Welcome to High School of America, Indiana’s premier Homeschooling Online High School!
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Indiana is a state rich in history, culture, and educational opportunities. From its bustling cities to its scenic countryside, Indiana offers a diverse and vibrant environment for students to explore and thrive.
At High School of America, we strive to provide an exceptional homeschooling experience for students of all ages in Indiana. We understand that every student has unique learning needs, and our curriculum is designed to be flexible and customizable to meet individual learning styles.
Our experienced and dedicated teachers are committed to helping students reach their full potential by providing personalized instruction and support. Whether a student excels in math, science, language arts, or any other subject, our educators are equipped to nurture their strengths and guide them toward success.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with Indiana’s state education standards, ensuring that students receive a quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.
By enrolling in Indiana Homeschooling Online with High School of America, students can explore new subjects, take advanced classes, and earn a high school diploma that is recognized by colleges, universities, and employers across the country.
Join us today and discover the endless possibilities of online homeschooling with Indiana Homeschooling Online. Together, we can unlock your child’s potential and shape their future.
Homeschooling Laws in Indiana
Homeschools in Indiana are regarded as non-accredited private schools and must therefore conform to the statute of private schools in Indiana.
In order to homeschool online under Indiana’s private school statute, you must follow the following steps:
- Teach in the English language.
Private schools are obligated to use English as the medium of instruction and ensure that the quality of education provided is on par with that of public schools. The State Board of Education does not have the authority to define what constitutes “equivalent instruction” or approved home study programs.
- Provide instructions for the required number of days.
It is necessary to adhere to the required number of days for homeschooling. You should operate your homeschool program for the same duration as the public schools in your district, typically 180 days.
- Maintain attendance records.
The state mandates that you must keep records confirming your student’s enrollment and attendance. These records must be accessible if requested by the state superintendent or the superintendent of your school district.
- Provide information to the state, if required.
If requested by the state superintendent of public instruction, you must provide relevant information about the number of children you homeschool, categorized by grade level.
Even though public school officials in Indiana often encourage homeschoolers to complete an online enrollment form on the Indiana Department of Education website, it is not mandatory according to state law. However, certain circumstances require completing this enrollment form to be advantageous.
Other homeschool requirements in Indiana are as follows:
Required Courses
There are no state mandated courses for homeschooling families.
Grades 9-12
In order to earn high school credits in Indiana, students must complete the following courses:
- Language arts/English (8 credits)
- Math (6 credits)
- Physical Education (3 credits)
- Science (6 credits)
- Social studies (6 credits)
- Career Directed Electives (5 credits)
Record Keeping
According to Indiana law, parents are not required to submit academic reports for their homeschooled children. However, school district superintendents have the authority to request records at any given time. Parents should maintain comprehensive records of their homeschoolers’ education. While this is not mandatory, it is recommended to keep records of various aspects, including:
- The dates when learning activities were completed
- A summary of the subjects and topics covered during the learning process
- A list of the curriculum and any additional educational resources used
- Recaps of field trips taken
- Documentation of extra-curricular activities and participation in co-ops
- Samples of the child’s work to showcase their progress and achievements.
By maintaining these records, parents can be prepared in case there are ever any inquiries or doubts regarding their suitability as homeschooling parents.
Annual Assessment
While traditionally schooled students in Indiana are obligated to take standardized assessments, homeschoolers are not required to do so.
However, some homeschooling parents choose to administer standardized tests to gauge their students’ progress and compare their performance with other students of the same age.
Graduation Requirements
There are no specific regulations regarding graduation requirements for homeschooled students in Indiana. Instead, the responsibility for determining these requirements is placed on the parents. Parents are responsible for overseeing their child’s homeschooled education and have the authority to issue diplomas upon completion.
In addition, Indiana homeschoolers can take a high school equivalency exam, which may be necessary for certain college admissions or job opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is homeschooling easy in Indiana?
Homeschooling in Indiana is considered relatively easy due to the state’s low regulation and flexibility. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association designates Indiana as a no-notice, low-regulation state, which allows families to have more freedom and flexibility in their homeschooling approach.
How many days of homeschooling are required in Indiana?
Indiana homeschoolers are required to meet the same school day requirements as private schools, which typically means 180 days of instruction. However, there are no specific guidelines regarding which days throughout the year must be designated for homeschooling.
Are standardized tests mandatory for homeschoolers in Indiana?
