Homeschool Law in the United States of America: Oregon

"Home schooling is an educational option in Oregon. Parents who choose to home school their children must register at their local Education Service District (ESD)."

"Each family who decides to homeschool is responsible to know the homeschool law. The law is not difficult, but if you don't follow it, your child could be considered truant and you would be in violation of the compulsory attendance law. OCEANetwork believes that the parent, not government, has the responsibility to educate children. Until such time as the homeschool law is repealed, however, we encourage families to honor the civil authority and obey the law."

"This document is a general summary of laws regarding homeschooling, but does not constitute legal advice. You should read the language of the laws and rules or contact an attorney familiar with homeschooling if you have any questions."

"(1) In the following cases, children shall not be required to attend public full-time schools:
(e) Children being educated in the children's home by a parent or legal guardian."

(2) When a child is taught or is withdrawn from a public school to be taught by a parent, legal guardian or private teacher, as provided in ORS 339.030 (Exemptions from compulsory school attendance), the parent, legal guardian or private teacher must notify the education service district in writing. In addition, when a child who is taught by a parent, legal guardian or private teacher moves to a new education service district, the parent, legal guardian or private teacher shall notify the new education service district in writing. The education service district shall acknowledge receipt of any notification in writing.

(1) Homeschooled students shall not be denied by a school district the opportunity to participate in all interscholastic activities if the student fulfills the following conditions:
(a) The student must meet all school district eligibility requirements with the exception of:
(A) The school districts school or class attendance requirements; and
(B) The class requirements of the voluntary association administering interscholastic activities.

(1) For purposes of the student accounting system required by ORS 339.515, the following definitions shall be used:
(c) 'School dropout' does not include a student described by at least one of the following:
(A) Student has transferred to another educational system or institution that leads to graduation and the school district has received a written request for the transfer of the student's records or transcripts.
(B) Student is deceased.
(C) Student is participating in home instruction paid for by the district.
(D) Student is being taught by a private teacher, parent, or legal guardian pursuant to ORS 339.030 (1)(c) or (d).

(4) When a child is taught or is withdrawn from a public or private school to be taught by a parent, legal guardian or private teacher, as provided in ORS 339.030 (1)(c) or (d), the parent, legal guardian or private teacher must notify the education service district in writing within 10 days of such occurrence. In addition, when a child who is taught by a parent, legal guardian or private teacher moves to a new education service district, the parent shall notify the new education service district in writing within 10 days of such occurrence of their intent to continue home schooling.

(2) Notice Requirements:
(a) Parents shall notify the ESD superintendent of intent to home school a child with a disability in accordance with OAR 581-021-0026
(1)(f) and (4).
(b) The ESD superintendent shall notify the district if the ESD receives notice that a parent intends to home school a child with a disability.
(c) The district shall provide written notice to the parent that it stands ready to provide a free appropriate public education if the child enrolls in the district. This notice shall be provided annually as long as:
(A) The child remains eligible for special education; and
(B) The child is exempt from compulsory education as a home schooled child; and
(C) The child is not receiving special education and related services from the district.

(1) A home school student may participate in interscholastic activities in his or her resident district's attendance area if the student meets all of the requirements of ORS 339.460 and:
(a) Achieves a composite test score that is not less than the 23rd percentile on any of the annual achievement tests listed in OAR 581-021-0026; and
(b) Submits the student's composite test score to the district prior to participation in an interscholastic activity.