Because we are not lawyers, we do not give legal advice. Our understanding of Indiana law, with the appropriate law codes affecting homeschooling in parenthesis, follows. (http://ideanet.doe.state.in.us/sservices/hse_indiana_code.html)
1. You must keep attendance records showing 180 days of school from July 1 to June 30. Keep them separate from your grades. Local school superintendents may legally request copies of your attendance records.
(IC 20-8. 1-3-17 (d) & IC 20-8. 1-3-23 (c)
2. You must keep instruction equivalent to that in public school. However, it is not exactly defined what this means, so keep a general record of what you cover. If you fear charges of educational neglect, do an annual standardized test. (IC 20-8. 1-3-34)
3. Homeschools are exempt from curriculum and program requirements of public schools. See the attached list of curriculum resources for ideas. (IC 20-8. 1-3-17.3)
4. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction may request notification of your school's grade level enrollment to the Indiana Department of Education. All notification can be reported to the state on line at the Indiana Department of Education's (IDE) website. (IC 20-8.1-3-24(b))
5. You may have special circumstances that would prompt you to register with IDE. To register online: http://doe.state.in.us/htmls/forms/homereg.html
6. A homeschooled child must begin school no later than their 7th birthday. (IC 20-8. 1-3-17 [h])
7. Homeschooled children of high school dropouts can do as well as those of college graduates. There are no educational requirements of parents in this state.
8. You can withdraw your child at anytime from public school, not only at semester breaks.
•You must submit a written letter informing the school principal of withdrawal, or face truancy charges. You can say the child will be homeschooled or privately schooled, whichever you choose. Home schools are considered private schools under Indiana law. (See sample letter on fourth page)
•You should request a copy of school records. (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). No one can legally deny you access to school records. (For ideas see sample letter) For your legal documentation, use certified mail for anything sent to the school.
•Special needs children may be more complicated to withdraw. Before you begin, request assistance by leaving a message on our voice mail. (765-683-2421)
•Many homeschooling parents have observed various school withdrawal symptoms from their child lasting a few months to more than a year. These symptoms of peer dependency and burnout do improve. (See resource page for Decompression issues).
9. Placement and achievement tests are available for you. (refer to testing resources on next page).
10. Divorced parents may feel the need to consider yearly testing as proof against educational neglect charges challenging custody.
11. Working parents can homeschool by using non-traditional schedules for educating.
12. We suggest beginning with ACE- School of Tomorrow or Alpha Omega curriculum if you are uncertain what materials to choose when you begin. (See resource page)
13. University studies have shown that homeschoolers score better academically, socially, and morally than publicly or privately schooled children.
http://www.homeeducator.com/HSN/benefits.htm
http://www.nheri.org/
http://www.libertyhaven.com/politicsandcurrentevents/educationhomeschoolingorchildren/casehomescho.shtml
http://www.fraserinstitute.ca/shared/readmore.asp?sNav=nr&id=436
14. Normal, gifted, and special needs children do well in homeschool. Many ADD or ADHD labeled children have blossomed and caught up to grade level in 1 to 3 years of homeschool. Their parents sometimes become emotional when they describe their child’s dramatic improvement from homeschooling. For specific questions, call our voice mail. (765-683-2421)
15. Homeschooling through high school must be carefully considered. Homeschool credits may not be accepted if transferring back to public school.
· Work permits may be obtained at the local public school. http://www.in.gov/labor/childlabor/childlabor.html
· High school homeschoolers can obtain a driver’s license.
· Participation in various activities at local public and private schools is sometimes possible. Check with the Individual school.
· Participation in public school athletics is not limited by law, but is controlled by the Indiana High School Athletic Association, (Call IHSAA for information. 317-846-6601).
· Various athletic opportunities are available through community clubs, homeschool groups, church groups, and private school teams.
· Parents may issue diplomas. Taking the GED is optional.
· Parents need to keep more detailed records for highschool students to prepare college transcripts or portfolios.
· Homeschool graduates do earn scholarships, are welcomed by many colleges, and are accepted into the military.
Anyone who is interested in homeschooling is welcome to attend our informal parents’ meetings which are held periodically at 7p.m. in Perkins’ Family Restaurant back room. (In Anderson - on Scatterfield Rd. just North
of 53rd St. intersection). The next meeting date, time, and location will be posted on this site.