Important Letter from the Founders

Historical Background
On Tuesday, July 4, Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 33 into law, bringing major improvements to Ohio homeschool law. By simplifying the law, the sources of many common conflicts between parents and schools have been eliminated. State attorneys have been working hard to gather information to provide us with feedback on the best way to proceed forward since this law will take effect 91 days after Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 33 into law, which is October 3rd, 2023.

What has changed with the new law for the 2023–24 school year and beyond?

• Under the new law, parents will submit a much shorter notice of intent and exempt their child from compulsory school attendance. The superintendent is required to acknowledge receipt of the notice of intent within 14 calendar days, but this is not an excuse letter. This is a receipt.

• Under the new law, notices of intent are due August 30 in all school districts (or within 5 days of starting a child’s homeschool program in Ohio.) 

• Under the new law, parents must transmit a notice of intent listing (1) the parent's name and address, (2) the child's name, and (3) an assurance that the child will receive education in the required subject areas. That is it. No other information is required to exempt your child from compulsory school attendance.

• Under the new law, there is no assessment requirement.

• Under the new law, a child must receive education in the subject areas of English language arts, mathematics, science, history, government, and social studies.

• Under the new law, there are no longer any teacher qualifications or required number of hours.

What has Compass been doing?
Since the law was passed, Compass has been in communication with the Homeschool Team in the Office of Nonpublic Educational Options at the State of Ohio, the Homeschool Legal Defense Fund, and the Ohio Christian Education Network. We have been monitoring all developments and working closely with these legal experts to make sure our families are set up for success. 

What age range does this new law apply to?
According to the new law, all students ages 6–18 must complete the new NOI form. If you have not already submitted an NOI, please do so to ensure you are compliant with the new law.

What do you need to do?
Parents should start by notifying the superintendent of the school district where they reside about their intent to home-educate their child or children. Notification must be made within five calendar days after commencing home education, moving into a new school district, or withdrawing from a public or nonpublic school, and by the thirtieth day of August each year thereafter.

If you have any questions, we are here to help you through this process. It is very straightforward, so please reach out if you have any questions.

Prayerfully,

The Founders

Additional Information

Do I need to renew my status to homeschool my child or children?

• Yes. The homeschool notification process is an annual requirement.

Can my child participate in sports and other activities in my school district?

• Yes. Legislation allows homeschooled students the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities in public schools. An “extracurricular activity” is a pupil activity program that is run by a school or school district and is not included in a graded course of study. Activities include any offered at the school that your child would attend if enrolled in the public school district where the family resides. If the school district does not offer a particular activity, then your child may request to participate in another district’s program. The superintendent of the other school district may choose to allow your child to participate as an out-of-district student.

• Home-educated students must meet the same nonacademic and financial requirements as any other student participating in the activity. Fees and ability in sports, where there are cuts, apply.

Can someone else teach my child under the new homeschool law?

• Yes. Home education is defined as education “directed by the child’s parent.” (Emphasis added.) Therefore, parents can utilize whatever resources best fit their child, including other teachers, cops, or educational programs. (Homeschool Legal Defense Association)