Oklahoma was the first state to legalize homeschooling and is the only state in the nation with the right to homeschool enshrined in its state constitution. Because of this, Sooners experience next to no regulation or oversight of their homeschool programs.
There is no official data indicating the number of families participating in homeschooling in Oklahoma, but the US Census indicates that over 20% of Sooner families are homeschooling. This is well above the national average, and places Oklahoma as second only to Alaska in terms of percentage of families choosing to provide a homeschool education.
But that doesn't mean that legal issues around homeschooling are wholly unavoidable. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm can help you navigate any issues that arise in your homeschooling journey. We understand what homeschooling families have to deal with in Oklahoma and elsewhere, and we're ready to help you clear any legal hurdles to educating your children at home. For a confidential consultation, call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Parental Rights to Homeschool in Oklahoma
Parents in Oklahoma face some of the fewest restrictions in the nation when it comes to homeschooling their children. The only legal requirement a parent must meet is adherence to the state's compulsory attendance law, meaning that children between the ages of five and 18 must attend school for at least six hours per day and 180 days per year. Because of this, it's important for you to keep an attendance record for your homeschooled child.
However, the state does provide some recommendations to help ensure parents are providing their homeschooled children with an adequate educational program. This starts with the suggestion of notifying your school district of residence that you intend to educate your child at home, although again, this is not required. The school may request that you sign a release form indicating you are assuming full responsibility for the child's education and that the school is no longer liable for it in any way.
The state does not require you to have any credentials or certifications to be a homeschool instructor, however the state Attorney General has made it clear that instruction must be provided in good faith and be equivalent in fact to a state-provided education. Because of this, many homeschool advocates in Oklahoma recommend sticking to a curriculum that includes math, language arts, social studies, history, and other topics one would expect to find being taught in the local school district.
If your homeschooled child intends to eventually attend college, it's recommended that you check with their target schools for any required courses.
Because homeschools are not regulated by Oklahoma law, parents aren't required to provide students with state-standardized testing, and there are no requirements to permit visits or inspections from public school officials. However, there is also no requirement for the state to provide educational materials, like textbooks or other resources, to homeschool families.
Students who enter or re-enter the public school system from a homeschool environment will be required to take a standardized achievement test. The results of this test may be used to determine credits and/or grade placement for the child.
Because so few homeschool requirements in Oklahoma are actually enforceable by law, chances are that you won't run into too much red tape while educating your child at home. However, potential legal challenges exist, particularly around attendance requirements, college admissions, and returning to the public education system. Should issues arise, the Lento Law Firm is ready to act on your behalf.
Our team has experience working with homeschool providers across the country, and we can help protect your right to homeschool in the state of Oklahoma.
Avoiding Truancy Charges for Homeschooled Children in Oklahoma
Children ages five to 18 in the state of Oklahoma are required to attend school for at least six hours a day and 180 days per year. This law applies to homeschooled students. If you're homeschooling your child, it's essential that you maintain attendance records to avoid facing charges of truancy.
A child is considered truant when they have five or more full-day absences within a single semester. Parents of a truant child can face misdemeanor child neglect charges with fines ranging from $500 to $1200 and punishments of up to 60 days in jail. Children may also be fined for truancy: $50 for the first violation, $100 for the second, and $150 for any additional convictions. Students can also lose their driver's licenses for repeat offenses.
If your homeschool program is having difficulty proving attendance to the state, or if your homeschooled child is facing charges of truancy, the offices of the Lento Law Firm can help. We'll review your attendance records and help ensure you have the right points of contact for verifying records with the state. You'll be sure your case is handled properly every step of the way.
Access to Sports and Clubs for Oklahoma Homeschooled Students
While Oklahoma makes it very easy to homeschool your children, it does not permit homeschooled children to participate in public school sports, clubs, or other interscholastic activities.
There are, however, clubs and associations that exist specifically to give homeschooled children an opportunity to engage in sports and other activities. If your homeschooled child is interested in participating in such a club, check to see what's available in your area.
Immunization Requirements for Homeschool Students in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a required immunization schedule for its public school students, but these requirements do not apply to homeschooled students.
Interscholastic clubs and other organizations may have their own immunization requirements. If you think these requirements may be unjust or unlawful, get in touch with the Lento Law Firm. We can answer your questions about immunizations and vaccines, ensuring your homeschooled child meets eligibility requirements without having their personal rights infringed upon.
