Homeschool Information

Frequently Asked Questions about Homeschooling in Oregon by Oregon Department of Education (ODE)

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) defines the rules and laws for homeschooling in Oregon. Before making the decision to homeschool, it is recommended to review the information on the ODE Homeschooling in Oregon website.

Please visit the ODE Homeschooling Information for Families page for specific age requirement details.

In general, homeschooling rules and laws first apply to children who reach age 6 by September 1 of the current school year, and through age 18.

• Homeschool: The parent/guardian selects the curriculum and the curriculum is taught by the parent/guardian/private teacher. In this case, the student is considered a homeschooler by High Desert ESD and per Oregon homeschool laws and rules.
• Online schooling at home: The student is enrolled in a virtual or remote school/program through a school district or charter school, in which case the student is enrolled in a public school and not “homeschooling.”

Bend-La Pine School District
Bend-La Pine Schools Online: https://www.bend.k12.or.us/bend-la-pine-schools-online

Crook County School District
Grizzly Mountain Homelink: https://gmh.crookcountyschools.org/

Redmond School District
RSD Flex: https://rsdflex.redmondschools.org/

Sisters School District

• Elementary: https://elementaryschool.ssd6.org/classes/sisters-educational-options/
• Middle School: https://middleschool.ssd6.org/classes/sisters-educational-options/
• High School: https://highschool.ssd6.org/classes/sisters-educational-options/

ANNUAL TIMELINE

• June 21st through August 19th: Only update contact information. Do not submit notifications during this time as it may result in incorrect grade levels for the upcoming school year.
• August 20th through June 20th: Notifications are accepted for the current school year after a student has been withdrawn from an accredited public/private/charter/online school.

WHEN TO NOTIFY

NOTE: Do not submit a notification of intent to homeschool if the student is still enrolled (and has not been withdrawn) from an accredited public/private/charter/online school. We are not able to accept pre-notifications of intent to homeschool.

Submit the notification of intent to homeschool on the day of or within 10 days after:

• withdrawing the student from an accredited school (e.g. public, private, charter or online)
• the new school year starts
• moving to the area

Notifying the ESD of a change in status, residence address or contact information is optional, however notification does help with keeping records up to date. Changes are only made to the homeschool record with parent/guardian notification. To notify the Homeschool Coordinator of a change, select one of the following options:

• • Online* by updating your family’s record in the HDESD Homeschool Notification System.
  • Email homeschool@hdesd.org.

*Previously homeschooled and logging in to the HDESD Homeschool Notification System:

• If you have not received log in information (emailed from “HDESD Homeschool”), contact the Homeschool Office at 541-693-5656 (leave a message if you get voicemail). Please do not create a new log in if your student has been previously homeschooled.
• If you have received log in information (emailed from “HDESD Homeschool”, log in and update your family record.

Review the “Curriculum” section on the ODE Home Schooling in Oregon Information for Families webpage for information.

Contact your boundary school and ask for a special needs evaluation to determine if support services are available. Additional information is available in the “Homeschooling children with disabilities” section on the ODE Home Schooling in Oregon Information for Families webpage.

Interscholastic Athletics and Activities:

Homeschooled students are allowed to participate in interscholastic activities at their resident school if they are compliant with home school law and meet the requirements of the OSAA (Oregon School Athletics Association).

OSAA requires homeschooled students to be registered at the beginning of the school year and tested yearly with an approved exam by August 15th prior to the school year; the student must meet the 23rd percentile or more on those exams (OAR 581-021-0033).

Families may present alternative forms of evidence to demonstrate satisfactory progress (portfolio, collections of evidence). The August 15 deadline still applies to students establishing or maintaining eligibility.

Yearly test results should be submitted to the athletic director of your local school or school district prior to participation in an interscholastic activity. Students can participate in interscholastic activities while awaiting test results. Please contact your resident school district if you have questions regarding interscholastic activities, visit the OSAA website at www.osaa.org or call 1-888-838-6722.