Oklahoma Homeschool Requirements

Overview

Oklahoma is one of the easiest states in the country to homeschool - possibly the easiest. Homeschooling is constitutionally protected under the Oklahoma Constitution, which explicitly recognizes "other means of education" as a valid alternative to public schooling. This gives Oklahoma homeschoolers stronger legal protection than most states, where homeschool rights are established only by statute or court ruling.

There is no notification requirement, no registration, no approval process, no mandatory testing, no required subjects, no curriculum approval, no record-keeping obligation, and no teacher qualification requirements. The only implied requirement is that you provide education for 180 days, derived from the compulsory attendance law.

On top of this freedom, Oklahoma offers the Parental Choice Tax Credit - a refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 per child for qualifying educational expenses, making it one of the most financially generous states for homeschool families.

Legal Framework

Oklahoma's homeschool law is rooted in the state constitution. There is a single legal framework: parents provide "other means of education" as protected by the Oklahoma Constitution. Homeschools in Oklahoma are not classified as private schools - they have their own distinct constitutional status.

Constitutional Protection

The Oklahoma Constitution, Article XIII, Section 4 states that the legislature shall provide for compulsory attendance at "some public or other school" for all children between ages 5 and 18. The phrase "other school" has been consistently interpreted to include homeschools, giving parents a constitutional right to educate their children at home.

Statutory Basis

70 O.S. § 10-105 provides the compulsory attendance exemption framework. Homeschools qualify as "other means of education" under this statute, which does not impose any specific requirements on how that education must be conducted.

Getting Started

Starting to homeschool in Oklahoma is as simple as it gets. There is literally nothing to file with the state.

If Your Child Has Never Been in Public School

No action is required. Choose your curriculum (or not - there are no curriculum requirements), and begin teaching. You do not need to notify anyone.

If Your Child Is Currently Enrolled in Public School

While not legally required, it is strongly recommended to send a withdrawal letter to the current school. This prevents the school from marking your child as truant.

What to Include in Your Withdrawal Letter

• Statement of intent to homeschool under the Oklahoma Constitution, Article XIII, Section 4
• Date homeschooling will begin
• Child's name and current grade
• Request for student records to be transferred to you
• Request for confirmation of receipt

Notification Requirements

Oklahoma requires no notification to any government entity to homeschool. There is no registration, no filing, no forms, and no approval process. You simply begin educating your child.

Curriculum & Subjects

Oklahoma has no subject requirements for homeschoolers. Parents have complete discretion over what to teach, what curriculum to use, and how to structure instruction. There is no state-mandated curriculum, no textbook requirements, and no curriculum approval process.

Recommended Subjects (Not Required)

While not legally required, most Oklahoma homeschool families cover a well-rounded curriculum including:

Additional Subjects for College Preparation

If your child plans to attend college, a well-rounded transcript is important. Consider including:

Attendance Requirements

The 180-day requirement comes from Oklahoma's general compulsory attendance law (70 O.S. § 10-105), not from any specific homeschool regulation. In practice, there is no mechanism to verify compliance - no attendance logs are submitted and no one checks your schedule.

There are no minimum hours per day specified. Parents determine their own daily schedule, and you can adjust freely throughout the year.

Assessment & Evaluation

Oklahoma requires no assessment of any kind for homeschool students. There are no standardized tests, no portfolio reviews, no progress reports, and no evaluations. You are the sole judge of your child's educational progress.

Optional Testing

While not required, some families choose to administer standardized tests for their own purposes:

• ACT - Oklahoma colleges typically use the ACT for admissions
• SAT/PSAT - for college admissions and National Merit Scholarship
• Iowa Assessments - to benchmark academic progress
• Stanford Achievement Test - another recognized benchmark

Record-Keeping

Oklahoma has no legal requirement to keep records of any kind. You are not required to maintain a portfolio, keep attendance logs, save work samples, or document your curriculum.

