Thinking about homeschooling your child in Kentucky? That's awesome! Homeschooling is becoming a popular choice for families who want to create a unique and personalized education for their children. It's a way to make learning more fun, engaging, and tailored to your child's specific needs and interests.
But we also know that getting started with homeschooling can feel a little overwhelming at first. You might be wondering if homeschooling is even allowed in Kentucky, what rules you have to follow, and how to make sure you're doing everything correctly.
That's where this guide comes in! We'll walk you through everything you need to know about homeschooling in Kentucky, from the legal requirements to choosing a curriculum and finding support. We'll explain the homeschooling laws in a simple way so you can understand what's required and what you're free to decide.
When you decide to homeschool in Kentucky, the first step is to inform the local Board of Education.
Homeschooling in Kentucky: Getting Started
Homeschooling in Kentucky is a great option for families who want more control over their child's education. Kentucky has homeschool-friendly laws that make it relatively easy to get started. One of the first steps is to let your local school district know that you're homeschooling.
1. Sending a Letter of Intent
What It is: A letter of intent is a simple letter that tells your school district that you're planning to homeschool your child. It's like an official announcement that you'll be teaching your child at home.
When to Send It: You need to send this letter within 10 days of starting your homeschooling program. So, if you start homeschooling on September 5th, you need to send the letter by September 15th.
Do It Every Year: You need to send a new letter of intent every year that you homeschool. This helps the school district keep track of who is homeschooling in their area.
2. What to Include in the Letter
Important Information: Make sure your letter includes the name of your homeschool (you can make up a name if you want!), your child's name and age, and the address where you'll be homeschooling. You should also include the names of the parents or guardians who will be teaching.
Keep It Clear: Write the letter in a simple and straightforward way so the school district can easily understand your intentions.
3. How to Send the Letter
Certified Mail: It's best to send the letter by certified mail. This way, you'll get a receipt that proves you sent the letter and that the school district received it. This can be helpful if there are ever any questions about whether you properly notified the school district.
Why It's Important: Kentucky sees homeschooling as similar to private schooling. This means you need to follow certain rules, just like private schools do. Sending a letter of intent is one of those rules.
Need help writing your letter of intent?
You can find examples of letters of intent on the Kentucky Department of Education website or from organizations like the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). You can also talk to other homeschooling families in your area or look for advice in online homeschooling forums.
Once you’ve notified the Board of Education, it’s time to set up a system to track your child’s progress.
Homeschool Record-Keeping in Kentucky
Even though Kentucky doesn't require homeschoolers to keep detailed records, it's still a really good idea! Keeping track of your child's learning can help you see how they're doing and be prepared for anything they might need in the future, like applying for college or a job.
What to Keep in a Homeschool Portfolio
Attendance: Just like in a regular school, it's good to keep track of the days your child is learning. You can use a simple calendar or a special notebook to mark off the days when your child does schoolwork. This helps you see how often your child is learning and make sure they're getting enough instruction time.
Curriculum: Keep a list of all the subjects your child is studying and the books, websites, or other materials you're using to teach them. This helps you stay organized and shows what your child is learning. It's also helpful if you ever need to show someone else, like a college or employer, what your child has been studying.
Need help choosing a curriculum that fits your child's needs and interests?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a unique and engaging curriculum that can be tailored to your child's learning style. Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed to spark curiosity and make learning an adventure.
Here's what makes TSHA special:
No Screens Needed! We believe kids learn best by doing things, not just staring at a computer. So, our lessons use real stuff, like books, games, and activities, to make learning fun and exciting.
Everything's Connected! We don't teach subjects like they're totally separate. We show how they all fit together so kids understand the big picture and get excited about learning more.
It Really Works! Kids who use our curriculum do really well on tests, which means they're learning a lot and getting a great education.
We're Here to Help! Homeschooling can be tricky, so we give you lots of support. We have videos that show you how to teach the lessons, plus worksheets and activities you can print out. You can even talk to our teachers if you need help! And you'll be part of a group of other homeschooling families who can share ideas and support each other.
Made For Every Child! Every kid learns differently, so our lessons can be changed to fit your child's needs and interests. You can go faster or slower, focus on what they love, and make learning special for them.
More Than Just Schoolwork! We also teach kids important things like how to be kind, how to be thankful, and how to be a good citizen. We want kids to be smart AND kind!
Visit The School House Anywhere to learn more!
Schoolwork: Save examples of your child's work, like worksheets, projects, essays, artwork, and tests. This shows what they're learning and how they're doing. You can keep these samples in a binder or a folder or even take pictures of them and store them on your computer.
Test Scores (optional): If you give your child any standardized tests, you can keep their scores in their portfolio. Standardized tests can be a helpful way to see how your child is doing compared to other students their age, but they're not required in Kentucky.
