Homeschooling in Ohio offers parents the flexibility to personalize their children’s education while following the state’s legal guidelines. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking for ways to improve your approach, understanding Ohio’s homeschooling laws, curriculum choices, and support systems can make your experience more effective and enjoyable. Dailies is on a mission to make sure each family is confident when choosing the homeschool path for them and we want to make sure you feel supported throughout the journey.
This guide covers everything you need to know about homeschooling in Ohio, including legal requirements, educational options, financial considerations, and practical tips for managing homeschooling with children of different ages.
Understanding Ohio’s Homeschooling Laws
Ohio legally recognizes homeschooling as a valid educational option but requires parents to follow specific guidelines. These regulations help ensure that homeschooled children receive an adequate education while allowing families the freedom to design their curriculum.
Steps to Legally Homeschool in Ohio
- Submit a Notice of Intent
- Parents must file a notification form with their local school district superintendent every year by the first day of the school year.
- The notice should include basic information, such as the child’s name, age, and assurance that required subjects will be taught.
- Teach Required Subjects
- Ohio mandates instruction in language arts, mathematics, science, health, history, government, and fine arts.
- Parents are free to choose any curriculum, resources, or teaching methods that best suit their child’s learning style. This is a great opportunity to use the best learning tools and platforms, like Dailies, that allow your children to be most successful.
- Provide 900 Hours of Instruction
- Homeschooled students must receive at least 900 hours of instruction per school year. Parents can spread this time across traditional lessons, field trips, and hands-on learning experiences.
- Submit an Annual Assessment
- Parents must provide proof of academic progress through one of the following:
- A nationally standardized test showing that the child is performing at or above the 25th percentile.
- A written portfolio review by a certified teacher or another agreed-upon professional. Dailies has an amazing tool that tracks student progress in relation to standards that is a great snapshot of your child’s learning that can be shared with officials.
- An alternative assessment mutually agreed upon by the parent and the superintendent.
Homeschooling Options in Ohio
Ohio families have several choices when it comes to homeschooling methods and resources.
Traditional Homeschooling
- Parents select their curriculum, schedule, and teaching methods to best fit their child’s learning needs.
Online Homeschooling Programs
- Many families opt for online programs like Dailies, Time4Learning, Acellus Academy, or Power Homeschool for structured lessons.
- Some Ohio-based virtual academies offer part-time enrollment options for homeschoolers.
Homeschool Co-ops and Learning Groups
- Co-ops allow homeschool families to join forces, offering group learning experiences in subjects like science labs, foreign languages, and art.
- Groups like Christian Home Educators of Ohio (CHEO) and Ohio Homeschooling Parents (OHP) help connect families with local support networks.
Public School Extracurricular Participation
- Ohio homeschool students can participate in public school sports, band, theater, and other extracurricular activities under the state’s “Tebow Law.”
Financial Aspects of Homeschooling in Ohio
Cost Considerations
The cost of homeschooling varies based on curriculum choices, extracurricular activities, and learning materials. Parents can save money by:
- Using free resources like Khan Academy, OpenStax, and Ambleside Online.
- Purchasing used curriculum from homeschool swaps and online marketplaces.
- Leveraging public libraries for books, educational DVDs, and research materials.
Tax Benefits and Financial Assistance
- Ohio does not offer tax credits or reimbursements for homeschooling expenses.
- Some homeschool families may qualify for state-funded scholarships or educational grants, particularly if their child has special needs.
Strategies for Homeschooling Multiple Children
Create a Structured Routine
- Establish a daily or weekly schedule that allows time for both group instruction and independent work.
- Assign older children as mentors for younger siblings to encourage leadership and teamwork.
Use Multi-Age Teaching Methods
- Subjects like history, science, and art can be taught to all children at once using age-appropriate assignments.
- Use interactive learning tools, such as educational board games, hands-on experiments, and field trips.
Encourage Independent Learning
- Use platforms like Dailies for enrichment, tutoring, pods and more to give students of different levels individualized learning support.
- Provide older children with self-guided assignments using platforms like IXL, Prodigy, and CK-12.
- Utilize audiobooks and educational videos to supplement learning.
Finding Homeschool Support in Ohio
Homeschool Organizations and Co-Ops
- Christian Home Educators of Ohio (CHEO) – Offers legal guidance, networking events, and homeschool advocacy.
- Ohio Homeschooling Parents (OHP) – Provides community support, curriculum recommendations, and field trip opportunities.
- Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) – Helps families navigate legal concerns related to homeschooling.
Socialization and Extracurricular Activities
- Homeschooled children can join sports teams, dance classes, theater groups, and STEM clubs.
- Many museums, nature centers, and historical sites in Ohio offer homeschool days and hands-on educational programs.
Support for Special Needs Homeschooling
- Families can access special education services, speech therapy, and assistive learning tools through private organizations.
- Groups like Ohio Parent Mentors and the Autism Society of Ohio offer resources for parents homeschooling children with disabilities.
Overcoming Homeschooling Challenges
Staying Organized
- Keep lesson plans and records in a homeschool planner or digital tracking system.
- Establish realistic learning goals and be flexible in adjusting your teaching approach.
Keeping Children Engaged
- Incorporate hands-on projects, real-world learning experiences, and interactive games.
- Plan field trips to zoos, museums, and nature centers to make learning more dynamic.
Tracking Academic Progress
- In addition to required annual assessments, use skill-based evaluations, portfolios, or project-based learning assessments to measure progress.
Why Homeschool in Ohio?
Ohio offers a flexible, well-supported homeschooling environment that allows parents to shape their child’s education in a way that aligns with their values and academic goals. The state provides a strong homeschooling community, legal protections, and access to public school resources for extracurricular activities.
By choosing to homeschool in Ohio, families can create a customized, engaging, and enriching learning experience that fosters academic success and personal growth.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling in Ohio provides families with the freedom to design an education that best suits their child’s needs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. By leveraging available resources, joining local homeschool groups, and implementing effective teaching strategies, parents can ensure a successful homeschooling journey.
If you’re considering homeschooling in Ohio, connect with state and local homeschool organizations to gain support and make the transition as smooth as possible. Still have questions or looking for extra support as you begin your homeschool journey, Dailies is ready to help. Sign your child up for a free class today!