However, keeping records is strongly recommended for practical reasons, even though they are not legally required.

Recommended Records to Keep

• Withdrawal letter copy - proof you withdrew from public school (if applicable)
• Curriculum list - what materials you used each year
• Attendance log - basic record of school days
• Work samples - examples of student work showing progress
• Grades and transcripts - essential for high school students
• Tax credit receipts - documentation for the Parental Choice Tax Credit

Special Programs & Financial Resources

Oklahoma offers one of the most generous financial programs for homeschool families in the country.

Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit

This refundable tax credit provides up to $7,500 per child for qualifying educational expenses. Because it is refundable, you receive the money back even if you have no tax liability.

Qualifying Expenses

• Curriculum and textbooks
• Tutoring services
• Educational supplies
• Online courses
• Educational software
• Other qualified educational expenses

Oklahoma Promise (OHLAP) Scholarship

Oklahoma's Promise is a scholarship program that homeschoolers may be eligible for. It covers tuition at Oklahoma public colleges. Income requirements apply, and students must complete curriculum requirements. Contact the program for current eligibility details.

Sports & Extracurricular Access

Oklahoma does not have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschool access to public school sports. The OSSAA (Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association) rules generally exclude homeschoolers from public school athletics. Alternatives include homeschool sports leagues, community recreation, club sports, YMCA programs, and church leagues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Oklahoma homeschool law is extremely simple, but new families still encounter some avoidable issues.

1. Not sending a withdrawal letter when leaving public school. While not legally required, failing to notify the school can result in truancy allegations. Always send a withdrawal letter and keep proof of delivery.
2. Thinking you need permission or approval. Some families delay starting because they believe they need approval from the school district or state. You do not. Oklahoma's constitutional protection means you can begin immediately.
3. Not keeping records for college preparation. While no records are legally required, college-bound students need transcripts. Start documenting courses, grades, and credits from the beginning of high school.
4. Missing the tax credit opportunity. The Parental Choice Tax Credit can provide up to $7,500 per child. Keep receipts for all educational expenses throughout the year so you can claim the full amount.
5. Not understanding the 180-day requirement. While there is no enforcement mechanism, the compulsory attendance law implies 180 days of instruction. Providing regular, consistent education protects you legally.
6. Assuming public school sports access. Unlike some states, Oklahoma does not guarantee homeschool students access to public school athletics. Look into homeschool sports leagues and community alternatives early.
7. Providing too much information when questioned. If a truancy officer contacts you, state that you are providing home education under the Oklahoma Constitution. You are not required to show records, allow visits, or prove anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really not have to tell anyone I'm homeschooling?

Correct. Oklahoma requires zero notification to any government entity. You simply begin educating your child at home. If withdrawing from public school, a withdrawal letter is recommended (but not legally required) to prevent truancy issues.

What if a truancy officer contacts me?

State that you are providing home education under the Oklahoma Constitution, Article XIII, Section 4. You are not required to prove anything, show records, or allow home visits. If pressure continues, contact HSLDA for legal support.

Is there any paperwork at all?

Not required by law. The only paperwork you might need is a withdrawal letter (if your child was in public school) and receipts for the tax credit (if you claim it). Everything else is optional.

How does the tax credit work?

Pay for qualifying educational expenses throughout the year (curriculum, supplies, tutoring, etc.), keep your receipts, then claim the credit on your Oklahoma state tax return. Because it is refundable, you receive money back even if you owe no taxes.

Can my child get a high school diploma?

Parents create their own transcripts and issue a diploma upon completion. A parent-issued diploma is fully legal in Oklahoma. State diplomas are not available to homeschoolers.

How does Oklahoma compare to Texas?

Both are among the easiest states to homeschool. Key differences: Oklahoma has constitutional protection (stronger than Texas's statutory/case-law protection) and offers a generous tax credit that Texas does not. Both require no notification, no testing, and no record-keeping.