How to Organize Your Records
Digital and Physical: You can keep your homeschool records on your computer or in a file folder. It's a good idea to have both digital and physical copies, just in case something happens to one of them. You can scan important documents and save them on your computer, and you can also keep physical copies in a safe place.
Stay Organized: Create a system for organizing your records, like putting them in folders by subject or by year. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it. You can also use labels, dividers, and other organizational tools to keep your records tidy and accessible.
Update Regularly: Just like schools send out report cards every few weeks or months, it's a good idea to update your child's portfolio regularly. This might mean adding new samples of their work, updating their grades, or adding information about new activities or experiences. Keeping your records current will make it easier to create a transcript or provide information to colleges or employers when the time comes.
Want to simplify homeschool record-keeping and create stunning portfolios with ease?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers Transparent Classroom, a powerful online tool that streamlines your homeschool organization and helps you showcase your child's learning journey.
Here's how Transparent Classroom transforms homeschool record-keeping:
Effortless Tracking: Easily record grades, assignments, and attendance in one secure online location.
Personalized Portfolios: Showcase your child's learning journey with beautiful digital portfolios.
Streamlined Reporting: Generate professional reports and transcripts with just a few clicks.
Increased Organization: Keep all your homeschool records organized and accessible from anywhere.
Ready to ditch the paperwork and embrace effortless organization?
Why Keeping Records is Important
Smooth Transitions: If your child ever decides to go back to public school or apply to a private school, having good homeschool records will make the transition much smoother. The school can look at your child's records to see what they've learned and make sure they're placed in the correct grade level.
College and Jobs: Colleges and employers often want to see proof of what your child has learned during their high school years. A homeschool transcript, which you can create from your records, can show them this. The transcript lists the courses your child has taken, the grades they earned, and any credits they received.
Meeting Goals: Keeping track of your child's work and progress helps you see if they're meeting their learning goals. It can also help you identify any areas where they might need extra help or support. This allows you to adjust your teaching approach and make sure your child is getting the best possible education.
Even though it's not required in Kentucky, keeping good homeschool records is a smart idea. It can help your child succeed and be prepared for the future!
With record-keeping underway, you may wonder what subjects to cover and how much time to dedicate to each.
Kentucky Homeschooling: Curriculum Requirements
Okay, so you know you want to homeschool in Kentucky. But what exactly do you need to teach your child? And how long do you need to spend teaching them each year? Let's take a look at the requirements:
1. Instructional Hours
Time for Learning: In Kentucky, you need to make sure your child is learning for at least 1,062 hours each year. That might sound like a lot, but it's about the same as the time spent in a regular school.
Flexible Schedule: You can choose how to spread out those hours. You could have a normal school year with longer lessons each day, or you could homeschool all year round with shorter lessons more often. It's up to you!
2. Required Subjects
Important Subjects: Kentucky wants to make sure homeschoolers are learning important things. You need to teach your child reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, math, science, and civics (which is about how our government works).
What They Include:
Reading: This means teaching your child how to read and understand different kinds of texts.
Writing: This includes teaching your child how to write stories, essays, and other things.
Spelling: This helps your child learn how to spell words correctly.
Grammar: This teaches your child the rules of language so they can write and speak well.
History: This could include learning about American history, world history, or both.
Math: This covers all the important math skills your child needs to learn.
Science: This includes learning about different areas of science, like biology, chemistry, and physics.
Civics: This teaches your child about how our government works and how to be a good citizen.
Teaching in English: You need to teach all these subjects in English.
3. Choosing Your Curriculum
Freedom to Choose: One of the best things about homeschooling in Kentucky is that you get to choose the curriculum and teaching methods that work best for your child. This means you can find materials and activities that they enjoy and that help them learn in a way that makes sense to them.
While homeschooling offers flexibility, there may come a time when your family considers returning to public school.
Returning to Public School from Homeschooling in Kentucky
If you've been homeschooling in Kentucky and are thinking about making the switch back to public school, it's helpful to understand how the process works. Each school district might have different procedures, so it's important to be prepared and know what to expect.
1. No Need to Tell the State
Stopping Homeschooling: You don't have to officially tell the state that you're stopping homeschooling. You can simply stop sending in your yearly letter of intent.
2. Contact the School
Enrollment: Talk to the public school you want your child to attend and ask about their enrollment process. Each school district might have different rules, so it's important to find out what you need to do.
What to Ask: Ask about any forms you need to fill out, what documents you need to bring (like your child's birth certificate or proof of where you live), and if there are any special requirements.
3. Grade Placement
Showing Your Child's Work: The school might want to see your child's homeschool records, like their attendance, report cards, and some of their schoolwork. This helps them decide what grade your child should be in.
