State laws change from time to time and though we try to keep the laws up-to-date at all times please check with the department of education for any changes that may have occurred.
You live in Oregon and you’re considering educating your child at home, or perhaps you plan to move to Oregon and want to continue offering your children the best home-based education; if you want to know how to start homeschooling in Oregon, you’ve come to the right place! Read on and you’ll find specific details related to Oregon homeschool laws and, to make sure you’ll be informed all the way, a selection of the best Oregon-related homeschooling websites and an infographic and video to create a homeschool that thrives.
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The Beaver State
This beautiful Western state is very geographically diverse, making for some of US’ most memorable landscapes. However, there’s more to Oregon than just breathtaking views – actually, it’s got everything for everyone.
Crater Lake National Park, Cannon Beach, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, the Ecola State Park and the Columbia River Gorge are all wonderful places where mountains, forests, and the beautiful Pacific can be observed in all their splendor. You’ve got plenty of hiking opportunities, and, if you’re lucky, you can even spot some of Oregon’s wildlife, including wolves, beavers, owls and condors.
History buffs will love exploring the High Desert Museum, in Bend, and the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, in Baker City. The Oregon Historical Society Museum, in Portland, and the Camp 18 Museum, in Seaside, are also great places to learn about Oregon and US history.
The Oregon Air and Space Museum, in Eugene, is a great place for science lovers to explore some of US most impressive technological feats, and kids can get their hands dirty at the ScienceWorks Hands on Museum, in Ashland.
Art enthusiasts can explore the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, in Eugene, or the eccentric Bear Hotel Artworks Museum, in Grants Pass.
Oregon Homeschool Laws
The first thing you’ll need to do if you plan to homeschool in Oregon is to file a notice of intent with your local Education Service District. You only have to do this once, within 10 days after you withdraw your children from the public school, or after you moved to a new ESD.
There are no compulsory qualifications, subjects, instruction time and bookkeeping requirements. However, you’ll need to have your children tested in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10. You’ll have to test your children within 18 months after you’ve withdrawn them from the public school, and you’ll have to pay for the test.
If your children score below the 15th percentile, they will be tested again the next year. If the situation doesn’t improve, you’ll be required to work with a supervising teacher, and your children will have to take some extra tests. You can read more about this procedure here.
Homeschool laws in Oregon require special needs children to have an individual instruction plan, and their assessment requirements have to be modified according to their specific condition. Again, you can read more in the link above.
Homeschool children may usually be enrolled part-time in the local public school, and they can also participate in extracurricular activities.
Oregon Homeschool Friendliness Grade: C
Though the homeschooling legislation in Oregon is not stuffier than the average, the detailed and lengthy assessment requirements drop the homeschool friendliness grade to a C. However, there’s nothing absurd or excessively demanding. This means you’ll still be able to homeschool your children with relatively few legal concerns, if you’re serious about homeschooling – and if you’re not, why bother homeschooling?
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Oregon shouldn’t be too difficult, if you’re determined to provide your children with the best education possible. Make sure you assess them regularly, and take full advantage of the many learning opportunities the Beaver State provides.
For any questions on how to homeschool in Oregon, the vibrant homeschooling community is always available, regardless of your region, religion or homeschooling experience. Get in touch with fellow Oregon home schoolers and take part in the many homeschooling events in your area – you and your children will love learning your own way!
Home Schooling in Oregon: Resources
Here’s a selection of websites related to homeschooling in Oregon:
http://www.responsiblehomeschooling.org/policy-issues/current-policy/
http://www.ohen.org/ - this is a great group dedicated to families who homeschool in Oregon. You’ll find plenty of homeschool-related information and resources, and you’ll have the chance to get together with fellow Oregon home schoolers
https://homeschoolpdx.com/ - this is a Portland-based homeschooling group, and the blogging section is pretty interesting, too