Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Indiana

Here is exactly what Indiana requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Not required
Instructional days
180 hrs/year
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Not required

Indiana homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Indiana does not require any notice of intent - you can begin homeschooling without filing with the state.
  • Required subjects: Cover Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Health, PE.
  • Teacher requirement: No teacher certification is required to teach your own children.
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: No standardized testing is required by the state.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

No state filingIndiana requires no notice of intent to begin homeschooling.

Getting started in Indiana

  1. No notification is required - you can begin homeschooling right away.
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Health, PE.
  4. Check your eligibility for Choice Scholarship Program, and start keeping receipts for anything you buy for school.
  5. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Indiana

Indiana homeschool families may be eligible for Choice Scholarship Program. Programs like this reimburse or directly fund approved purchases - curriculum, tutoring, testing, and often therapies - against categories the program sets, and every claim has to be documented with receipts. Application windows and award amounts change year to year, so check the official program page before you plan around them.

  • Choice Scholarship Program - Administered by Indiana Department of Education. Typically covers private school tuition & required enrollment fees. Every claim needs a receipt, and some categories need approval before you buy. Official information: https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-choice-scholarship-program/

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Indiana?
No - Indiana does not require a notice of intent.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No - there is no teacher-certification requirement.
Is standardized testing required?
No - Indiana does not mandate standardized testing.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana runs Choice Scholarship Program. Eligibility, award amounts, and application windows are set by the program and change year to year, so confirm the current rules on the official page before you rely on them.
What subjects must I teach in Indiana?
Indiana requires you to cover Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Health, PE. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does Indiana require?
Indiana expects about 180 hours of instruction a year. Logging lessons as you go is far easier than reconstructing the total later.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Indiana instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Indiana department of education or county superintendent.