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 notice of intent 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 the thirtieth day of August 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 notice of intent 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 non-chartered, non-tax-supported school (formerly known as an “-08 school”)

Ohio Revised Code § 3301.0732 permits a school to operate when it is not chartered (nor seeking to be chartered) by the state department of education and workforce because of truly held religious beliefs—if it meets certain minimum standards. HSLDA has successfully litigated to defend this section of the code as a means for parents to homeschool, and there are a variety of reasons why parents may find this approach appropriate for their family. There are specific requirements and qualifications for forming a non-chartered, non-tax-supported school. HSLDA members should read our non-chartered, non-tax-supported schools article before choosing this approach.

HSLDA will assist member families who, because of truly held religious beliefs, organize single-family non-chartered, non-tax-supported schools to educate their own children. If you are an HSLDA member who is considering privately educating your children under this option, please contact us for more information.

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.