Oregon offers a relatively straightforward path for families wishing to educate their children at home. While the state requires notification and periodic testing, parents enjoy significant autonomy over their curriculum and daily schedule. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to comply with Oregon’s homeschool laws.

Oregon Homeschooling Landscape

In Oregon, homeschooling is legally recognized as an exemption from compulsory public school attendance under ORS 339.030. The state is considered ‘moderate’ in its regulatory approach because it requires a one-time notification to the government and standardized testing at specific grade intervals.

Compulsory Attendance

Children in Oregon must receive formal education from age 6 to 18. Specifically, if a child turns 6 on or before September 1, they must be enrolled in school or registered as a homeschooler. Attendance is required until the child reaches 18 or graduates high school.

The Standard Homeschool Pathway

The most common way to homeschool in Oregon is to register with your local Education Service District (ESD).

1. Notification of Intent

You must send a written notification to your local ESD within 10 days of starting your homeschool program or moving into a new district. This is a one-time filing; you do not need to notify the district every year unless you move. The notification must include the names and birthdays of your children and your home address.

2. Teacher Qualifications

There are no specific educational requirements for parents to homeschool their own children in Oregon. You do not need a high school diploma or a teaching certificate.

3. Curriculum and Subjects

Oregon law does not mandate a specific curriculum. However, the law states that children must be taught the subjects ‘usually taught’ in Oregon public schools. This generally includes:

• Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Grammar)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies (History, Civics, Geography)
• Health and Physical Education

4. Mandatory Standardized Testing

Testing is the primary form of oversight in Oregon. Students must be tested at the end of grades 3, 5, 8, and 10.

• Timeline: Tests must be completed by August 15 following the end of the specified grade level.
• Qualified Proctors: Tests must be administered by a neutral individual who is not related to the student and who is qualified by the Oregon Department of Education.
• Results: You do not need to submit these results to the ESD unless they specifically request them. However, you must keep the records on hand.
• Academic Progress: If a student scores below the 15th percentile on a standardized test, they may be required to test again the following year. If progress is not made, the ESD may require the child to return to public school.

Alternative Pathway: Private School Enrollment

Some families choose to enroll their children in a private school that offers a ‘satellite’ or home-study program. In this scenario, the student is legally a private school student, not a ‘homeschooler.’ The private school handles the record-keeping and oversight. This pathway exempts the family from notifying the ESD and from the state’s specific testing schedule, though the private school may have its own requirements.

Special Education and Homeschooling

If your child has a disability, Oregon law (OAR 581-021-0029) allows for ‘satisfactory progress’ to be measured by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team or via a portfolio of work, rather than standardized testing. Homeschooled students are generally entitled to ‘equitable services’ from their local school district, though these are often more limited than the services provided to full-time public school students.

School Choice and Financial Assistance

Currently, Oregon does not have an Education Savings Account (ESA), voucher, or tax credit program for homeschooling families. All costs associated with homeschooling—including curriculum, supplies, and testing fees—are the responsibility of the parents.

Many Oregon families utilize ‘Virtual Public Charter Schools.’ It is important to note that while these programs take place at home, they are legally classified as public schools. Students in these programs must follow all public school requirements, including state testing and curriculum standards, and are not registered as homeschoolers.

Steps to Start Homeschooling in Oregon

1. Withdraw: If your child is currently in public school, notify the school in writing that you are withdrawing them.
2. Notify the ESD: Submit your letter of intent to the local ESD within 10 days.
3. Plan Your Year: Choose your curriculum and schedule. There are no state-mandated hours or days.
4. Schedule Tests: Mark the end of 3rd, 5th, 8th, and 10th grades on your calendar to ensure you hire a proctor for required testing.
5. Keep Records: Maintain a folder with your original notification letter and all standardized test results.

Resources

• Oregon Department of Education - Homeschooling
• HSLDA Oregon State Page
• Oregon Home Education Network (OHEN)