Is it Legal to homeschool in Oregon?
Yes! In the state of Oregon, there are few regulations on homeschooling your child(ren). You must notify the Education Service District before the school year begins or within 10 days of withdrawing your child from school mid-year.
The state requires testing in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10; however, no testing is required in the first 18 months of homeschooling (even if your child is currently in a test year).
For more info, visit our Homeschool Law page and you can also visit Oregon Home Education Network's FAQ page. It answers many questions about homeschooling in Oregon.
Am I qualified to teach my children?
Yes! 2 Corinthians 3:6 says, "HE has made us competent as ministers..." and above all, we believe that it is the Lord who equips us and strengthens us to educate our children. You don't need to have a college degree. There are many tools, resources and curricula readily available that are easy to follow until you find your own "stride". Homeschooling is unique to each family and ANYONE can do it!
CLICK HERE to read an excellent article about just how qualified you actually are!
How do I get started?
Once you notify the state, you may want to do a few things:
- Find a support network (like Arrows!) or group of experienced homeschool families to ask questions and get feedback.
- Do some research. There are excellent resources in the form of books, websites, blogs, and social media groups for homeschool families. It's a good idea to join/read a few to help get your feet under you.
- Start small and slow. Begin with the basics - Math, Reading, Writing, etc... Homeschooling is NOT the same as a traditional "school" and you are not required to instantly teach 14 different subjects with full competency! Stressing and worrying will not add one day to your school calendar (Matt 6:27), so instead of worrying, pray (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Pray, pray, trust, and pray some more. Being responsible for your child's education may seem intimidating, and in some regards, it is a task not to be taken lightly. Keeping a heavenly mindset, knowing that our strength and help comes from the Lord makes ALL the difference.