Tests: Sometimes, schools might give your child a test to see what grade level they're at. This helps make sure they're placed in the right classes.
4. Special Needs
Talking to the School: If your child has special needs and needs extra help in school, it's important to talk to the school about this. Public schools have programs and resources to help students with special needs. So make sure you discuss this with the school so your child gets the support they need.
5. High School Credits
If Your Child Finished High School at Home: If your child finished their high school coursework while homeschooling, the public school might need to check their credits to make sure they've completed everything they need to graduate. You can give them your child's transcript and a description of the courses they took.
Working with the School: It's always a good idea to talk to the school administrators and work with them to make sure the transition back to public school goes smoothly.
Homeschooling doesn’t mean you’re in this alone. Kentucky is home to a vibrant network of homeschool groups and co-ops that offer support, activities, and a sense of community.
Finding Your Homeschool Community in Kentucky
In Kentucky, there are lots of groups and helpful people who can support you and your child. Meeting other homeschooling families can make homeschooling more fun and less stressful.
1. Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
What They Are: Homeschool groups are like little communities of families who have decided to teach their kids at home. They get together to share ideas, support each other, and give their children a chance to learn and socialize with other homeschoolers. It's like having a network of friends who understand the homeschooling journey!
Examples:
Bluegrass Homeschool Learning Co-operative, Inc. (Lexington)
Christian Home-Educators of the Bluegrass (CHB) (Lexington)
FAITH Homeschool Group (Elizabethtown)
Wild + Free (Bowling Green)
2. Other Helpful Resources
Kentucky Department of Education: The state's education website has information about homeschooling laws and requirements.
Libraries: Libraries in Kentucky often have special resources for homeschoolers. These include books, educational materials, and even teacher cards that give you discounts on things like museum tickets.
Financial Aid: There are some scholarships and programs that can help you pay for homeschooling or college, like the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) and the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES).
Homeschool Foundation: This organization, connected to HSLDA, can provide support to families who need help with homeschooling costs.
Local Community Scholarships: Check with your local community to see if there are any scholarships available for homeschoolers who are going to college or trade school.
3. Connecting with Other Homeschoolers
Benefits of Joining a Group: Joining a homeschooling association or group can give you access to legal updates, information about new educational trends, and advice on different teaching methods.
Online Communities: You can also find homeschooling groups online, like on Facebook or Reddit. These groups are a great way to connect with other homeschoolers, ask questions, and share ideas.
Want to connect with a supportive community of homeschoolers?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a vibrant online community where you can connect with other families, share ideas, and find encouragement. We also have live Q&A sessions with teachers and experts, helpful podcasts, and regular newsletters to keep you informed and inspired on your homeschooling journey.
Visit The School House Anywhere to join our community today!
By using these resources and connecting with other homeschooling families in Kentucky, you can create a supportive and enriching learning experience for your child.
Wrapping Up
Homeschooling in Kentucky provides families with the freedom to tailor their children’s education while still meeting state requirements. From notifying the Board of Education to creating a flexible curriculum, each step allows you to shape an environment that supports your child’s unique learning needs.
With careful planning and consistent record-keeping, you can ensure a rewarding homeschool experience that’s both compliant and enriching.
Remember, homeschooling isn’t a journey you need to take alone. Kentucky offers a welcoming homeschool community filled with resources, support groups, and opportunities to connect with other families.
By understanding the basic requirements and knowing where to find support, you’re well-equipped to create a meaningful educational experience for your child.
Ready to Bring a Whole New Approach to Homeschooling?
At The School House Anywhere (TSHA), we believe homeschooling should be more than just lessons—it should be a journey that sparks creativity, curiosity, and real-world learning.
Whether you're just starting out or looking for fresh, engaging resources, TSHA offers the tools and support to help you create an inspiring educational experience right from home.
Why Choose TSHA?
Our approach combines academic excellence with hands-on learning to help every child find their unique way to success. With TSHA, you and your child can benefit from:
A Rich Curriculum: Our program weaves together Screen-Free, Project-Based Learning, Critical Thinking & Group Dialogue, and an Art, Nature + Design Studio, creating a well-rounded curriculum that keeps students engaged.
Flexible, Personalized Learning: We understand that each child’s learning pace and style are different. With TSHA, you can adapt the curriculum to fit your child’s needs, giving them the freedom to thrive.
Supportive Community: Joining TSHA means becoming part of a network of families and educators who share similar goals. Whether you’re seeking advice, resources, or simply a sense of connection, our community is here to help.
Join The School House Anywhere Family Today
Start your journey with TSHA today and experience homeschooling with the support and flexibility you need. Together, we can make homeschooling a fulfilling, exciting, and inspiring experience for you and your child.
Visit The School House Anywhere today to learn more, explore our resources, and join a community dedicated to learning and growth!
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