How to Start Homeschooling in Oklahoma

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Oklahoma.

70 O.S. Section 10-105 requires children to attend school "unless other means of education are provided for the full term the schools of the district are in session." OSDE reports that the Attorney General has interpreted this law to allow education at home by a parent or guardian. The Attorney General ruled that home instruction does not require a certified teacher, but that the instruction must be provided in good faith and be equivalent to the education provided by the state.

Here is what this means for your daily life: OSDE says homeschools are not regulated, and that Oklahoma law does not require parents to register with or seek approval from state or local officials, conduct state testing, or permit public school officials to visit or inspect homes. You do not need approval from anyone to start.

Oklahoma's compulsory attendance law applies to children over age five and under age eighteen (70 O.S. Section 10-105). OSDE describes this as ages 5 through 18.

Half-day kindergarten is required from age 5. If you want to wait, the law lets you defer kindergarten until the school year after your child turns 6 by notifying your district superintendent by certified mail before kindergarten enrollment, or during the first year your child would be required to attend.

Here is exactly what to do:

Step 1: Decide to homeschool. You are not asking for permission. There is no application, no registration, and no approval process. You do not notify any state agency.

Step 2: Notify your child's school (if currently enrolled). No withdrawal letter is legally required, but OSDE recommends notifying the principal of the school in the district where you live that you plan to homeschool. Some schools may ask you to sign a form stating that you are taking full responsibility for your child's education. A short letter with your name, your child's name and grade, and the date works well. Keep a copy. If your child has never been enrolled in school, skip this step.

Step 3: Choose your curriculum. OSDE says there is no required state-approved curriculum, but recommends a well-defined curriculum or plan for learning. No subjects are required by state law; see the subjects section below for OSDE's suggested list.

Step 4: Start teaching. No forms to file. No waiting period. Plan to teach for the full term your district's schools are in session.

Let the school know. If your child is enrolled, a short note to the principal is OSDE's recommendation. Keep a copy.

Keep records from day one. Oklahoma has no recordkeeping mandate. But OSDE says that when a student re-enters public school, the parent must provide documentation that equivalent instruction was provided. Keep a transcript of courses and grades by year, course descriptions, samples of your child's work, and any test scores.

Claim the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit. Oklahoma offers a refundable state income tax credit of up to $1,000 per homeschool student for eligible expenses. Check current rules, deadlines, and forms with the Oklahoma Tax Commission, and save your receipts.

Explore concurrent enrollment for high schoolers. Under 70 O.S. 628.13(C), Oklahoma's public colleges and universities may not deny concurrent enrollment to a student at least 13 and under 21 who receives high-school-level instruction at home and meets the concurrent enrollment requirements. Apply through the college or university.

Issue your own diploma. You create your child's diploma and transcript as the parent. There is no state homeschool diploma in Oklahoma. Keep the transcript updated as you go rather than trying to reconstruct it at graduation.

Know your options if your child has special needs. You can homeschool a child with a disability under the same "other means of education" provision. But IEP services from public school generally end when you withdraw. Your school district must still evaluate your child under Child Find if you request it. The Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship is primarily for students with IEPs attending private schools, not direct homeschool funding.

Sports access. No state law requires public schools to allow homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic activities. Some districts may permit participation at their discretion. The Oklahoma Home Educators' Network at ohen.org can help you find local options.