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Homeschooling in Indiana: what the law requires and who pays

Indiana's compulsory attendance law treats a homeschool as a nonaccredited, nonpublic school, the department of education says. 2 state programs pay toward a homeschooled student’s costs here, by its official source: Indiana Private School/Homeschool Deduction (state income tax); Indiana Education Scholarship Account (INESA).

Quoted from official sources, read October 8, 2026. A law summary, not legal advice.

What Indiana’s law requires

The law that allows it

Indiana's compulsory attendance law treats a homeschool as a nonaccredited, nonpublic school, the department of education says.

“if the child is to attend a nonaccredited, nonpublic school {including, but not limited to, a "homeschool"}” Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Information

Telling the state or district

Registering a homeschool with the department of education is optional (IC 20-33-2-21).

“Reporting homeschool enrollment (registering a homeschool) is not required in Indiana.” Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Information

Parents must let the public school know they are withdrawing the child to homeschool. The department advises telling the principal in writing.

“However, you do need to let the public school know that you have decided to withdraw your student in order to homeschool.” Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Help Sheet

For a student who has been enrolled in high school, the parent must sign the Withdrawal to Non-Accredited Non-public School Located in Indiana form.

“the parent or guardian must sign the Withdrawal to Non-Accredited Non-public School Located in Indiana form when withdrawing their student from school.” Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Help Sheet

What and how long to teach

Homeschools must provide 180 days of instruction. Parents choose which days and how long each day.

“180 days of instruction: You decide which days your school will be in session, and how long to teach each day.” Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Help Sheet

Instruction must be equivalent to that given in public schools, but state law does not define equivalency.

“State law does not define equivalency of instruction for non-public non-accredited schools.” Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Help Sheet

Homeschools are exempt from the curriculum and program rules public schools follow.

“State law exempts home schools from the curriculum and program requirements which public schools must follow.” Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Help Sheet

Testing or evaluation

No state testing or other testing is required for homeschooled children.

“State law does not require state testing, or any other testing, for children in homeschools.” Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Help Sheet

Records to keep

Parents keep attendance records. The local superintendent and the State Attendance Officer may ask for copies.

“the law allows local public school superintendents and the State Attendance Officer to request copies of your child's attendance records to verify attendance.” Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Help Sheet

Ages the law covers

Homeschooled children must start school no later than their seventh birthday.

“Homeschooled children are to begin school no later than their seventh birthday.” Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Help Sheet

The state’s own page for families: Indiana Department of Education, Homeschool Information.

State money for homeschoolers in Indiana

Indiana Private School/Homeschool Deduction (state income tax)

Parents may deduct up to $1,000 per qualifying child who is enrolled in a private school or homeschooled, for education expenses. (Indiana Department of Revenue, individual deductions (Private School/Homeschool Deduction))

Indiana Education Scholarship Account (INESA)

INESA is for students with a disability that requires special education services, or siblings of approved INESA students. (Indiana Treasurer of State, INESA families page)

Homeschoolers can apply for INESA if they meet its requirements. A student who enrolls is no longer considered an independent homeschooler. (Indiana Treasurer of State, INESA families page)

INESA spending options include home education. (Indiana Treasurer of State, INESA families page)

Indiana Choice Scholarship: amount and how to apply Private schools in Indiana

Which states pay homeschoolers, and how: Indiana next to every other state.

Questions parents ask

Do I have to tell anyone I am homeschooling in Indiana?

Registering a homeschool with the department of education is optional (IC 20-33-2-21). Parents must let the public school know they are withdrawing the child to homeschool. The department advises telling the principal in writing. For a student who has been enrolled in high school, the parent must sign the Withdrawal to Non-Accredited Non-public School Located in Indiana form.

Do homeschoolers in Indiana have to take tests?

No state testing or other testing is required for homeschooled children.

Can a homeschooler in Indiana get state money?

Indiana Private School/Homeschool Deduction (state income tax): Parents may deduct up to $1,000 per qualifying child who is enrolled in a private school or homeschooled, for education expenses. Indiana Education Scholarship Account (INESA): INESA is for students with a disability that requires special education services, or siblings of approved INESA students. Homeschoolers can apply for INESA if they meet its requirements. A student who enrolls is no longer considered an independent homeschooler. INESA spending options include home education.

Every line above is our plain-English summary of the quoted text, which is copied from the official page named beside it. Laws change: the quoted page is the authority, and a lawyer or the state can answer questions about your family.

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