Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Indiana - a homeschool-friendly state with minimal requirements. 180 days of instruction, attendance records, and a $1,000 per child tax deduction. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Indiana has been homeschool-friendly since 1904, when the landmark case State v. Peterman defined a school as "a place where instruction is imparted to the young" - including homes. Today, Indiana treats homeschools as non-accredited, non-public schools (private schools), giving families significant freedom.
The requirements are minimal: provide 180 days of instruction, maintain attendance records, and teach in English. There is no notification requirement (unless withdrawing from public school), no testing, no curriculum approval, and no teacher qualifications.
Indiana also stands out by offering a $1,000 per child state income tax deduction for educational expenses - one of the few states that provides direct financial benefit to homeschool families.
Indiana has never specifically legislated on homeschooling. Instead, homeschools operate under the general compulsory attendance law as non-accredited, non-public schools. This means no special homeschool regulations - just the same minimal requirements that apply to all private schools.
Indiana homeschools operate as non-accredited, non-public schools under the state's compulsory attendance law. This classification provides the same legal standing as any other private school in Indiana.
| Requirement | Indiana Homeschool (Non-Accredited Private School) |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | State v. Peterman (1904) + Mazanec v. North Judson (1985) |
| Notification | None required (unless withdrawing from public school) |
| Attendance | 180 days per year (July 1 - June 30) |
| Teacher Qualification | None (parent teaches) |
| Required Subjects | "Equivalent instruction" (broadly interpreted) |
| Language | Instruction must be in English |
| Testing | None required |
| Record-Keeping | Attendance records required |
The Indiana Appellate Court defined "school" broadly, ruling that a home where instruction occurs counts as a private school. This established homeschooling's legality in Indiana over 120 years ago.
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ended local school districts' jurisdiction over homeschooling and affirmed parental rights to direct their children's education.
The law requires instruction "equivalent to that provided in the public schools." However, "equivalent" has never been legally defined, courts interpret it broadly, and you do not need to follow Indiana Academic Standards or get curriculum approval.
How you start homeschooling in Indiana depends on whether your child is currently enrolled in public school.
No notification required. Simply choose your curriculum, set up attendance tracking, and begin teaching. You do not need to tell anyone.
Notify the school in writing. Use the word "TRANSFER" (not "withdraw") to avoid truancy issues. Request that student records be sent to your homeschool.
You must complete the official "Withdrawal to Non-Accredited Non-public School Located in Indiana" form. This is critical.
For high school students: if you do not sign the official withdrawal form, your child is classified as a "dropout." Dropout status can affect their ability to get a driver's license or learner's permit until age 18. Always complete the proper paperwork.
Indiana offers optional registration with the Department of Education. This is not required by law, but provides a verification number that some families find useful for preventing truancy questions. Registration is a one-time process and stays active.
When withdrawing from public school, always use the word "transfer" rather than "withdraw" in your communications. Blue Folder can generate your transfer letter automatically. Try it free →
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Indiana does not require notification to homeschool. You do not need to inform the state, your school district, or the Indiana Department of Education before beginning.
Notification is only relevant when withdrawing a child from public school:
| Situation | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Never enrolled in public school | No action needed - just start teaching |
| Withdrawing from K-8 | Written transfer letter to school (recommended) |
| Withdrawing from grades 9-12 | Official withdrawal form required |
| Age 16+ withdrawal | Exit interview may be required; use "transfer" language |
Indiana law exempts homeschools from public school curriculum requirements. You have complete freedom to choose what subjects to teach, what materials to use, what methods to employ, and what schedule to follow.
The law requires "equivalent instruction" but no specific subjects are mandated. Most families cover core subjects:
But this is your choice, not a legal requirement. The only curriculum mandate is that instruction must be in English.
Keep receipts for all educational expenses. Indiana's $1,000 per child tax deduction covers curriculum, textbooks, workbooks, educational software, school supplies, tutoring, and fees for educational programs.
Indiana requires 180 days of instruction per academic year. The academic year runs from July 1 through June 30.
You must maintain an "accurate daily record of attendance" but you do not need to submit it. Records are only provided upon request from the State Superintendent or your local superintendent.
Simple attendance tracking is sufficient. No specific format is required:
No hours tracking is required - just days. There is no minimum number of instructional hours per day.
Only two officials can legally request your attendance records: the State Superintendent and the superintendent of your local school corporation. If anyone else requests records, they have no legal authority to do so.
Indiana requires no standardized testing, annual evaluations, portfolio reviews, or progress reports. You are the sole judge of your child's educational progress.
Homeschool students cannot take ISTEP+ or other state tests unless enrolled in at least one class at a public or accredited school.
If you want to test for your own purposes, common options include:
These tests are arranged privately and results are for your use only.
The only record-keeping requirement in Indiana is maintaining an accurate daily attendance record. Beyond that, no other records are required by law.
Use Blue Folder to track your 180 days of attendance, upload work samples, keep expense receipts organized for tax time, and build a compliance binder. Try it free →
Indiana offers a state income tax deduction of up to $1,000 per child for homeschool educational expenses. There is no income limit.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | Up to $1,000 per child |
| Type | Tax deduction (reduces taxable income) |
| Eligibility | K-12 homeschoolers |
| How to Claim | Form IT-40, Schedule 2, Line 8 |
Qualifying Expenses: Curriculum, textbooks, workbooks, educational software, school supplies, tutoring services, and fees for educational programs.
For students with disabilities and their siblings, Indiana offers the INESA program: up to $20,000/year for students with disabilities and up to $8,000/year for siblings. This covers tuition, therapy, tutoring, curriculum, and more.
Since 2013, the IHSAA (Indiana High School Athletic Association) allows homeschoolers to participate in public school sports if enrolled in at least one class at the school. Individual districts may have additional policies.
Indiana is notably homeschool-friendly for special education. Indiana Administrative Code (511 IAC 7-34) requires public schools to "make available special education and related services" to homeschooled students.
As of July 1, 2021, Indiana no longer requires work permits for minors, including homeschoolers. Your teen can work without any additional school paperwork.
Indiana homeschool law is straightforward, but new families still encounter avoidable problems.
The high school withdrawal form is the most important step for families pulling a student from grades 9-12. Without it, your child's dropout classification can prevent them from getting a driver's license or learner's permit until they turn 18.
No, unless you are withdrawing from public school. If your child has never been enrolled, simply start teaching.
Keep receipts for all educational expenses throughout the year. Claim the deduction on your annual Indiana state tax return (Form IT-40, Schedule 2, Line 8).
Indiana requires 180 days but does not specify minimum hours per day. A day of instruction counts as a school day. Track days, not hours.
Yes, if enrolled in at least one class at the school and meeting academic eligibility requirements (IHSAA rule since 2013).
No. Indiana has no teacher qualification requirements for homeschool parents.
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Track Indiana ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Indiana Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney. For more information, see the Indiana DOE Homeschool FAQ and the Indiana Association of Home Educators. Last updated February 2026.