Fall equals “back to school.” For families considering homeschooling their young children, this is when they start asking questions about homeschooling. As the whole world goes back to public school, it can feel intimidating to do something different, and questions abound.
- What are the laws?
- Do I need to register with the state to homeschool?
- How do I know what to teach?
- Where do I find curricula?
- How do I find groups and social events?
IAHE loves to answer these questions and help families get off to a running start on their homeschool journeys!
What are the laws?* **
The compulsory age of education in Indiana is 7 years old. On the date of the child’s 7th birthday, you must begin complying with Indiana homeschool laws.
- Children must be educated from ages 7 to 17
- Keep an attendance record for the same number of days as your local public school district is in session
- Provide an equivalent education to the public schools
- Education must be conducted in English
*If your child has never been enrolled in a public or traditional private school, you can simply start homeschooling.
**If your child is currently enrolled in a public or traditional private school, you must notify the school that you’re withdrawing to homeschool. IAHE offers a form letter you can send to your school for withdrawal. There is no other legally-required paperwork once you’ve notified the school. Contact IAHE at 317-467-6244 if your school is insisting otherwise.
Indiana has no homeschool registration!
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- We do not notify the local district or state annually for homeschooling “permission”
- We do not report anything to the state at any time
- Homeschools are prohibited from participating in state-sponsored iLEARN and iREAD testing.
- Home education is parent-funded, parent-directed; we do not receive any kind of funding or assistance from the state or local public school district
How do I know what to teach?
Keep it simple, sister. Focus on quality over quantity, and get your bases covered – Bible, phonics, math, literature, science, and history. There are many curricula options for all these individual subjects, which have teaching instructions, activities, and suggested schedules. Slow down and keep lessons short and sweet.
Focus on your individual child’s abilities; some kids are ready to read and do math at age 5, others mature later closer to 7 or 8. Using curriculum as a guide, you can cater your daily schedule to your individual child’s abilities and your family’s schedule. All the extra time can be spent outside, at zoos and museums, and exploring your local community, all of which are great natural learning opportunities!
Where do I find curriculum?
There are more curriculum options than coffee at Starbucks. It can be overwhelming at first. Check out our articles on Homeschool Styles and How to Choose Curriculum for a step-by-step guide through the curriculum rabbit hole.
Nothing beats browsing curricula with your own eyes. Visit the IAHE Parenting & Homeschool Conference, March 13-14 in French Lick. In addition to a couple dozen speakers on all things homeschool, the vendor hall will feature dozens of curriculum publishers, and you can get a hands-on look at all that homeschooling has to offer.
Ready to jump right in? Check out Cathy Duffy Reviews, the most comprehensive online homeschool curriculum site available.
How do I find groups and social events?
Join the IAHE Facebook discussion page to connect with other families in your area and get advice from seasoned homeschoolers. Look in your area for homeschool groups on Facebook, at local libraries, and local churches.
Want to have a one-on-one conversation with a veteran homeschooler? Connect with the IAHE representative in your area. These volunteers are happy to answer questions, talk through concerns, recommend curriculum, and connect you with your local homeschool community! (No rep for your area? Contact IAHE and they’ll connect you with a volunteer who will be happy to help!)
A New Mindset
Homeschooling can seem intimidating at first. Take things slowly, and ask for advice along the way! Younger elementary children benefit from natural learning, plenty of free play, and time to just be a kid. Use these wonderful years to explore the world through your child’s eyes, and discover how truly freeing homeschooling can be for your family!