How to homeschool in Indiana
In Indiana a homeschool is a non-accredited nonpublic school. You don't have to register, but you must keep daily attendance records, teach 180 days a year, and provide instruction equivalent to public school. If your child is enrolled, tell the principal in writing before you start; high schoolers also need a signed state withdrawal form.
Requirements in Indiana
Homeschool as a non-accredited nonpublic school · IC 20-33-2-20, 20-33-2-21, 20-33-2-28
Parents run their homeschool as a non-accredited nonpublic school, choosing their own curriculum and schedule. Instruction must be equivalent to that given in public schools. Registering with the Indiana Department of Education is optional.
- Notice
- Not required.
- Instruction time
- 180 days per year (you choose which days and how long each day).
- Records to keep
- Daily attendance record that verifies enrollment and attendance; must be produced if requested by the local public school superintendent or the state.
- Testing / evaluation
- None required (the Department recommends periodic standardized achievement testing).
- Parent qualifications
- None.
- Also
- Instruction must be equivalent to that given in public schools (state law does not define equivalency).
- Reporting your homeschool's enrollment to the Department of Education (IC 20-33-2-21) is optional, per IDOE.
Official form: Indiana DOE homeschool information (optional enrollment report)
Checklist
- Notify your child's principal in writing that you are withdrawing to homeschool (if enrolled): before you begin homeschooling.
- High school students: sign the Withdrawal to Non-Accredited Nonpublic School form at the school: when withdrawing a high school student.
- Keep a daily attendance record: ongoing.
- Teach at least 180 days: each school year (days at a prior school that year count toward the total).
- Optionally report enrollment to the Indiana Department of Education: optional; any time.
Leaving a public school
Notify the principal of your child's school in writing before you begin home instruction; you do not need a homeschool number first. For a high school student, a parent must sign the school's Withdrawal to Non-Accredited Nonpublic School form; otherwise the student is counted as a dropout and the BMV may deny a learner's permit or license.
Common questions about homeschooling in Indiana
- Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Indiana?
- No. Indiana doesn't require a notice of intent for this option. If your child is enrolled in a public school, withdraw them in writing first.
- What subjects do I have to teach in Indiana?
- Indiana doesn't set a required subject list. Most families still cover reading, writing, math, science and social studies.
- How many days or hours of homeschool does Indiana require?
- 180 days per year (you choose which days and how long each day).
- Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Indiana?
- None required (the Department recommends periodic standardized achievement testing).
- Do parents need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Indiana?
- None.
- What records should I keep when homeschooling in Indiana?
- Daily attendance record that verifies enrollment and attendance; must be produced if requested by the local public school superintendent or the state.
Worth double-checking
- IDOE guidance states the 180-day requirement and the attendance-record duty (IC 20-33-2-20) but we could not read the current statute text directly; IDOE's own FAQ treats 180 days as what parents "should" provide.
- The optional registration is not the same as the high school withdrawal form; signing one does not satisfy the other.
Sources
- Indiana Department of Education: Homeschool Information.(official)
- Indiana Department of Education: Homeschool Help Sheet.(official)
- Indiana DOE optional homeschool enrollment report form.(official)
This is a plain-language summary to help you get organized, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the details with your state or school district before you file.