This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system.
Oklahoma is the only state in which there is language in the state’s own constitution guaranteeing the right for parents to home school their children. It states that the legislature shall provide for ‘the compulsory attendance of all children at some public or other school unless another means of education is being provided.” That other means of education was a direct result of a conversation about home schooling on the floor.
As a result, very little is required of the home schooling parent in Oklahoma. As long as the parent is providing the equivalent of 180 days of instruction in the required subjects, nothing more is mandated by the state. Furthermore, the burden of proof is on the state should a problem arise with officials. This means that rather than the parent having to prove that he/she did in fact do the work, the state has to prove that the parents didn’t do the work should there be an issue.
In addition to home schooling specifically being allowed for in the state constitution, Oklahoma also has passed a Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This is another means by which families in Oklahoma can protect their right to home school.
Compulsory Attendance: Children must attend school when they are over 5 years old and under the age of 18.
Required Days of Instruction: 180
Required Subjects: While there are no subjects that are specifically required, numerous court rulings and legal opinions have been written such that it is reasonable to assume the home instruction should be comparable to public schools. Therefore, parents should assume that they must teach reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
As stated earlier, there are no teacher requirements and no standardized testing requirements.
Helpful Resources:
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