Homeschooling in Ohio? Here’s your plan.

Under ORC 3321.042, Ohio homeschooling requires an annual notification to your local superintendent by August 30. The notification is simple: your name and address, your child's name, and an assurance that instruction will be provided in the required subject areas. No curriculum outline, no textbook lists, no instructor qualifications.

The superintendent acknowledges your notification within 14 days. This is not an approval process — the superintendent does not have authority to deny your filing or require additional information.

Testing is no longer required. Hours are no longer mandated. Portfolio review is no longer part of the process. Ohio went from moderate regulation to one of the lightest frameworks in the country with a single piece of legislation.

Ohio also offers some of the best education funding options for homeschoolers. The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship provides $10,045 to $34,000 per year for students with disabilities, covering private therapy and specialized services. The College Credit Plus (CCP) program lets homeschool students take college courses at Ohio public institutions at no cost.

College Credit Plus (CCP). This is one of the best dual enrollment programs in the country. Homeschool students can take college courses tuition-free at any participating Ohio public college or university. Credits count toward both high school and college. Apply directly to the institution — there is no district gatekeeper.

Sports and extracurriculars. Ohio law (ORC 3313.5312) gives homeschool students the right to participate in public school extracurricular activities and take individual courses. Your child must meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students. This is a statutory right.

Jon Peterson Scholarship. If your child has an IEP or was previously identified with a disability, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship can fund private therapies, tutoring, and specialized services. The Autism Scholarship provides up to $32,445. These are real alternatives to school-based IEP services.

The "08 School" pathway. Ohio also offers a Non-Chartered Non-Tax-Supported School pathway (commonly called an "08 School"), which is popular with religious communities. This pathway has broader subject requirements (including health, PE, and fine arts), requires 910 hours per year for grades 1-6 and 1,001 hours for grades 7-12, but has no standardized testing. If you are part of a religious community that operates an 08 School, this may be a natural fit.

High school. Parent-issued diplomas are recognized. Ohio does not require a GED or equivalency test for homeschool graduates. For college applications, prepare a transcript with courses, grades, and credit hours. Ohio public universities generally have clear homeschool admissions policies.

Withdrawal. Ohio does not require a formal withdrawal letter, but sending one to your child's school when you file your notification prevents confusion and truancy inquiries. Reference your filed notification in the letter.