Home Schooling

Oregon Law requires that all children, between the ages of 7 and 18 years, attend public school. There are, however, exemptions to that law. One of those exemptions gives the parent of any child the right to teach that child at home. More information about Oregon laws, policies and answers to frequently asked questions regarding homeschooling can be found on ODE's website.

Requirements

In order for the parents to remain in compliance with the compulsory school attendance law they must:

  1. Notify their local Education Service District (ESD), in writing, of their intent to home school their child.
    1. Written notification may be in the form of a letter. The letter must include:
      • A statement of intent by the parent/guardian to homeschool their child/children
      • Child's full name and date of birth
      • Home address, city, state and zip code
      • Parent/Guardian's name

    OR you may fill out, print out, signed and complete a form. (English Version, PDF)

Educational Progress

Test results must be submitted for evaluation of satisfactory educational progress, as pursuant to OAR 581-021-0026(5) after grades 3, 5, 8 and 10 are completed. If the ESD determines satisfactory progress has been made, the parent is allowed to continue to teach their child at home, in accordance with Oregon Law. If the ESD determines satisfactory progress has not been made, a plan of assistance may be put into effect according to the Oregon Administrative Rules governing home schooling.

Testing Information

Testing is done by Basic Skills of Oregon City. The test is the Terra Nove 1/CTBS (Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills)

**A spring letter will be sent out to all registered home school families and will have more information on testing times and costs.**

Special Education Services

State and federal laws require that all students with disabilities have access to the educational services they need, therefore, administrative rules that specifically address the needs of home schooled students with disabilities were developed. School districts are required to make available the process for determining if a student qualifies for an individualized educational program (IEP). If it is determined that the local school district can not provide services in accordance with the home schooling process, state law permits the parent of a child with disabilities to home school in accordance with a privately developed plan.

Credits/Diplomas

Neither the ESD nor the Oregon Department of Education award diplomas to home schooled students. Home schooled students may receive high school credit and a diploma from an accredited correspondence company. Home schooled students may also enroll in a General Education Development (GED) or high school equivalency program at their local community college. However, written notification of home school status must still be received in order to comply with the compulsory school attendance law.

Registrations

On average, there are approximately 450 home schooled students from the school districts in Umatilla and Morrow Counties.

Reasons

Families home school their children for a wide variety of reasons. Both positive benefits and negative situations lead parents to their decision to home school. Bottom line, no matter the reason, it is a Oregon parent’s right if they so choose.

Contact

Lizette Berryessa, SIS Administrative Assistant
lizette.berryessa@imesd.k12.or.us
541-966-3126

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