Homeschooling in Indiana.

How homeschooling works here

Indiana treats a homeschool as a nonaccredited nonpublic school. It isn't bound by the state's curriculum rules, and no one approves your plans, materials or teaching (Indiana Code, or IC, 20-33-2-12).

Compulsory age

From age 7 until 18 or graduation. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) says homeschooled children should begin no later than their seventh birthday. Kindergarten is optional.

Notice to start

None required to start. If the state's Secretary of Education asks, you must report how many students you have in each grade (IC 20-33-2-21).

If a child leaves

If your child leaves your homeschool and no school asks for their records within 15 school days, you must report the child's name, address and leaving date to the state's Secretary of Education or your local school superintendent (IC 20-33-2-21).

Leaving a school

Tell the principal, preferably in writing, that you're withdrawing your child to homeschool. The school can't require proof of registration. For a high school student, a parent must also sign the state withdrawal form, or the student is counted as a dropout.

Days of instruction

IDOE says to provide at least 180 days of instruction a year. You choose which days and how long each day runs. There's no required number of hours.

What you teach

Instruction must be equivalent to what public schools give (IC 20-33-2-28), but the law doesn't define equivalent. You choose your curriculum and materials, and there's no state-approved curriculum.

Attendance records

Keep an accurate daily attendance record. No special form is needed. Your local public school superintendent or state education officials can ask to see it (IC 20-33-2-20).

Testing

None required. Homeschooled students can't take Indiana's statewide tests unless enrolled in a class at a public or accredited school. IDOE suggests periodic standardized testing, which you can arrange privately.

Other records

Beyond attendance, the law requires none. IDOE suggests keeping work samples and notes on what you teach, and course records in high school for colleges and employers. IDOE doesn't collect homeschool records.

Diplomas

You issue your own diploma; the local school and the state don't. Students 16 or older may take the High School Equivalency (HSE) test.

Returning to public school

Your local public school must enroll your child. It decides grade placement, may use placement tests or your records, and doesn't have to accept homeschool credits.

Statute

Indiana Code 20-33-2 (compulsory school attendance), especially sections 12, 20, 21, 28 and 28.6.