Ohio parents may choose to homeschool under the state’s homeschool statute or as a non-chartered, non-tax-supported school.

Here are the options:

NOTE: Beginning in October 2023, Ohio homeschoolers will operate under an exemption from compulsory school attendance under the newly created Ohio Revised Code § 3321.042. (You can read more about the change here). With this change, the old regulations under Option 1 have become obsolete. Please read Option 1 carefully to learn about the new requirements. 

Option 1: Homeschooling under Ohio’s homeschool statute

A parent may exempt their child from mandatory school attendance by directing their child’s education in the subject areas of English language arts, mathematics, science, history, government, and social studies. Follow these steps to homeschool under this option:

1. Submit an annual exemption notice to homeschool by August 30th.

In order to exempt a child, parents or guardians must submit a notification to the resident school district superintendent by August 30th every year or within five calendar days after commencing home education, moving into a new school district, or withdrawing from a public or nonpublic school.

The notification must provide the parent's name and address, the child's name, and an assurance that the child will receive education in the required subject areas.

An Ohio exemption notice form is available for HSLDA members below. HSLDA strongly recommends that you maintain copies of your notification as well as any and all correspondence with the school district. We recommend that all correspondence with the school district be done in such a way as to assure receipt by the school of your correspondence. We strongly recommend using some form of mail with certification and return receipt.

The law places specific time frames and requirements on superintendents to provide written acknowledgement to a homeschool notification. HSLDA members who have not received this acknowledgement within 14 days of submitting their notification should contact us.

2. Teach the required subjects.

Home education programs are required to teach English language arts, mathematics, science, history, government, and social studies.

3. There are no teacher qualifications, number of hours, or assessment requirements under this option. 


Option 2: Homeschooling as a nonchartered, nonpublic school (formerly known as an “-08 school”)

Parents may, because of truly held religious beliefs, organize a nonchartered, nonpublic school to educate their children. To use this option:  

1. Make sure you have the required qualifications. 

Teachers and administrators at an NCNP school should hold at least a bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, from a recognized college or university. 

2. Operate for the required number of hours. 

NCNP schools must operate for at least 455 hours for part-time kindergarten, 910 hours for all-day kindergarten through 6th grade, and 1,001 hours for 7th through 12th grade each school year. 

3. Teach the required subjects. 

NCNP schools are required to provide a course of study in:

  • Language arts
  • Geography
  • History of the United States and Ohio
  • National, state, and local government
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Health
  • Physical education
  • The fine arts, including music
  • First aid, safety, and fire prevention
  • Other subjects as prescribed by the school

4. Follow regular procedures for promotion from grade to grade for pupils who have met the school’s educational requirements.

5. Comply with state and local health, fire, and safety laws.

6. Certify in a report (called the “report to parents”) that the school meets minimum education standards listed above.

You also must file a copy of this report with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) on or before September 30 each year. A sample “report to parents” and cover letter is available for HSLDA members below.  

7. Report your school’s attendance to your local school board treasurer within the first two weeks of the beginning of the school year. 

HSLDA members can access a “Nonchartered Nonpublic School Report of Attendance” form below. 

Additional questions? We encourage HSLDA members to read our  nonchartered, nonpublic schools article  before choosing this approach.

Please note: The information on this page has been reviewed by an attorney, but it should not be taken as legal advice specific to your individual situation.