Oregon Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

Homeschooling in Oregon is legally recognized and entails specific requirements to ensure compliance with state laws.

Legal Requirements:

  1. Notification of Intent:

    • Parents must submit a one-time Notice of Intent (NOI) to homeschool to their local Education Service District (ESD) within 10 days of withdrawing their child from public school or when beginning to homeschool a child who is 6 years old by September 1st of the current school year.

  2. Standardized Testing:

    • Homeschooled students are required to undergo standardized testing in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10.
    • The tests must be administered by a qualified, neutral individual approved by the state.
    • If a student's score falls below the 15th percentile, additional steps may be required, such as retesting or implementing a remediation plan.

  3. Instructional Time and Subjects:

    • Oregon law does not mandate specific subjects or a set number of instructional days or hours for homeschooling. Parents have the flexibility to design a curriculum that best suits their child's educational needs.

  4. Recordkeeping:

    • While not explicitly required by law, maintaining thorough records of your child's educational progress, including test results, samples of work, and a log of instructional activities, is advisable. These records can be beneficial if questions arise regarding your homeschooling program.

Additional Considerations:

  • Special Education Services:

    • If your child has special needs, it's important to note that public schools are not obligated to provide special education services to homeschooled students. However, some districts may offer evaluations or services upon request.

  • Access to Public School Activities:

    • Oregon allows homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic activities (e.g., sports, music programs) at their local public schools, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements.

Resources for Support: