Indiana Laws and Requirements for Homeschool
Homeschooling Laws and Requirements in Indiana
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Notification and Registration:
- No Formal Notification: Indiana law does not require parents to notify the state or local school district before beginning homeschooling.
- Voluntary Reporting: While not mandatory, parents may choose to report their homeschool enrollment to the Indiana Department of Education. This is optional and not a state requirement.
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Teacher Qualifications:
- No Specific Qualifications: Parents are not required to have a teaching certificate or specific educational background to homeschool their children.
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Curriculum and Instruction:
- Subject Requirements: Homeschooling parents are expected to provide instruction in subjects commonly taught in public schools, including language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
- No State-Mandated Curriculum: Indiana does not prescribe a specific curriculum, allowing parents the flexibility to choose materials that best fit their child's learning style and needs.
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Assessment and Reporting:
- No State-Mandated Testing: Indiana does not require standardized testing or submission of student work samples to the state.
- Recordkeeping: While not mandated, it's recommended to maintain records of attendance and academic progress for your personal reference.
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Compulsory School Age:
- Age Range: Children between the ages of 7 and 18 are required to attend school, which includes homeschooling.
Resources for Homeschooling in Indiana
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Indiana Department of Education – Homeschool Information:
- Overview: Provides information on homeschooling laws, requirements, and resources.
- Website: Indiana Department of Education – Homeschool Information
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Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA):
- Overview: Offers legal support and information on homeschooling laws across the United States, including Indiana.
- Website: HSLDA – Indiana
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Indiana Association of Home Educators (IAHE):
- Overview: A statewide organization that provides support, resources, and advocacy for homeschooling families in Indiana.
- Website: IAHE
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Local Homeschool Groups and Co-ops:
- Indiana Homeschooling Facebook Groups: Connect with local homeschooling communities for support and resources.
- Website: Indiana Homeschooling Facebook Groups
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Online Curriculum Providers:
- Time4Learning: Offers an online curriculum aligned with Indiana homeschool requirements for grades K-12.
- Website: Time4Learning
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Local Support Groups and Co-ops:
- Indianapolis Homeschool Co-op: A group for homeschooling families in the Indianapolis area.
- Website: Indianapolis Homeschool Co-op
Additional Considerations
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Field Trips and Extracurricular Activities: Homeschooling in Indiana allows for flexible scheduling, making it easier to incorporate field trips and extracurricular activities into your child's education.
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Support and Community: Engaging with local homeschool groups and co-ops can provide valuable support, socialization opportunities for your child, and resources to enhance your homeschooling experience.