The Law - A Brief Summary

The Law - A Brief Summary

1. Any parent may educate their children at home. The parent does not have to have a teaching certificate.
2. If the parent decides to educate the children at home, he or she should offer at least 1,000 hours of instruction during the school year, with at least 600 hours in the basics - reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. At least 400 hours of the 600 hours shall occur in the regular home school location.
3. The school year is defined as beginning July 1 and ending the next June 30.
4. A parent who is homeschooling a child must maintain the following records for mandatory education of children between the ages of 7 and 16:
   1. A plan book, diary or other written record indicating the subjects being taught and the activities engaged in with the student.
   2. A portfolio containing samples of the student's academic work.
   3. A record of evaluation of the student's academic progress.
   4. Or other written, credible evidence equivalent to subdivisions (a), (b), and (c).
5. The Law is permissive in the area of registering.The statute says the parent MAY notify the Superintendent of Schools or the Recorder of County Deeds in the county where the parents reside. This is to be done before September 1 annually. However, the law says MAY, and it is not mandatory. If withdrawing children from public schools, parents should notify the school of their intent to homeschool in order to minimize reports of truancy. (A sample letter of withdrawal can be found here).
6. Any complaint dealing with a homeschooling case can be filed with the Division of Family Services, who will then refer it to the Superintendent of Schools, who must immediately refer it to the Prosecuting Attorney. Only the Prosecuting Attorney can investigate homeschooling cases.
7. The production by a parent of a daily log showing that a home school has a course of instruction which satisfies the requirements of the law shall be a defense to any prosecution.