Homeschooling in Indiana? Here’s your plan.

Indiana classifies homeschools as "non-accredited non-public schools" under IC 20-33-2-4 and IC 20-33-2-6. The phrase is bureaucratic, but the reality is simple: you are running a private school in your home, and private schools in Indiana have broad independence. No state agency reviews your curriculum, grades your students, or inspects your home. You do not need a teaching certificate, a college degree, or any credential at all — confirmed by State v. Peterman and never challenged since.

The Indiana Department of Education provides a voluntary enrollment form, and filing it is strongly recommended to create a paper trail and prevent truancy inquiries. But it is not legally required. The IDOE itself says so on its homeschool information page. Your only legal obligation is to provide instruction equivalent in kind to public schools — meaning the same general subject areas (English, math, science, social studies) — for 180 days per year, taught in English.

Indiana also offers meaningful access to public school resources. Under IC 20-33-2-28.7, homeschooled students can participate in IHSAA-sanctioned sports at their local public school, meeting the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students. Dual enrollment in public school courses or community college classes is also available, with Ivy Tech and some four-year institutions offering concurrent enrollment programs for homeschoolers. These are real, practical advantages that set Indiana apart from many of its neighbors.

The vast majority of Indiana homeschool families use the non-accredited non-public school pathway because it imposes virtually no government oversight. An accredited non-public school pathway exists under IC 20-19-2, but it requires certified teachers and compliance with accreditation standards — making it impractical for individual families. Unless you have a specific reason to pursue accreditation, the non-accredited pathway is the right choice.

File the voluntary IDOE enrollment form. It is not legally required, but it creates a record that your homeschool exists and can prevent a truancy investigation. Think of it as inexpensive insurance.

Sports access is protected by law. IC 20-33-2-28.7 gives your child the right to participate in IHSAA-sanctioned sports at your local public school, as long as they meet the same eligibility standards as enrolled students. This includes residency, age, academic progress, and conduct rules.

The Indiana ESA is worth knowing about. The Indiana Education Scholarship Account (IC 20-51.4) provides up to $20,000 per year for students with disabilities and $8,000 for siblings. Funds can be used for curriculum, tutoring, educational therapies, and testing fees through ClassWallet. The application window runs from March 1 through September 1.

Start transcripts in 9th grade. Indiana does not issue diplomas or transcripts for homeschoolers — you create your own. Begin formal transcript-keeping by 9th grade for college admissions, military enlistment, and employment.

Dual enrollment opens doors. Ivy Tech Community College and some state universities offer concurrent enrollment programs accessible to homeschoolers. Contact the institution directly to learn about eligibility and available courses.

IEP services end upon withdrawal. Your child's IEP does not follow them into homeschooling. However, your district must still evaluate your child through Child Find under IC 20-35, and the Indiana ESA can fund therapies privately.