Homeschool Law in the United States of America: Kentucky

"From time to time, for a variety of academic and non-academic reasons, parents believe that their children would achieve at a higher level if they were taught by the parents at home, or home-schooled. While professional educators believe that home-schooling a child is an overwhelming undertaking and urge caution in deciding about their children's education, people who proceed with home schooling need information and assistance to become knowledgeable about what requirements, legal and otherwise, pertain to the establishment and daily operation of a home school."

"The Kentucky constitution establishes the prerogatives of the parents to choose the formal education for the child. Therefore, parents may choose to homeschool their child. KRS Ann. 159.010(2)

If a parent chooses this option, they take complete responsibility for educating their child .The parent/guardian selects the curriculum and educational materials. There is no state financial assistance for families who choose this option.
For details on Kentucky laws regarding Homeschools please see the information packet available in useful links and documents."

"My hope is that Homeschooling in the Bluegrass brings you support and encouragement as you wade through all the academic choices and social options available to homeschool families. If you are new to the homeschool scene, or if you are considering homeschooling, I would like it to give you the information and inspiration you need to get a solid start. I also hope Homeschooling in the Bluegrass provides a means of connection for homeschool families and homeschool groups to share their ideas on how to provide the best possible homeschool experience for children in the Bluegrass."

Kentucky laws and forms.

"In Kentucky, home schools are considered to be non-public schools. The laws relating to non-public schools also apply to home schools. The following are the minimal requirements for operating a home school in Kentucky and the legal authority upon which these requirements are based."

Any child is exempt
1(a): "Who is enrolled and in regular attendance in a private, parochial, or church regular day school."

"Attendance . . . shall be kept by the authorities . . ., and such school authorities shall make attendance and scholarship reports in the same manner as is required by law. . . . Such schools shall at all times be open to inspection by directors of pupil personnel and officials of the Department of Education."

"The principal or teacher in charge of any public, private, or parochial school shall report to the superintendent of schools of the district in which the school is situated the names, ages, and places of residence of all pupils in attendance at his school, together with any other facts that the superintendent may require to facilitate carrying out the laws relating to compulsory attendance and employment of children.
The reports shall be made within two (2) weeks of the beginning of each school year."

"Private and parochial schools shall be taught in the English language and shall offer instruction in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of the state, consistent with KRS 156.445(3). Except in those school districts operating a year-round school program, the term of the school shall not be for a
shorter period in each year than the term of the public school provided in the district in which the child attending the school resides. In those school districts which are operating a year-round school program, the minimum term of private and parochial schools shall be one hundred eighty-five (185) days."