Special Education for Homeschooled Children in Oklahoma
Oklahoma does not have any additional requirements for homeschooling a child with special education needs. The state also does not offer any additional resources for homeschooling families with students who have special needs.
If you are providing a homeschool education to a child with special needs, look for local advocacy organizations who may be able to help. These organizations can provide valuable support and resources for homeschooling families. This includes finding grant money to help with educational materials and other services.
Become familiar with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This law attempts to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to appropriate educational services. This includes students who are homeschooled.
The Lento Law Firm can help you find additional resources and/or support for your homeschooled child. We will make sure that your child's rights are being respected and that they are receiving all of the supplemental resources to which they are entitled by law.
Getting a High School Diploma in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, the parents of a homeschooled child determine when their student has met the requirements for graduation. They can then issue their own diploma, as the state of Oklahoma does not provide these to homeschooled students.
Home-issued diplomas are generally just as acceptable as state-awarded diplomas for the purposes of finding employment or enrolling in further education, so long as the diploma is backed by solid records and test results.
This is one of the reasons it's important to keep detailed records of your child's education, even though you're not required to do so by law in the state of Oklahoma. This includes diplomas, test results, attendance records, and even examples of work. Whether your child pursues future employment or further education, these documents will be an important way to demonstrate the quality of their education.
Should employers or colleges refuse to accept your home-issued diploma or your child's other qualifications, contact the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm. We can work with the right contacts at an employer or higher education facility to make sure your home-issued documentation meets any legal standards or requirements for acceptance.
Getting a GED as a Homeschooled Student
Homeschooled students in Oklahoma are eligible for the General Educational Development (GED) test, provided they meet the same standard requirements as public school students. The GED is a nationally standardized certification of a person's educational accomplishments and is regularly accepted as the equivalent of a high school degree. As such, obtaining a GED may open paths for employment or further education.
To be eligible for the GED test, a student must be either 18 years old or as young as 16 and have the written permission of both a parent/guardian and a school administrator. For homeschooled children, this could be the same person. They must also have a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, to prove their identity at the testing center.
If you or your homeschooled student face any challenges taking the GED in the state of Oklahoma, get in touch with the Lento Law Firm right away. We can help you make sure you meet eligibility requirements and that the testing center has all the documentation they need from you.
Taking the SAT or Other Exam as a Homeschooled Student
Homeschooled students are not required to take any standardized testing as part of their education. However, some students may wish to take certain exams, like the SAT or ACT, to help with their college applications or future job search.
Some of these exams, namely the PSAT and NMSQT, will require coordination with your local high school. Others, including the SAT, let you register without involving the school district. Research which tests will be most beneficial to your child's future plans, and contact the Lento Law Firm right away if you feel you're facing any unjust barriers to registering for these tests.
Transcripts for Homeschooled Students
Transcripts are an important tool for applying to colleges, the military, or future workplaces, but as a homeschooling family it will be your responsibility to create these documents yourself.
Your transcripts should include information like the courses taken, their outcomes, a cumulative GPA, and the scores of any standardized testing you chose to participate in.
It's important to know that a homeschool transcript is as valid as a transcript from any other school. If jobs, colleges, or other institutions are refusing to accept your transcript, the Lento Law Firm can help. We'll review your documentation to ensure it meets legal standards and ensure that the other party is aware of the validity of homeschool transcripts in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma's Promise Program and Other Tuition Assistance for Homeschooled Students
Oklahoma has several tuition assistance programs that are available to homeschooled students. Perhaps the best known of these programs is Oklahoma's Promise. It awards full tuition at a public college or university or partial tuition at private schools or technology programs within the state of Oklahoma.
To apply, homeschooled students must be Oklahoma residents and be between the ages of 13 and 16, and their families must be beneath the income cap required for application.
Other state and federal programs are available as well. If you feel you're facing unwarranted difficulty applying for tuition assistance because of your homeschool education, get in touch with the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm to discuss your options.
Defending Your Right to Homeschool in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is one of the homeschool-friendliest schools in the nation. However, families who choose to educate their children at home can still expect some challenges along the way. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is ready to help you overcome these challenges.
We have the experience and resources to answer any questions you have about homeschooling in Oklahoma. We'll be ready to defend your rights as a homeschool provider and ensure your child's rights are protected as well. Call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online for your confidential consultation.
