It’s nearly time for school to begin! You may be wondering, “How do I  let the school know I am going to homeschool?”

In order to homeschool here in the great state of Ohio, you must submit the necessary paperwork in order for your child(ren) to be excused from compulsory attendance. The notification form can seem a bit intimidating, but once you have gone through this step-by-step explanation you will realize it wasn’t too difficult after all. Please have the Ohio Home Education NOTIFICATION FORM  in front of you for reference. This is not legal advice- please contact HSLDA or a state/local homeschool organization if you have questions.

A. This is just the introduction- no need to put anything here.

(1) Fill in the upcoming school year- Write the current school year on the blank.

(2) Write your name and address. There is no need for you to fill in your telephone number or email.

(3) If you are not going to be teaching your child the majority of their school work, then you will need to list the person’s name here. For instance, if you work and your mother is going to do the teaching, you would list her name and address. The phone number is not needed.

(4) Full name and birthdate of your student(s) is listed here. Grade level is not necessary.

(5) Put a check mark on the line that shows you will be providing an education in each of these subject areas.

(6) Place a check mark on the line for the outline of intended curriculum. You have the freedom to change your mind once your school begins. The school just wants to see that you have planned what you will be doing. You want to have a list of the concepts/ topics you intend to cover for the year. This is for informational purposes only. Please see an example of what I have submitted in years past that is at the end of the paragraph.  Each person’s list will look different based upon what you have planned. Each year will look different as well. I suggest you have broad categories as this will give you the freedom to choose several types of curriculum should one not work out as you had planned. Here are examples for you to see: Elementary Intended Course of Study  and High School. Intended Couse of Study

(7) Check this line. Be sure to include a list of books, DVD’s and other curriculum that you intend to use for the year.  Titles of library books that I intend to use are listed here because I know that we will be using those for school.  Again, if the curriculum is not working out, you may choose something different during your school year. Here are two examples of what I have sent in previous years. Elementary Intended Curriculum   High School Intended Curriculum . I also have another blog post that gives you more specific details if you need clarification for lines 6 and 7.  outline of topics and curriculum

(8) Check this line with confidence! We all educate our children beyond the 900 hours the state requires. Education is not only limited to sit-down-at-the-table time and bookwork. This includes co-ops, playing outside (physical education), helping watch brothers and sisters (health- family life, safety), going to a library program (language arts, science, social studies, etc.), going grocery shopping (math, health), participating in a local park program (science), symphonies and plays (fine arts),etc. I documented these activities in my lesson plans by writing what we did.

(9) Check this line because you are qualified to educate your child(ren), but read this section to make sure you do meet the qualifications to be able to home educate your child(ren).

(10) Lastly, sign your form that signifies that you have completed it and will abide by the requirements that were stated on the notification form.

Many people include a cover letter stating their intention to homeschool and a list of all the paperwork that is being included. If this is your first year to homeschool you do not need any type of evaluation (portfolio assessment or standardized test). This will be added after your first year is completed.

Below are pictures of a sample notification form for you to view. 

Congratulations! You have completed the form you and are that much closer to officially homeschooling! Be sure to have your notification papers turned into the superintendent’s office by the first week of when your student’s school building commences. Your child will be truant if paperwork is turned in later than that date.

This is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer, nor have I played the part of one. 🙂