How can I find out about Homeschooling guidelines in Indiana?

Question

Any help would be appreciated. I am looking for guidelines, requirements, etc. Thank you!

Answer 1

HSLDA's website will answer most of your questions. They have an overview of the law on the page linked below and a legal analysis through the link on that page.

They list two state organizations (under organizations) that may be of some help. Also, see if there is a local co-op or support group - they can give you even more specific answers.

I don't homeschool in IN, so I can't be any more help.

GO COLTS!!!!

Answer 2

I'm in Indiana, too. The hslda site is good for finding out the legal stuff, but let me tell you, our state is probably one of the least regulated. All you really have to do is Inform the dept of education of your intent to homeschool (if your child is 7 or older). This can be done online. They'll issue you a homeschool number, if you want one. It takes 3-4 weeks to get it. The only records you have to keep are for attendence, in case anyone ever asks to see it (which is a rare occurence, I've heard). Your child has to have 180 days of schooling per school year. There is no testing or specific curriculum required. There are a lot of area home school groups you can get info from, too. Home schooling is pretty popular in our state.

Answer 3

Go to the website of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). www.hslda.org
You will get all the information about the homeschooling laws in your state. Then go to the Department of Education for Indiana and look in the Office of Student Services Ch.3 Compulsory School Attendance and you will find the information on requirements there.

Answer 4

Here is the detailed homeschooling law in Indiana!http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/Indiana.pdf

A similar content can also be found in:
http://www.inhomeeducators.org/laws/

I also found a helpful article about homeschooling in Indiana:
http://www.inhomeeducators.org/articles/article.cfm?id=65

Home School Law

In addition to reporting your enrollment, Indiana law requires the following of all home schools and other nonaccredited, private schools:

180 DAYS OF INSTRUCTION:
You decide which days your school will be in session, and how long to teach each day. In the case of mid-year transfers, days attended at the first school count toward the 180 day total at the home school.


ATTENDANCE RECORDS:
There is no special form for these records, which are used to verify private school attendance. Please note that the law allows local public school superintendents to request copies of your child's attendance records to verify attendance.


INSTRUCTION EQUIVALENT TO THAT GIVEN IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
State law does not define equivalency of instruction for public or private schools. If there is ever a question of educational neglect, keeping good attendance records and other documentation regarding attendance and continuing educational activity is highly instrumental in addressing these concerns.

CURRICULUM:
State law exempts home schools from the curriculum and program requirements which public schools must follow.

Books and Curricula
THERE IS NO STATE -APPROVED CURRICULUM FOR HOME EDUCATION AT ANY GRADE LEVEL, NOR ARE THERE STATE- APPROVED TEXTBOOKS YOU MUST USE.
Indiana law gives home educators the flexibility to choose the curriculum and textbooks they feel will most benefit their children.

GOODLUCK!

Answer 5

Check out this Yahoo Search Return. There are several links here pertaining to the local laws and education level requirements.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=Homeschool+Indiana&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8

I was homeschooled most of my academic life. I was ready to take my GED by age 14. Unfortunantly Hawaii wouldn't let me take the GED until I turned 18. My mom fought a bit, but we weren't rich enough to sue. So I cruised for 4 years working and doing volunteer work.

Answer 6

HSLDA is the best place to go to find out all the legal questions, it also has curriculum and tons of other things. The internet has pretty nmuch all the answers to all your questions. Good luck.