Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Ohio

Here is exactly what Ohio 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
Required
Instructional days
900 hrs/year
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Required

Ohio homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Submit a yearly notification to your local school district superintendent by August 1 (or within 14 days of beginning). Includes proposed curriculum.
  • Required subjects: Cover Language Arts, Geography, US/OH History, Government, Math, Science, Health, PE, Art, Music, First Aid.
  • Teacher requirement: Parent must hold a high school diploma, have a child assessed by a certified teacher annually, or hire a certified teacher
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: Annual assessment required by a certified teacher, licensed psychologist, or by standardized testing. Results submitted to school district.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification and complete the required assessment.

Getting started in Ohio

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering Language Arts, Geography, US/OH History, Government, Math, Science, Health, PE, Art, Music, First Aid.
  4. Plan for the required annual assessment or evaluation.
  5. Check your eligibility for EdChoice Expansion Scholarship (Income-Based) or EdChoice Scholarship (Traditional), and start keeping receipts for anything you buy for school.
  6. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Ohio

Ohio homeschool families may be eligible for EdChoice Expansion Scholarship (Income-Based) and EdChoice Scholarship (Traditional). 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.

  • EdChoice Expansion Scholarship (Income-Based) - Administered by Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Typically covers private school tuition. Every claim needs a receipt, and some categories need approval before you buy. Official information: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Scholarships/EdChoice-Expansion
  • EdChoice Scholarship (Traditional) - Administered by Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Typically covers private school tuition. Every claim needs a receipt, and some categories need approval before you buy. Official information: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Scholarships/EdChoice-Scholarship

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Ohio?
Submit a yearly notification to your local school district superintendent by August 1 (or within 14 days of beginning). Includes proposed curriculum.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
Parent must hold a high school diploma, have a child assessed by a certified teacher annually, or hire a certified teacher
Is standardized testing required?
Annual assessment required by a certified teacher, licensed psychologist, or by standardized testing. Results submitted to school district.
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 Ohio?
Yes. Ohio runs EdChoice Expansion Scholarship (Income-Based) and EdChoice Scholarship (Traditional). 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 Ohio?
Ohio requires you to cover Language Arts, Geography, US/OH History, Government, Math, Science, Health, PE, Art, Music, First Aid. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does Ohio require?
Ohio expects about 900 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 Ohio 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 Ohio department of education or county superintendent.