Ohio

Ohio Revised Code § 3321.042 (Home Education)

Effective October 3, 2023, this statute governs home education in Ohio, replacing the previous regulations under OAC 3301-34.

Additional Statutes

Key Feature: Ohio significantly simplified its homeschool law in 2023, removing assessment requirements, hours requirements, and teacher qualifications.

In July 2023, Ohio passed House Bill 33 which dramatically simplified homeschool requirements. The changes took effect October 3, 2023.

Before vs. After October 2023

What This Means

• Exemption vs. Excuse: Previously, homeschoolers needed a superintendent's "excuse" from attendance. Now, submitting notification automatically exempts the child — no approval needed.
• No assessment: You are no longer required to submit test scores, portfolio reviews, or any evaluation to the school district.
• Simplified notification: Just your name/address, child's name, and subject assurance.

Under ORC § 3321.042, Ohio homeschoolers have only two requirements:

1. Annual Notification

Submit to your district superintendent by August 30 each year (or within 5 days of starting).

2. Teach Six Subjects

Provide education in the required subject areas.

What Ohio Does NOT Require

• No assessment or testing
• No portfolio
• No evaluator
• No hours tracking
• No attendance records
• No teacher qualifications
• No curriculum approval
• No superintendent approval (just acknowledgment)

When to Submit

What to Include

Your notification must contain only these three things:

1. Parent's name and address
2. Child's name
3. Assurance that child will receive education in the required subjects

That's it. No curriculum outline, no textbook lists, no birthdates, no grade levels.

Superintendent Response

The superintendent must provide written acknowledgment within 14 calendar days of receiving your notification. This is just an acknowledgment of receipt — not an approval.

Your exemption is effective immediately upon transmitting your notification. You do not need to wait for a response to begin homeschooling.

Important Notes

• Do NOT use school district forms — they often ask for information beyond what the law requires
• Send via certified mail with return receipt for proof of delivery
• Send to the district superintendent (not county or ESC offices)
• Keep a copy for your records

Ohio law requires education in six subject areas:

What's NOT Required Anymore

The old regulations required 14+ subjects. These are no longer required by state law (though you may choose to teach them):

• Health education
• Physical education
• Fine arts and music
• First aid, safety, fire prevention

Curriculum Freedom

• No approved curriculum list
• No specific textbooks required
• No alignment to state standards required
• Parents choose all materials and methods

Diploma Fairness Law

Ohio's Diploma Fairness Law (ORC § 3313.6110) provides strong protections for homeschool graduates:

"A diploma granted under this section shall serve as proof of the successful completion of that person's applicable high school curriculum and satisfactory to fulfill any legal requirement to show such proof."

What This Means

• Parent-issued diplomas are legally valid
• Colleges, employers, and military cannot require a GED
• No additional documentation can be required beyond diploma
• Applies to jobs, college admission, financial aid, professional certifications

Parent-Issued Diplomas

As the administrator of your homeschool, you determine:

• Graduation requirements
• When student has met requirements
• When to issue diploma

You then create and sign the diploma yourself.

Creating Transcripts

For college applications, create a transcript including:

• Student information
• Courses by year with grades and credits
• Cumulative GPA
• Graduation date
• Parent signature as administrator

No State Requirements

Ohio has no graduation requirements for homeschoolers:

• No minimum credits
• No required courses
• No exit exams
• No state testing

For college-bound students, consider following recommended college prep guidelines (4 years English, 3-4 years math through Algebra II, etc.).

State Seals Available

Homeschool graduates may earn and display:

• State Seal of Biliteracy
• OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal
• Other state diploma seals

Parents may assign these seals in the same manner as public schools.

Ohio provides significant access to public school resources for homeschoolers.

Extracurricular Activities

ORC § 3313.5312 guarantees homeschoolers access to extracurricular activities:

"A student who is receiving home education... shall be afforded... the opportunity to participate in any extracurricular activity offered at the district school to which the student otherwise would be assigned."

This includes:

• Sports (all OHSAA athletics)
• Band, choir, orchestra
• Drama, debate, academic teams
• Clubs and organizations
• Any other extracurricular activity

Requirements:

• Same non-academic requirements as enrolled students
• Same financial requirements (fees, equipment)
• No enrollment in classes required
• Districts cannot impose additional rules on homeschoolers

College Credit Plus (CCP)

Homeschoolers in grades 7-12 can participate in College Credit Plus:

• Earn college AND high school credit simultaneously
• Free tuition at Ohio public colleges
• Must apply by April 1 for the following year
• Funding available based on legislative allocation

State Testing (Optional)

Homeschoolers may participate in state assessments:

• Available free of charge
• Completely optional
• Contact your district to arrange

Compulsory Age

Ages 6-18 — Children must receive education from age 6 until age 18 or graduation.

Tax Credit

Ohio offers a Home Education Expense Tax Credit:

Eligible expenses:

• Books and textbooks
• Supplementary materials
• Supplies
• Computer software
• Applications and subscriptions

NOT eligible:

• Computers and electronic devices
• Internet service
• Accessories

Work Permits

Homeschooled minors need work permits for employment during the school year:

• Ages 14-15: Must obtain from local school
• Ages 16-17: Parent may sign as school administrator (as of October 2023)

Returning to Public School

If your child enrolls in public school after homeschooling:

• District must accept without discrimination or prejudice
• Placement based on district policies
• No transcript from homeschool required by law
• District may assess for placement purposes

Special Education

Homeschoolers are not automatically entitled to public school special education services. However:

• Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship — available for students with IEPs
• Autism Scholarship Program — available for students with autism diagnosis
• These provide funding for services from approved providers

Alternative Option: Nonchartered Nonpublic School

Parents may also educate under the nonchartered, nonpublic school option if they hold religious beliefs:

• Teachers must hold bachelor's degree
• Must operate 455-1,001 hours depending on grade level
• More structured than home education option