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Indiana · Light-touch
Indiana does not ask you to file anything before you begin. Here is what the state does expect, and what it leaves entirely to you.
VerifiedMarch 2026
Written from Indiana's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.
Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
There is no notice to file
Indiana does not ask you to notify anyone before you begin. You can start the day you are ready — no form, no permission, no waiting.
Choose what to teach
Indiana does not name required subjects, so your curriculum is your own decision. Most families still cover reading, writing, and math daily, and let interest lead the rest.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Indiana does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Nothing to file
Indiana does not require a notice of intent, an application, or the state's permission. You do not need to wait for a reply from anyone, because there is no one to write to. There is no ongoing reporting either.
No testing or assessment
Indiana does not require a standardized test or an evaluator's review. Plenty of families still keep a folder of work through the year — not because the state asks, but because it makes a transcript or a college application far easier to put together later. A note from the state: No state-mandated assessment.
Education Scholarship Account (INESA)
Run by Indiana Treasurer of State, moving to the Indiana Department of Education on July 1, 2026
The award amount is set by the program and changes from year to year. Check the official page below for this year's figure rather than an estimate.
Eligibility and application dates are set by the program. Check the program's official page before you apply.
Is homeschooling legal in Indiana?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Indiana. Indiana is considered one of the easiest states for homeschoolers — minimal regulation, no notice required, and maximum family freedom.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Indiana?
No. Indiana does not require families to file a Notice of Intent before beginning homeschooling. You may start at any time.
How many instruction days are required in Indiana?
Indiana requires 180 days a year.
What subjects are required by law in Indiana?
Indiana does not mandate specific subjects, giving families complete freedom to design their own curriculum.
Does Indiana require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
No. Indiana does not require formal annual assessment. Families may voluntarily track progress for college application purposes.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Indiana?
No. Indiana does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Indiana?
Rules about homeschooled students taking part in public school sports and activities differ by state and by district. Check with your local school district and your state athletic association.
Indiana does not require registration, testing, reporting or a subject list for homeschools. IDOE says homeschools must provide 180 days of instruction and keep a daily attendance record, which the state Secretary of Education or your district superintendent may request (IC 20-33-2-20).
The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with Indiana's requirements and ignore the rest.
Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Indiana Department of Education. This is information for families, not legal advice.