Have you hit a dead end while searching for all the answers you need to begin Ohio homeschooling? It can be quite difficult to locate all the information you actually need. That’s why we have compiled a list of 5 must-need resources for you to start on your adventure.
How to start homeschooling in Ohio
First, you need to notify your local school superintendent of your plan to begin homeschooling your child.
After that, you will need to become familiar with the laws for homeschooling in Ohio.
Once you are all caught up on the rules and regulations, you will need to choose the homeschool curriculum mix that best fits your children.
Homeschooling in Ohio laws
The laws for teaching your own children in Ohio are extremely straightforward. The requirements are as follows:
- parents must have either a high school diploma or equivalency to teach their children
- notify your local school superintendent every year that you plan to homeschool your children
- complete at least 900 hours of instruction each school year
- teach mathematics, science, language arts, geography, government, Ohio state history and US history, fine arts, physical education, and health and safety
- provide a yearly assessment of the student’s work
If you are interested in reading these laws more in-depth, you can check them out here.
Homeschooling in Ohio associations
Whether you are trying to decide if homeschool is right for your family or you are researching because you have made a decision, an association can be an incredibly helpful resource. These groups often help to answer your most asked questions concerning the aspect of educating your children at home.
In the state of Ohio, there is one statewide association. It is called Christian Home Educators of Ohio (CHEO). While it is a distinctly Christian organization, the website states that the association’s goal is to “serve and protect all home educators in Ohio, regardless of ethnicity, religion or creed.”
This organization focuses on many things. First, they organize events and workshops for families who have taken their child’s education into their own hands. Then, they monitor all Ohio legislation that could affect homeschooling. After that, they provide information about teaching your child at home to parents who are just getting started. Lastly, they provide a graduating commencement opportunity to homeschoolers statewide.
Homeschooling in Ohio groups
When it comes to support groups, there are several of them throughout the state.
It is important to keep in mind that many groups will have a specific focus. Some of these groups will be religion-based, while others may be concentrated on a specific style of homeschooling. This is to better address your needs.
Nowadays, most groups have moved their platform over to Facebook. You can simply search “homeschool groups” and find ones near you with the convenience and ease of Facebook’s search system.
If you cannot find a local option near you, you can also opt for a virtual support group. A notable one is Time4Learning.
Homeschooling in Ohio coops
Just because you are now the teacher of your child does not mean you have to go about this all alone. When it comes to local groups in Ohio, there are a few well-known coops in the state.
The Columbus Unschoolers Cooperative is a coop that has weekly classes and free play during six-week sessions. Parents are expected to volunteer for the coop, of course. However, it benefits your kids greatly on a social level as well as an academic level. This type of homeschooling allows your child to get used to other teaching styles and to interact with others in a polite and respectful manner.
Columbus Learning Cooperative (CLC) has a self-directed learning model for students ages 10 to 18. They allow members to meet with mentors to determine a unique education plan. This coop has no high-stakes standardized testing or curriculum. This type of coop encourages children to seek a more healthy lifestyle overall.
Excellence in Learning Community Co-op is a Christian-based group. They strongly reccomend that their members also join CHEO in order to have full-coverage if their members ever need any help. They also offer programs to lessen the cost of classes.
Cornerstone co-op is also a Christian-based group. They meet on Tuesdays for 2, 12-week semesters during a school year. It is primarily focused on students who are in 7th grade and up.
If you cannot find a local option who fills your needs, you can also search online through Facebook. Coops have been switching their platforms to Facebook in order to save the fees and upkeep of a typical website. This means they can use the money they would have used on a website to better your child’s education.
With these requirements and resources in mind, you now have the proper tools under your belt to start your adventure into homeschooling your child.
