Indiana Homeschool Laws & Requirements

Compulsory School Attendance Age

Indiana compulsory school attendance generally begins at age 7. Parents may homeschool before age 7 if they wish. The Indiana Department of Education states that homeschooled students complete compulsory schooling at age 18.

Homeschool Notification and Enrollment

Indiana does not require homeschool registration. Parents may voluntarily report homeschool enrollment to the Indiana Department of Education, but the state expressly states that submitting the homeschool registration form is not required.

A family withdrawing a child from a public school should notify the current school in writing. For certain high school withdrawals, Indiana requires the parent or guardian to sign the applicable withdrawal form so the student is properly recorded as transferring to a non-accredited nonpublic school rather than as a dropout.

Instructional Days and Hours

Indiana homeschools should provide 180 days of instruction during the academic year. Parents choose which days the homeschool is in session and how long instruction lasts each day. Days already attended in a public or accredited school during a mid-year transfer may count toward the 180-day total.

Required Subjects

Indiana requires instruction equivalent to that given in public schools, but state law does not define a specific required homeschool subject list or define exactly what "equivalent" instruction means. Indiana law also exempts homeschools from the public-school curriculum and program requirements.

Attendance and Records

Indiana requires homeschools to maintain an accurate daily record of attendance. There is no required state attendance form.

Attendance records must be available if requested by the Indiana Secretary of Education or the public school superintendent where the student resides.

Indiana does not otherwise require homeschool parents to submit routine grades, portfolios, transcripts, or other educational records to the Department of Education. Good academic records are strongly recommended.

Standardized Testing

Indiana does not require state testing or other standardized testing for independently homeschooled students. Parents may choose private standardized testing or may participate in certain programs that have their own testing requirements.

Parent Teacher Qualifications

Indiana does not require a homeschooling parent to hold a teaching license, college degree, or other state educator credential.

Curriculum Freedom

Indiana does not have a state-approved homeschool curriculum or mandated homeschool textbooks. Parents and guardians choose the curriculum and instructional materials they believe are appropriate for their children.

Graduation

Homeschooled students do not receive a diploma from the local public school or Indiana Department of Education simply because they complete a homeschool program. Families should establish their own graduation requirements and keep complete high school records and transcripts. Students age 16 or older may also pursue Indiana's High School Equivalency pathway if desired.

Alabama Church School Services for Indiana Families

Indiana families are not legally required to enroll with Alabama Church School. However, Alabama Church School can provide a structured curriculum and organized documentation system for families who do not want to build those systems themselves.

• Complete curriculum • Enrollment documentation • Attendance resources • Academic records • Report cards • Transcripts • Diplomas and graduation documentation • Student records • Educational support and other available services

Because Indiana requires 180 instructional days and accurate attendance records, Alabama Church School's attendance and recordkeeping resources can be especially useful. Enrollment with Alabama Church School does not replace the Indiana parent's responsibility to provide the required instruction and maintain required attendance records.