How to homeschool in Oregon

In Oregon, homeschooling is legally permitted only by notifying your local Education Service District (ESD), a crucial step to ensure compliance with state laws. The state provides clear guidelines to support families choosing this educational path. Here are some key things you need to know to meet Oregon’s homeschooling requirements:

• Compulsory education laws. Oregon requires all children between the ages of 6 and 18 to attend school. This can be a public school, private school, or a homeschooling program.
• Notification requirements. Families intending to homeschool must submit a one-time notification to their local ESD when their child reaches compulsory school age. There’s no need to re-notify each year unless you relocate to a different ESD.
• Standardized testing. Homeschool students in Oregon must take state-approved standardized tests in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. Parents should keep the test results on file, as they may need to provide them to their local ESD upon request.
• Parent education requirements. Oregon does not require homeschooling parents to have teaching credentials or specialized educational qualifications. This makes homeschooling accessible to a wide range of families.
• Required subjects. While Oregon does not prescribe a specific curriculum, parents are encouraged to provide well-rounded instruction in core subjects like mathematics, science, English, and social studies.

For additional details on homeschooling regulations in Oregon, visit the Oregon Department of Education.

Oregon homeschoolers are not required to follow the state’s traditional high school graduation standards. Instead, parents can customize graduation requirements based on their child’s future plans and goals.

Homeschool students typically graduate after fulfilling their family’s credit requirements, developing a high school transcript, and completing their unique educational plan. Parents can create a diploma for their child or purchase a customizable template for added professionalism. This allows Oregon homeschoolers to focus on coursework that aligns with their college or career goals without adhering to standard state credit requirements.

Homeschool students in Oregon are required to participate in standardized testing at grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. Here’s what you need to know:

• Families must choose a state-approved testing location.
• Tests must be administered by a qualified tester.
• Results should be reported to the local ESD upon request.

Time4Learning can help prepare your child for these tests through practice activities, quizzes, and assessments tailored to the specific grade level.

Homeschoolers in Oregon often stand out during the college admissions process due to their unique educational experiences. Here’s how to make the most of being a homeschooler when applying to college:

• High school transcripts. Maintain detailed records of classes completed, grades, and other achievements.
• Test scores. Submit SAT, ACT, or other standardized test scores to complement your transcript.
• Portfolio of work. Highlight unique projects, extracurricular activities, or community involvement.
• Personalized essays. Share how homeschooling shaped your education and passions.
• Letters of recommendation. Request letters from mentors, tutors, or coaches who can attest to your skills and character.

Most colleges in Oregon and beyond welcome homeschool applicants and evaluate them on the same grounds as traditional students.

Currently, Oregon does not offer an official Education Savings Account (ESA) program for homeschool families. However, families interested in financial aid for homeschooling expenses can explore other options, such as tax credits, scholarships, or grants specific to their area or homeschooling groups.

By staying informed of policy changes and local resources, you may find financial support for your homeschooling needs in the future.