How to Homeschool in Oklahoma

Oklahoma does not have laws governing homeschooling. The compulsory attendance law allows for parents or legal guardians to home school their children. A parent of a school-aged child must not "neglect or refuse to cause or compel such child to attend and comply with the rules of some public, private or other school, unless other means of education [i.e., home schooling] are provided for the full term the schools of the district are in session." O.S. §70-10-105(A).

Homeschooled students may not be detained for school truancy if found outside of the student's home. O.S. §70-10-109.

Contact Information

Oklahoma State Department of Education
2500 North Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4599
Phone: (405) 521-3301
Fax: (405) 521-6938
Website: https://sde.ok.gov/home-school

Source: United States Department of Education - Oklahoma State Regulations

Homeschools are not regulated and Oklahoma law does not require parents to register with or seek approval from state or local officials, conduct state testing with their students, or permit public school officials to visit or inspect homes.

Oklahoma Attorney General Interpretation for Homeschooling

Oklahoma law provides for the compulsory attendance of all school children ages 5 through 18. This law has been interpreted by the Attorney General to allow for the education of a child in the home by a parent/guardian with the following guidelines for home instruction.

These recommendations are not required by law; however, following these suggestions would allow a parent to prove they are providing a quality education.

Intent to Home School Notification

Notify the principal of the school district the child resides in and inform them that you plan to home school your child. Some schools may have you sign a form that releases them from the responsibility of educating the student also stating that you are assuming full responsibility for the education of your child.

Teacher Requirement

It is important to know the Attorney General has ruled that while home instruction does not require a certified teacher, the instruction provided must be supplied in good faith and must be equivalent to the education provided by the state.

Curriculum

There is no required state approved curriculum, but a well-defined curriculum or design for learning should be implemented.

Required Subjects

Required school subjects under Oklahoma law include: reading, writing, math, science, citizenship, US constitution, health, safety, physical education, and conservation.

Text Books

The Attorney General has further ruled that a board of education is not required to furnish textbooks, resources, or other materials to home schooled students.

Attendance Requirements

Home school setting should maintain compulsory school attendance as well. This would be the equivalent of 180 days per each calendar year and six clock hours or 360 minutes per day, as appropriate for child’s age. It does seem clear that a point of the Attorney General’s opinion is that homeschooling must not be used as a maneuver to bypass truancy.

Assessment/Evaluation

Academic progress must be established and maintained for the child.

College

For college-bound students, refer to the Oklahoma State Board of Education Regulations for Graduation listed on our website or required courses at the college of your choice.

Public School Re-enrollment

Because home schools are not accredited by the State Board of Education, a student will be required to take a standardized achievement test if he/she re-enters the public school system. Results of tests may be used to determine grade placement and/or credit for the student. All examinations will be administered by the receiving school and results, as well as copies of the exam given, will be kept on file for one year. Upon re-entry into a public school, the parent/guardian must provide documentation of compliance with the above requirements. This documentation will determine if the equivalent instruction was provided during home schooling.

Oklahoma Educational Resources

The Oklahoma Department of Education has several resources available to parents educating their children at home.

Teaching to standards can be very important to your child's success. Access quality educational resources by going to the Oklahoma Academic Standards page.

Oklahoma Home Schooling Links

• Homeschool-Oklahoma State Department of Education
• Oklahoma Academic Standards
• Oklahoma Academic Standards Reading/Literacy​
• Oklahoma Academic Standards Science
• Oklahoma Academic Standards Library Media
• Oklahoma Academic Standards English Language Arts
• Oklahoma Academic Standards Mathematics​
• Oklahoma Academic Standards Social Studies
• Oklahoma Academic Standards World Languages
• Oklahoma Academic Standards Fine Arts
• Oklahoma Academic Standards Instructional Technology
• Oklahoma Gifted and Talented Education
• Oklahoma Student Work Permits

Source: Oklahoma Department of Education