It is legal in the state of Ohio to remove your child from public, online public or private education at any time during the school year in order to home educate.
 

Withdrawal from traditional public or private schools:

  1. Notify the principal, in writing, that you are withdrawing your child from school for the purposes of home education. Send your letter certified mail (return receipt requested) and keep a copy on file.
  2. A notification form, available here, needs to be filled out and sent certified mail (return receipt requested) to the superintendent of your city, county, or exempted village school district within a week of withdrawing from school. Keep a copy of your original paperwork on file.
  3. Begin educating your child at home.
  4. You should receive an excused absence letter in the mail within fourteen days after the school receives your notification letter. Keep this formal excuse on file.

Withdrawal from online public schools:

A parent has the right to remove their child from online public schooling at any time. CHEO recommends that you first notify your child’s teacher and then take the steps suggested for withdrawing from traditional school. Your child is not required to take an assessment before withdrawing. You will be required to return computers and learning materials provided by the state.

Christian Home Educators of Ohio encourages you to join Home School Legal Defense Association (link) prior to submitting your notice of intent to homeschool. Read this article on a recent Ohio case that explains the need for HSLDA’s assistance by some families withdrawing a child mid-year to home educate.

Becoming a member of CHEO helps to provide assistance to families in the area of home education throughout the year. Learn more about joining CHEO here.