When it comes to your child’s education, you may prefer the flexibility of homeschooling to what a traditional school system offers. Perhaps you believe homeschooling gives your child a greater chance at academic success, or maybe you want a better chance to instill your values and beliefs.
If you’re considering homeschooling your child, here are 15 frequently asked questions about how to get started in Kentucky.
1. Is Homeschooling Legal in Kentucky?
Yes! Kentucky acknowledges that parents have the authority to direct the education and upbringing of their children.
It’s perfectly legal to homeschool in Kentucky as long as parents follow certain state requirements.
2. Who Qualifies to Homeschool in Kentucky?
The legal guardian of a child is the person who is able to homeschool the child in Kentucky. The legal guardian could be a parent, stepparent, grandparent, or other legal guardian of the child.
3. Are There Any Requirements to Homeschooling in Kentucky?
Yes. The legal guardian must possess a high school diploma or GED and they are required to teach the same number of hours (Instructional Requirements) as are required for public schools.
Senate Bill 15 (SB-15) requires that in the elementary school grades, a total of six hours per day and a total of 1,062 hours of instruction must be completed for the school year; for secondary education grades, at least five hours of instruction per day and a total of 900 hours of instruction must be completed for the school year.
4. Are There Any Specific Curriculum Requirements in Kentucky?
No. The parent/guardian has full control over the curriculum.
5. Is There a State Testing Requirement in Kentucky?
Yes. All homeschooled students must participate in state-mandated assessments in the areas of mathematics, reading and language arts.
These assessments must be aligned with the Kentucky Academic Performance Standards and are administered in grades three, five, and eight. Homeschool students must take an assessment and receive a score that meets or exceeds the state standards.
6. Are There Any Reporting Requirements in Kentucky?
Yes. A homeschool parent/guardian must send written notification to the Kentucky Department of Education that a homeschool program is being conducted for the school year.
This notification must include the student’s full name, their birthdate, the address of the school, a statement that the student is being instructed in accordance with Senate Bill 15 (SB-15), a statement that the student will be taking the required standardized assessment, and the name and signature of the parent/guardian.