified teacher to homeschool in Ohio?
Not for the standard homeschool path. If you’re operating a NCNP school, the person providing instruction must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Does Ohio require standardized testing for homeschoolers?
No. Ohio’s House Bill 33 removed annual assessment requirements for families homeschooling under the standard path.
Can my child return to public school later on?
Yes. If you're thinking about this possibility, it helps to keep a portfolio or records of what your child learned during homeschooling. The school district may use placement tests or review your documentation to determine grade level and credit. Communication with the school in advance can help the transition go smoothly.
Start your homeschool journey in Ohio
Understanding Ohio’s homeschooling options can take some planning, but having a clear picture of what’s required can make a big difference. From paperwork and curriculum choices to instructional time and recordkeeping, each path allows you to create a learning experience that reflects your family’s priorities.
No matter which option you choose, Outschool can be a helpful partner with classes in core subjects, creative electives, and social learning opportunities that add variety and depth to your homeschool day.
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