IN
How to Start Homeschooling in Indiana (2026)
Indiana law requires a student to attend a public school or another school taught in the English language, and makes it unlawful for a parent to keep a child out of public school for the full term unless the child is provided instruction equivalent to that given in public schools (IC 20-33-2-4 and IC 20-33-2-28).
Legal framework
Indiana Code Chapter 20-33-2 requires a student to attend either the public school the student is entitled to attend or another school taught in the English language (IC 20-33-2-4). A student attends each year for the number of days public schools are in session where the student is enrolled (IC 20-33-2-5). A student is bound by the chapter from the earlier of the date the student officially enrolls in a school or, except as provided in section 8, the beginning of the fall school term for the school year in which the student becomes seven, until the earliest of the date the student graduates, becomes eighteen, or becomes sixteen and the exit interview requirements are met that enable the student to withdraw before graduation (IC 20-33-2-6). A student is not bound by the chapter until the student becomes seven if, upon request of the superintendent of the school corporation, the parent certifies to the superintendent that the parent intends, not later than the date the student becomes seven, to enroll the student in a nonaccredited, nonpublic school or to begin providing instruction equivalent to that given in the public schools as permitted under section 28 (IC 20-33-2-8). It is unlawful for a parent to fail, neglect or refuse to send the child to a public school for the full term unless the child is provided instruction equivalent to that given in public schools (IC 20-33-2-28). Before a high school student transferring to a nonaccredited nonpublic school withdraws from a public school, the principal provides the student and a parent a form developed by the Department of Education that explains the legal requirements of attending a nonaccredited nonpublic school in Indiana, and the principal and a parent both sign it; if the parent refuses to sign, the student is considered a dropout (IC 20-33-2-28.6(b) and (c)). Every public and nonpublic school keeps an accurate daily record of the attendance of each student subject to compulsory attendance, and in a nonpublic school the record is required solely to verify the enrollment and attendance of a student upon request of the secretary of education or the superintendent of the school corporation in which the nonpublic school is located (IC 20-33-2-20(a) and (c)). A nonpublic, nonaccredited school not approved by the state board is not bound by IC 20 or IC 21 requirements on curriculum or content (IC 20-33-2-12).
ESA & scholarship opportunities
The Indiana Department of Education administers the Education Scholarship Account, a statewide school choice program for students with disabilities and their siblings.
State homeschool organization
Next steps