Ohio Homeschool Laws Made Simple (2025 Guide)

Interested in homeschooling in Ohio? From filing a notice letter to choosing a homeschool curriculum, Ohio’s homeschool laws are simple to follow! 

Please keep in mind that homeschool laws vary by state, so it’s best to do your research first. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to start homeschooling in the Buckeye State with confidence!

Homeschooling in Ohio at a Glance

Ohio – The Buckeye State

Required Age	6-18
Standardized Testing	Not Required
Subjects	English language arts, mathematics, science, history, government, and social studies
Time Requirements	None
Graduation Requirements	Determined by parent
Special Requirements	None
Financial Assistance Available	Yes

Parent Qualifications

There are no educational requirements for parents who wish to homeschool. All parents, regardless of their education, are able to homeschool their children in Ohio.

Homeschool Notice Letter

You must notify your child’s school of your intent to homeschool annually. The notification needs to be sent before August 30th annually or within five days of withdrawing if you are homeschooling in the middle of the year. The homeschool notice letter should include:

• Your name, address, and contact information
• Your child’s name and birthdate

Attendance

There are no time requirements for homeschool instruction. Parents are free to make their own schedules and can teach for as little or as long as their student needs.

Homeschool Curriculum

An Ohio homeschool curriculum must teach the following six subjects: 

1. English language arts
2. Math
3. Science
4. History
5. Government
6. Social studies

Testing

Ohio’s homeschool requirements exempt students from standardized testing, but many parents still test to check their child’s progress. Parents can request that their child take the state test at their local public school or purchase a nationally normed standardized test, such as the IOWA and Stanford Achievement exams. 

For students who are getting ready to apply to college, it’s a good idea to consider taking the SAT or ACT, as most higher education institutions require at least one test score during admissions. The State of Ohio provides free SAT tests for 11th grade students in their spring semester. You can find more information about free SAT testing on the Ohio Department of Education website.

Record Keeping

While record keeping is not required, it can be a good way to keep track of your child’s learning. One popular way to track academic progress is homeschool portfolios, which should include:

• Work samples 
• Activities
• Attendance records
• Curriculum and other educational materials
• Test results

A homeschool portfolio can be a great way to showcase your child’s best work and to remember your time learning together!

Graduation Requirements

In Ohio, homeschooling parents have the freedom to determine their child’s readiness to graduate high school. This allows for a personalized learning experience tailored to their unique needs and aspirations — however, it can be daunting to determine the right time for graduation. To ease this concern, many parents find guidance in the state’s diploma requirements for public school students. 

There are some special circumstances where a homeschooled senior may receive a diploma from the state. To see if you qualify, be sure to check Ohio Code Section 3313.6110 for more information.

Financial Resources

Ohio offers the K-12 Home Education Tax Credit, which is available for all students excused from the compulsory attendance law (which includes homeschoolers). The tax credit provides up to $250 per tax return for educational materials, such as books, software, subscriptions, and more. For more information about eligibility, visit the Ohio Department of Taxation website. 

In addition, parents who wish to donate to scholarship-granting organizations may also claim the Scholarship Donation Credit. The tax credit will be $750 or the dollar amount donated, whichever amount is smaller.

Other Tips & Resources

For more information and support, check out these resources:

You can also find further information about the new laws at these sites: 

• Ohio Homeschooling Parents
• Ohio Homeschool Groups and Co-Ops from the Homeschool Mom

If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, please reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you find the answers you need.