Indiana · Light-touch

Homeschooling in Indiana

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

Notice of intentNothing to file

Yearly assessmentNot required

Instruction time180 days a year

RecordsYour choice

How to start homeschooling in Indiana

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.
Cover the subjects the state names
Indiana names 1 subject area to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
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.

Source: Indiana Department of Education — www.in.gov/doe/students/private-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Filing and reporting

Nothing to file

Indianadoes 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.

Source: Indiana Department of Education — www.in.gov/doe/students/private-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Testing, portfolios and reviews

No yearly assessment

Indianadoes 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.

Source: Indiana Department of Education — www.in.gov/doe/students/private-schools/. Checked March 2026.

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects: No specific state-mandated subject list for homeschools. Indiana treats homeschools as non-accredited nonpublic schools which must operate a 'general academic education.'
Instruction time: 180 days a year
Who may teach: No teaching certificate, degree, or credential is required of you.
Keeping records: No retention period is set. Keeping a simple folder is still worth doing.
Legal routes: Operate as a non-accredited nonpublic school (most common — no registration required)
Enroll in an accredited nonpublic umbrella school or correspondence program
Voluntary enrollment in Indiana Department of Education database (not legally required)
Umbrella / cover schools: Indiana Association of Home Educators (IAHE) maintains an umbrella program list. Umbrella enrollment is not required but can provide access to group activities and diplomas.

Source: Indiana Department of Education — www.in.gov/doe/students/private-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Public school sports: Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) allows homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics if the student enrolls in at least one class per day at the participating school, has been homeschooled for the prior 3 consecutive years, and submits grade evidence. Access is not automatic — each district may have additional requirements.
Dual enrollment: Indiana's 21st Century Scholars and dual-credit programs at Ivy Tech and other community colleges are accessible to homeschoolers. Students typically must meet age/grade requirements and apply directly.
Diplomas: No state diploma for homeschoolers. Parents issue transcripts and diplomas. Students may take the GED or use accredited online programs. The Core 40 diploma framework is a public school credential — homeschoolers are not eligible unless partially enrolled.
College admissions: Indiana University, Purdue, Ball State, and most Indiana colleges accept homeschool graduates with a transcript, two letters of recommendation, and SAT/ACT scores. Purdue has a specific homeschool admissions checklist.
Support for additional needs: Indiana homeschoolers do not retain FAPE rights upon withdrawal. Local school districts are not obligated to provide IEP or special education services. Families may apply for Part C (birth–3) and Part B (3–21) services through the district on a voluntary basis.

Source: Indiana Department of Education — www.in.gov/doe/students/private-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Money your family can claim in Indiana

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.

This account is for students with a disability; funding levels are published by disability category.
Applications for participating entities open March 1 each year.

Source: www.in.gov/tos/inesa/. Checked July 26, 2026. Eligibility and application dates are set by the program — the official page is always the last word.

Questions parents ask about Indiana

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 requires instruction in the following subjects: No specific state-mandated subject list for homeschools. Indiana treats homeschools as non-accredited nonpublic schools which must operate a 'general academic education.'.

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?

Yes. Indiana has a law (sometimes called a "Tim Tebow" law) allowing homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) allows homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics if the student enrolls in at least one class per day at the participating school, has been homeschooled for the prior 3 consecutive years, and submits grade evidence. Access is not automatic — each district may have additional requirements.

Source: Indiana Department of Education — www.in.gov/doe/students/private-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Worth knowing about Indiana

Indiana is a no-notice, low-regulation state. HSLDA designates it as among the most freedom-friendly in the nation. The only requirement is operating for 180 days. No testing, no reporting, no subject mandates, no teacher credentials.

Source: Indiana Department of Education — www.in.gov/doe/students/private-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Who to ask in Indiana

Regulator: Indiana Department of Education
Official site: www.in.gov/doe/students/private-schools/

Free tools for your first year

Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with Indiana's requirements and ignore the rest.

Transcript builderBuild a clean high-school transcript with GPA and credits, ready to send to a college.Paperwork generatorFill in your details and get the letter or affidavit your state expects, already worded for it.Printable worksheetsPrint practice pages by grade and subject for the days a screen is the wrong answer.Instruction day logTick off days as you go so the count is already done when your state asks for it.State fundingSee whether your state puts education money in your hands, and how to claim it.Starting guideThe whole first year in five steps, written for someone who has never done this before.

Other states

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii All 51 →

This page was written from Indiana's published rules and 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.

Loading…