Ohio — At a Glance
Official Resources
Ohio has a clear, workable homeschool law. Notify your school district annually, teach the required subjects, meet the hours requirement, and have your child assessed each year. The state gives families considerable flexibility in how they meet these requirements.
Legal Basis
Ohio home education is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 3321.04, which provides a specific exemption from compulsory attendance for children receiving home instruction.
Step 1 — Annual Notification
Each year, you must file a written notification of intent to home educate with your local school district superintendent.
Deadline: August 1st each school year. If you begin homeschooling mid-year, notify within 30 days of starting.
Your notification must include:
- Child's name and age
- Parent/guardian name and address
- Assurance that you will provide 900 hours of instruction per year
- Assurance that you have a high school diploma or GED (or higher)
- A brief outline of the subjects to be taught
You do not need approval from the superintendent — only acknowledgment. Keep a copy of what you send.
Step 2 — Teach the Required Subjects
Ohio requires instruction in the following subject areas:
- Language Arts (reading, writing, spelling, grammar)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Fine Arts (art and/or music)
- Health
- Physical Education
- First Aid and Safety
You are free to use any curriculum, approach, or method to cover these subjects.
Step 3 — Meet the 900-Hour Requirement
Ohio requires 900 hours of home instruction per year for elementary students. This works out to about 5 hours per school day over 180 days.
Keep a simple log of your daily instructional hours to document compliance.
Step 4 — Annual Assessment
At the end of each school year, your child must be assessed using one of these approved methods:
- Nationally normed standardized test: Administered by a qualified individual (not the parent). Results must show the child's grade equivalent score.
- Portfolio assessment by a licensed teacher: A licensed Ohio teacher reviews the child's portfolio and provides a written narrative assessment.
- Assessment by a school district representative: The local school district may conduct an assessment (rarely used).
- Other method approved by the school district: Districts may approve other assessment options on a case-by-case basis.
Assessment results must be submitted to the school district within 30 days of receiving them. The district reviews results to confirm your child is making "reasonable progress."
What Happens If Assessment Shows Low Progress?
If your child scores below the 25th percentile or the portfolio review shows inadequate progress, the school district will notify you. You then have 60 days to work with a school district representative to create a corrective action plan. This rarely results in serious consequences for families making a genuine effort.
Compulsory School Age
Ohio's compulsory attendance age is 6 through 18.
Required Parent Qualifications
The teaching parent must have at least a high school diploma or GED. No college degree or teaching certificate is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both parents homeschool, or just one? Either parent may provide instruction. The notification can be submitted by either parent.
Do I need to follow the public school calendar? No. You set your own school year. The requirement is 900 total hours, not specific calendar dates.
What standardized tests are commonly used in Ohio? Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10), and the California Achievement Test (CAT) are all popular. Many families test through the Bob Jones University testing service or local testing centers.
Does Ohio have a strong homeschool community? Yes — Christian Home Educators of Ohio (CHEO) is the main statewide organization, along with many regional groups.
Key Resources
Enate helps Ohio homeschool families stay organized
Track attendance, plan lessons, and manage your curriculum — all in one place.