Getting Started Homeschooling in Ohio
How to Homeschool in Ohio - a Primer
This Primer is a step-by-step “how to” on the Ohio homeschool law (the Ohio Revised Code section 3321.042). This law, active as of October 3, 2023, replaces the previous homeschool regulations under Ohio Administrative Code 3301-34, repealed 10-3-23. Please see the most recent Blog Post for more information.
About the Primer
This document leads you step by step through the entire exemption notification process, including examples you can follow, and links to a law-aligned forms you can use. We are happy to help answer any questions you have, but please FIRST start here!
The Primer information should not be taken as legal advice; we encourage everyone to become personally familiar with this homeschool law. The regulation 3321.042 is written in the section below. Please read the actual law – never take for granted what *anyone* writes on the Internet. Read the law for yourself -- and then you can learn to compare what you read online against the primary source. When you know the truth, then misinformation, even from sources you might tend to trust, are easy to spot. This is a good first step in learning to homeschool!
Frequently Asked Questions
A list of Frequently Asked Questions about homeschooling in Ohio. These questions are for digging deeper. If you haven't read through the Primer yet, please start there first, then come back and read this!
Forms for Downloading
Ohio law-aligned form for notification. As of the new law, October 3, 2023, there is just the one form. This page is having space held as the "Ohio FormS" (plural) page, though, for any future additions.
Example Completed Notification of Exemption Form (Visual)
Hey visual learners! Did you read through the Primer but would prefer to see a quick completed example form? Click here! (Just make sure you read through the step by step Primer information too, because it will give you the "why" information.) :)
Quick-Start Video with Debby and Lisa
30 min quick-start video for the exemption notification process!
Ohio Home Education Statute - ORC 3321.042
Ohio Revised Code §3321.042
Effective: October 3, 2023
Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly
Link: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3321.042
PDF: Download Authenticated PDF
(A) As used in this section, "home education" means the education of a child, between the ages of six and eighteen years of age, that is directed by the child's parent. "Home education" does not include education provided to a child who is enrolled full time in a public or chartered nonpublic school.
(B) A child receiving home education in the subject areas of English language arts, mathematics, science, history, government, and social studies is exempt from section 3321.04 of the Revised Code.
(C) Within five calendar days after commencing home education, moving into a new school district, or withdrawing from a public or nonpublic school, and by the thirtieth day of August each year thereafter, the parent or guardian of a child receiving a home education shall transmit a notice to the superintendent of the child's school district of residence. The notice shall provide the parent's name and address, the child's name, and an assurance that the child will receive education in the subject areas required under this section. The child's exemption under this section is effective immediately upon receipt of notice. The district superintendent shall provide a written acknowledgment of the superintendent's receipt of the notice to the parent or guardian not later than fourteen calendar days after receiving the notice. A child exempt under this section shall not be required to be excused under section 3321.04 of the Revised Code.
(D) A child that is being enrolled in a public school following any period of home education shall be placed in the appropriate grade level, without discrimination or prejudice, based on the policies of the child's district of residence.
(E) This section shall not be subject to any rules adopted by the director of education and workforce and the department of education and workforce.
(F) If there is evidence that a child exempt under this section is not receiving an education in the subject areas required under this section, then that child may be subject to section 3321.19 of the Revised Code.
Forms to be used for notification