Thinking about homeschooling in Indiana? Good news! It’s one of the easiest states to homeschool in. The laws are pretty relaxed, which gives families a lot of freedom to educate their children in a way that works best for them. That said, there are still a few things you need to know to make sure you’re following the rules and setting yourself up for a smooth experience.
Here’s what Indiana law requires for homeschooling in 2025 and how to get started.
Indiana Calls Homeschooling “Non-Accredited Private Schooling”
Indiana doesn’t have a separate law just for homeschooling. Instead, your homeschool is considered a non-public, non-accredited school, which basically means you’re responsible for everything, from curriculum to records, without any say from the state.
What Ages Are Required to Be in School?
In Indiana, children must start school at age 7 and stay enrolled (in public, private, or homeschool) until they turn 18, unless they graduate early. So if your child is 7 or older, you’re legally required to have them in some kind of school.
What Do I Have to Teach?
Technically, Indiana law says your instruction must be “equivalent” to what’s offered in public schools and taught in English. But there’s no list of required subjects, and the state doesn’t check your work.
Most families stick to the basics:
- Reading and writing
- Math
- Science Social studies
- And anything else your child is interested in
You’re free to choose your own curriculum or create one from scratch.
Instructional Days
From July 1st to June 30th, you need to homeschool for 180 days per year, which is the same number required for public schools.
Many families use a planner or printable calendar to track attendance. You don’t have to turn it in anywhere, but you do need to keep it on hand in case the state superintendent ever asks for it (which is rare, but can happen).
Do I Need to Register with the State?
Nope! You do not need to register with the state or your local school district to homeschool in Indiana.
But if your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, you do need to officially withdraw them. Otherwise, the school may mark them as truant, which could cause legal trouble. A short letter or email to the school should be enough.
Testing and Assessments
Indiana does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers. However, some families choose to test their kids once a year to see how they’re doing, especially if they’re considering returning to public school later or preparing for college.
High School, Transcripts, and Graduation
Since Indiana homeschools are not accredited, parents are responsible for creating their own transcripts and diplomas. This might sound overwhelming, but there are plenty of resources and templates are online that you can use. Many colleges and employers accept homeschool diplomas without any issues.
Senate Bill 483 (New in 2025)
If you’re pulling your child out of public school due to chronic absenteeism, Indiana now requires a few extra steps:
- You’ll need to submit a curriculum plan to the school.
- You’ll be asked to meet with the superintendent twice per semester during the first year.
- These meetings continue every semester in later years, too.
This only applies in specific truancy related situations, not to families who are switching to homeschool for other reasons.
Getting Started in 5 Simple Steps
- Decide to homeschool and look into curriculum options that fit your child.
- Withdraw your child from public or private school (if currently enrolled).
- Set a schedule that works for your family and plan to hit 180 days.
- Keep attendance records. A simple calendar works.
- Find support. Look into Indiana homeschool groups, Facebook communities, and local co-ops for encouragement and resources.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling in Indiana is straightforward and flexible, which makes it a great option for many families. As long as you’re teaching in English, keeping attendance, and providing roughly 180 days of instruction, you’re in good shape legally.
Homeschooling is about finding what works for your child and your family. You’ve got this!
For official info straight from the state, you can visit the Indiana Department of Education’s Homeschool Info page.
Let’s chat!