How to Home School in Oklahoma

There are two important things that you must consider if you would like to homeschool in Oklahoma. The first is the legal requirements concerning homeschooling, and the second is how you will homeschool.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Review Oklahoma's homeschooling laws. The state requires students to be in school if between the ages of 5 and 18. The length of the school year is 180 days.

2. Plan what you will teach. The Oklahoma statutes are silent as to what subjects must be taught to a homeschooled student. However, the courts have suggested that the courses must be the same or similar to what public school students study. Also, consider your child's own interests and plan your lessons accordingly.

3. Locate and secure the materials that you will use to homeschool your child. Such materials might include books, a computer, passes for local cultural events, and music lessons.

4. Teach your child according to the curriculum that you have purchased or developed. Oklahoma does not require parents to provide standardized tests or other proof of progress to their local schools. However, it is a good idea to keep track of your child's progress so that you can plan the following year's curriculum accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Oklahoma does not require parents to notify their local school district of their intent to homeschool.
• Since the courts have suggested that homeschooled students should learn the same subjects as public school students, it may be wise to include language arts, math, science and social studies in your curriculum.

Resources

• Home School Legal Defense Association
• Oklahoma Department of Education

[ourlastchance]

on 8/3/2009 I was not satisfied with the school I was forced to send my son to last year so I homeschooled him. It was great he learned at his own pace and there were many things I found they dropped the ball on in public schooling. He is in 7th grade that's a long time to let basic things slide by! This year we filed for the open enrollment and he will be going to public school in a different town and the original school can't say anything about it! It is much easier to homeschool than you would think and my son really enjoyed the self paced learning and hands on approach we took. He is glad to be going back with other kids this year though : )

Looking back at the past year I would do it all over again. I think he'll appreciate the teachers more and the priviledge to go to public school and not have mom over his shoulder all the time!