How to homeschool in Indiana

Options for homeschooling

: 2

Notification required

: No

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: No

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Indiana homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in Indiana is simple and flexible, but it’s essential to understand the laws before getting started. Parents must comply with the state's compulsory education laws, which require children between the ages of 7 and 18 to attend school.

Homeschooling offers a way for families to meet these requirements while tailoring education to their child's unique needs and interests. Indiana classifies homeschools as non-accredited private schools, which means that families have the freedom to personalize their child’s education while following basic state requirements.

Key requirements for homeschooling in Indiana:

Notification required: Indiana does not require parents to notify the state or local authorities when homeschooling.
Parent education requirements: There are no specific educational qualifications required for parents who choose to homeschool.
Required subjects: The state does not mandate a specific curriculum or list of subjects. However, instruction must be provided in English and equivalent to public school standards.

For further details, you can refer to the Indiana Department of Education page on homeschooling.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Indiana

Time4Learning is a flexible online curriculum that supports Indiana homeschoolers by providing comprehensive lessons across all core subjects, including math, language arts, science, and social studies. Here's how to get started:

Understand Indiana's homeschooling requirements. Familiarize yourself with the state regulations for homeschooling, including attendance, curriculum standards, and record-keeping. Refer to the Indiana Department of Education page on homeschooling for complete guidelines.
Choose a curriculum. Select a curriculum that aligns with Indiana's educational standards and meets your child’s learning needs. Time4Learning offers a standards-based curriculum for all core subjects, simplifying this process for parents.
Create a schedule. Develop a flexible but consistent schedule that sets aside time for core lessons, activities, and creative play.
Maintain records. Keep track of attendance, lesson plans, and progress reports to ensure you are meeting state requirements. Time4Learning’s automated system makes it easy to organize and track your child’s educational records.
Stay connected with support groups. Join local or online homeschool communities to gain support, share resources, and stay updated on best practices.

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Indiana's high school graduation and diploma requirements

Indiana does not issue official diplomas for homeschoolers, but parents have the authority to create and award their graduates a homeschool diploma. To prepare your high schooler for graduation:

Develop a course of study that fulfills Indiana's public school core requirements (such as math, science, and English).
Keep a detailed transcript of all courses taken and grades received.

This transcript will be essential when applying to colleges or jobs. Many homeschoolers use platforms like Time4Learning for high school to ensure they meet or exceed national and state standards.

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Standardized test requirements for Indiana homeschoolers

Homeschool students in Indiana are not required to take standardized tests. However, some families choose to participate in testing to assess their student’s academic progress. Nationally recognized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or PSAT are helpful benchmarks, especially for high school students aiming for college admissions.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Indiana

Homeschooling offers students unique opportunities to grow into well-rounded, passionate individuals! Homeschoolers in Indiana have successfully transitioned to colleges by presenting comprehensive documentation of their education. Follow these steps to create a standout application:

Prepare a detailed transcript. Include all high school courses, grades, GPA, and any extracurricular activities. As a Time4Learning member, you’ll be able to download a transcript template from our parent portal.
Provide a well-written homeschool diploma. A parent-issued diploma is perfectly acceptable when paired with a transcript.
Take standardized college entrance exams. Tests like the SAT or ACT are key for admissions, as they provide an additional assessment of the student’s academic standing.
Include reference letters. Many colleges value letters from coaches, tutors, or community leaders.
Write a strong application essay. Your essay is an important part of your application and allows you to share your unique story.

For more guidance, check out the admissions policies of Indiana colleges and universities to ensure your homeschooler meets all requirements.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Indiana

Indiana offers an Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which can provide financial aid to eligible homeschooling families. These accounts enable parents to use state funds to pay for approved educational expenses, including:

Curriculum and learning materials.
Online courses like Time4Learning.
Tutoring and extracurricular programs.

Availability and requirements for ESA programs may vary, so visit the Indiana ESA website for more information on eligibility and application deadlines.

Homeschooling in Indiana offers a tremendous amount of freedom and resources for families. Understanding your legal requirements and leveraging educational supports like Time4Learning can help set you and your learner up for success!