There is no requirement for homeschoolers in Indiana to take standardized tests or provide any other documentation of learning. However, high school students may choose to take national standardized tests for college admissions purposes.
Do I need to follow a specific curriculum when homeschooling in Indiana?
Indiana does not have a specific curriculum requirement for homeschooling. Parents have the freedom to choose the curriculum and learning resources that best suit their child’s educational needs in all subject areas.
How long can I homeschool my child in Indiana?
Homeschooling in Indiana is an option for the entire K-12 education journey. Parents can choose to homeschool their child for any combination of years, including all 12 years or only a portion of them.
Can I homeschool someone else’s child in Indiana?
While anyone can provide tutoring to a homeschooled child in Indiana, the legal responsibility for homeschooling lies with the parent or parental authority. Parents are ultimately responsible for the education and well-being of the child they are homeschooling.
How do I register my homeschool in Indiana?
Indiana homeschooling families are not required to register with the state or undergo testing or reporting. However, there is an option for families to report their student’s enrollment on the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) website, although it is not mandatory.
Who is eligible for homeschooling in Indiana?
In Indiana, any parent is eligible for homeschooling as there are no specific parental qualifications required by state law. However, if a child is being withdrawn from public school, it is important to notify the school to avoid truancy issues.
Do I need to be certified to homeschool in Indiana?
No, there are no certification requirements for homeschooling in Indiana. Any parent or parental authority who wishes to homeschool their child is considered qualified by the state.
Online Homeschooling Statistics in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Education reports a significant surge in the number of children being homeschooled in Indiana, with an increase of 400 percent over the past eight years. Currently, there are 22,403 students enrolled in homeschooling.
However, it is important to note that this figure may not fully capture the actual number of homeschooled students in Indiana. This lack of comprehensive data is a recurring theme in research on homeschooling, making it challenging to obtain detailed information on homeschooling demographics, practices, and outcomes.
How to Do it
If you’re considering homeschooling your child in Indiana and are unsure of where to begin, here’s a step-by-step guide.
Firstly, it is advisable to officially withdraw your child from their current school. Although not legally required, you can also choose to register your child as a homeschool student under Indiana’s private school statute.
The next step involves developing a homeschool curriculum. You have the option to either create your own curriculum or select from various existing programs.
High School of America offers an online homeschool curriculum catering to students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The program offered by the school equips parents with course materials, tools, and resources to facilitate a comprehensive home education for their children.
Advantages of Indiana Homeschooling Online
Homeschooling online in Indiana can offer several benefits for students and their families. Here are some advantages of Indiana homeschooling online:
Flexibility
Online homeschooling allows for a flexible schedule, giving students the ability to learn at their own pace. They can create a study routine that suits their individual needs and interests.
This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for students who have other commitments or require a non-traditional education approach.
Access to a Wide Range of Resources
Online homeschooling opens up a vast array of educational resources and materials. Students can access multimedia content, interactive learning tools, virtual simulations, and educational websites.
They can explore various learning materials to enhance their understanding and engage with the subjects in a more dynamic way.
Safe and Nurturing Learning Environment
Homeschooling online can create a safe and nurturing learning environment for students.
They can study in the comfort of their own homes, free from distractions or negative influences that may be present in traditional school settings. This environment can foster concentration, focus, and a positive attitude toward learning.
Enhanced Self-Motivation and Independence
Homeschooling online can foster self-motivation and independence in students. They develop essential skills such as time management, self-discipline, and self-direction, which are valuable for their future academic and professional pursuits.
Taking responsibility for their own education can also help them develop a strong sense of accountability and ownership over their learning journey.
Personal and Family Values
Homeschooling online allows families to incorporate their personal and cultural values into their children’s education. They can choose curriculum materials and resources that align with their beliefs and priorities, ensuring that their children receive an education that reflects their family’s values and worldview.
Final Thoughts!
Homeschooling in Indiana operates under the state’s private school statute, which grants families significant freedom and flexibility in their approach to education.
Indiana homeschoolers are required to teach in English, maintain attendance records, and provide instructions for the required number of days, typically 180 days.
Homeschooling in Indiana is considered relatively easy due to low regulation, and online homeschooling offers benefits such as flexibility, access to resources, a safe learning environment, and the incorporation of personal values.
Overall, homeschooling in Indiana provides families with the opportunity to tailor their child’s education to their individual needs and preferences.