Deciding to homeschool your child instead of allowing them to attend public school can be an incredibly difficult decision. Homeschooling requires a great deal of dedication and commitment from the parents, and it can be a significant lifestyle change. Before making this critical decision, parents in Kentucky should educate themselves on the local laws, regulations, and important considerations.
This article will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about homeschooling in Kentucky, helping you make an informed decision for your family.
What Should I Consider Before Choosing to Homeschool My Child in Kentucky?
Before taking your child out of public school, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to ensure that you are comfortable with the responsibility and dedication that comes along with homeschooling.
Secondly, parents should ask themselves if they have the financial capability to homeschool their child, as there certain costs associated with it. Lastly, parents must evaluate if their child is capable of homeschooling without compromising their academic, social and emotional growth.
What Are the Steps to Remove My Child From Public School and Begin Homeschooling?
The first step in removing your child from public school and beginning homeschooling is to submit a signed Notice of Intent (NOI) to the local superintendent of your school district. The superintendent is then obligated to file the NOI with the district’s records.
It is also important to make sure you are following all of the local homeschooling laws and regulations. In Kentucky, parents need to provide at least four hours of instruction each school day and be sure to cover the required academic areas, like Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science.
What Academic Requirements and Standards Are There for Homeschools in Kentucky?
Kentucky does not have an established set of academic requirements for homeschools, though parents must taught the same required academic areas as traditional public schools, as well as an introduction to fine arts. Parents are also required to keep a portfolio of the homeschool student’s academic records, including the material covered and samples of the student’s work.
The portfolio should be made available for review upon request from the local school district superintendent.
Are There Any Ongoing Requirements For Homeschooling in Kentucky?
Homeschooling parents in Kentucky are required to submit a signed Notice of Intent to the superintendent of the local public school district at the beginning of every school year. They must also provide four hours of instruction each school day and keep a portfolio of the student’s academic achievements and instruction.
Every three years, the portfolio must be made available for review by the local superintendent.
Do I Need to Inform the Local School District of Everything I’m Teaching My Child?
While homeschooling in Kentucky, parents do not need to notify their local school district of the specific subjects they are teaching their children. However, instructional material must be taught in the following core academic areas: Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science, as well as an introduction to fine arts.
Does My Child Need to Take Standardized Tests While Homeschooled in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, homeschooled students must take an annual standardized test or an approved alternative achievement assessment by the end of the school year. The parent or guardian must keep the assessment results in their child’s portfolio.
What are Some Approved Alternatives to Standardized Testing?
Home-schooled students in Kentucky have the option of taking an approved alternative assessment instead of the annual standardized test. An approved alternative assessment is any test or portfolio review approved by the local superintendent.
This could include tests like the Stanford 10 or any other to the superintendent’s discretion.
Do I Need to Report My Results From Standardized Tests or Approved Alternatives Every Year?
The results from the annual standardized test or approved alternative must be kept in the student’s portfolio and made available for review upon request from the local superintendent. The results from these assessments should be reported within two weeks of the school year.
What if My Child Struggles on the Standardized Test or an Approved Alternative?
If a student does not perform well on their standardized tests or approved alternative assessment, the parent must implement an action plan to help their child improve. Parents should work with their child to come up with a plan to boost their academic success. Additionally, homeschooling parents should communicate with their local school district when their child is having difficulty.
Do Homeschooled Students in Kentucky Still Need to Attend School on Holidays?
Kentucky homeschooled students do not need to attend school on holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. However, parents must still provide an average of four hours of instruction each school day.
Do Homeschooled Students Need to Follow All of the Same Admission Requirements as Students in Public School When Applying to College?
The admissions process for homeschooled students in Kentucky applying to College is generally the same as the process for public school students. This process includes taking admissions tests, providing proof of residency, submitting transcripts, writing personal essays, and providing letters of recommendation.
Can a Homeschool Teacher Use Public School Curriculum?
Yes, homeschool teachers in Kentucky can use public school curriculum or materials with permission from the local school district superintendent. However, homeschool teachers must still meet the required academic standards.
Do Homeschoolers in Kentucky Have to Meet Certain Vaccination Requirements?
Homeschooled students in Kentucky must meet the same immunization requirements as public school students. This includes vaccines for: measles, mumps, and rubella; tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough; polio; chickenpox and hepatitis B.
Are There Any Additional Requirements I Need To Know About?
Parents must also be aware of certain restrictions on homeschooling. For instance, a child under 6 years old cannot be removed from school to begin homeschooling them. Additionally, homeschooling is not allowed for online schools or for correspondence courses.
Finally, all homeschools require a separate, operational address and students must not receive instruction on public school premises.
Conclusion
Making the decision to homeschool your child in Kentucky is a big responsibility and commitment. However, with the right information and preparation, it can be a positive and successful experience.
This article has explored some of the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling in Kentucky, including required subject material, testing requirements, and additional requirements. Remember to follow all of the local laws and regulations when removing your child from public school and beginning homeschooling.