Homeschooling is a popular option for families in Ohio who want to provide their children with a personalized education. However, it is important for parents to understand the laws and regulations surrounding homeschooling in the state.

The Ohio Department of Education states that parents who choose to homeschool their children must notify their local school district in writing by September 30th of the current school year. The notice must include the names, ages, and grades of the children being homeschooled, as well as the curriculum that will be used. Parents are also responsible for keeping records of attendance and progress, and must administer an annual assessment to their children in grades 3-8.

One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is the ability to tailor the curriculum to the individual needs and interests of each child. Homeschooling allows for a more flexible schedule and a more relaxed learning environment, which can help children thrive academically and emotionally. Additionally, homeschooled children are not constrained by the traditional school calendar, which can allow for more time to explore extracurricular interests and pursue other passions.

Another benefit of homeschooling in Ohio is that students are still able to participate in sports and other activities in their local school district. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) allows homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic sports if they meet certain eligibility requirements. This allows homeschooled children to experience the social and athletic benefits of participating in school sports, while still receiving a personalized education.

Homeschooling may have downsides such as limited socialization opportunities, limited resources, and being time-consuming for parents. Homeschooled children may miss out on socialization opportunities that traditional schools provide, have limited access to resources such as textbooks, laboratory equipment, and specialized teachers, and parents may find it time-consuming to create lesson plans, grade assignments, and provide support for their children's education. Furthermore, homeschooling can be less structured than traditional schooling, which can be a challenge for some children and parents. Homeschooled children may also have limited access to specialized instruction and may find it more difficult to gain admission to colleges and universities.

We believe at Acton Academy Columbus that we can bring the benefits of homeschooling along with some academic structure and ability for learners to learn while collaborating in a tight-knit group.

Requirements for Homeschooling in Ohio

In Ohio, parents who choose to homeschool their children must follow certain requirements set forth by the Ohio Department of Education. These include:

1. Notification: Parents must notify their local school district in writing by September 30th of the current school year. The notice must include the names, ages, and grades of the children being homeschooled, as well as the curriculum that will be used.

2. Records: Parents are responsible for keeping records of attendance and progress. These records must be available for review upon request by the local school district.

3. Assessment: Parents must administer an annual assessment to their children in grades 3-8. This can be in the form of a standardized test or a portfolio review. The assessment must be conducted by a qualified individual, such as a certified teacher or a licensed psychologist.

4. Compliance: Parents must comply with the state's compulsory attendance laws, which require children between the ages of 6 and 18 to attend school unless they are legally exempt.

5. Curriculum: Parents must provide a curriculum that is "comprehensive in nature, and is designed to meet basic education goals." This can include traditional subjects such as math, science, and English, as well as electives and extracurricular activities.