* Notification: Parents must notify the superintendent of their school corporation of their intent to homeschool *before* the start of the school year. This usually involves submitting a letter of intent. The specific requirements for notification may vary slightly by school corporation, so checking with your local superintendent is crucial.
* Curriculum: While there's no prescribed curriculum, the instruction must cover the following subjects: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health. The curriculum should be designed to meet the student's needs and abilities, but it's important to ensure a well-rounded education.
* Assessment: Indiana requires an assessment of student progress, but the method of assessment is largely left to the parents. This could include standardized tests, portfolio reviews, teacher-created assessments, or a combination thereof. The assessment must show that the student is making progress in each of the required subject areas. There's no state-mandated test.
* Record Keeping: Parents are required to maintain a record of their student's progress, including attendance and assessment results. These records should be kept for at least two years and may be requested for review by the school corporation.
* Diploma: After the student completes their homeschooling, the parent or guardian issues the diploma. This diploma isn't officially certified by the state, but it signifies the completion of a homeschool education that meets Indiana's requirements.
Important Note: While the state doesn't mandate specific curriculum or testing, it's highly recommended to ensure your homeschooling program provides a quality education that prepares the student for future education or employment. Many homeschooling families choose to use standardized tests to demonstrate this. Also, specific requirements may vary slightly based on the local school corporation. Contacting your local school corporation is always recommended for the most accurate and up-to-date information.