In Ohio, a parent can home-school a child as long as he or she has a high school diploma or a GED. Another option is to have test scores that indicate an education level that is equivalent to high school proficiency. If none of three options is met, a parent can operate the home school while under the direction of someone who holds a bachelor's degree until the child involved can show test results that demonstrate a "reasonable proficiency," notes the Ohio Administrative Code.
Create a curriculum plan based on Ohio's subject requirements for home schooling. The Ohio Administrative Code states that a minimum of 900 hours of instruction are needed and must include the following subjects: Language, reading, spelling, writing, geography, U.S. and Ohio history, government, math, science, health, physical education, fine arts (including music), first aid, safety and fire prevention. Investigate curriculum providers and select a plan if creating your own curriculum seems daunting at first.
Submit annual notification of home schooling to the local school superintendent. This notification must include the school year for which it is intended; the full name of the child as well as his or her birth date; the name and address of the parent involved; the name and address of the person who is teaching, if it is someone other than the parent; an assurance that all required subjects will be covered; assurance of the quality and duration of the education; and a list of all curriculum that will be covered, along with the texts that will be used.
The superintendent has 14 calendar days to review the information and decide if it meets Ohio's legal requirements for home schooling. If changes are required, the parent will be notified and given 14 days to make changes or meet with the superintendent. If the petition to home-school is denied, an appeals process can be initiated by the parent. The appeal must be submitted within 10 days to the local juvenile court.
Once your home-schooling plan is deemed to be in compliance with Ohio laws, teach the curriculum you or the curriculum provider has designed.
Provide assessment reports as required by the state. Choose one of three options to meet Ohio's testing requirements.
A nationally accepted standardized test can be administered by an Ohio-licensed or certified teacher. These results must show that the child is in at least the 25th percentile in any given subject area. A certified teacher, a proctor from the test company itself, the public school or a person mutually decided upon by the local superintendent and the parent must administer the test.
Prove proficiency by submitting a written narrative to show adequate academic progress that year. This must be written by either a certified teacher or a person that is mutually agreed upon by the parent and the superintendent.
Show progress by submitting some other form of assessment that has been mutually agreed upon by the superintendent and the parent.