Homeschooling in Oregon
How to homeschool in Oregon: ESD notification, standardized testing in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10, extracurricular access under ORS 339.460, and more for 2026.
At a Glance
Oregon homeschool law overview
- Compulsory Age
- 6-18
- Notification
- Written notice to ESD within 10 days
- Teacher Qualifications
- None required
- Standardized Testing
- Required in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10
- Extracurricular Access
- Guaranteed by ORS 339.460
- Statute
- ORS 339.030, 339.035
Important Notice
Requirements
What you need to know to start homeschooling in Oregon
Notification to Your Education Service District
Oregon requires homeschool families to notify their local Education Service District (ESD) in writing. Under ORS 339.030 and 339.035, you must file this notification:
- Within 10 days of withdrawing your child from a public or private school
- Within 10 days of the start of the school year if you are continuing to homeschool
- Within 10 days of moving to a new ESD's jurisdiction
Oregon's compulsory attendance law covers children ages 6 through 18. The notification is a simple written statement that you intend to educate your child at home. There is no application or approval process; the ESD does not have the authority to deny your notification. Oregon has 19 Education Service Districts serving different regions of the state, so find yours through the Oregon Department of Education's website.
No Teacher Qualifications Required
Oregon does not require the teaching parent to hold a teaching certificate, college degree, high school diploma, or any other credential. Any parent or legal guardian may educate their child at home.
No Mandatory Subjects or Curriculum
Oregon takes a notably hands-off approach to what you teach. The state does not mandate specific subjects, curriculum, or instructional materials for homeschoolers. You may choose to align with Oregon Content Standards, but doing so is entirely optional. This gives you complete freedom to tailor your educational program to your child's interests, learning style, and goals.
No Attendance or Instructional Hour Requirements
Unlike many states, Oregon does not specify minimum school days, hours of instruction, or attendance requirements for homeschoolers. There is no mandate to teach 180 days or any set number of hours per day. You set your own schedule.
No Recordkeeping Requirements
Oregon does not require homeschool families to maintain attendance records, course logs, or portfolios. However, keeping your own records is highly recommended for college applications, re-enrollment in public school, and tracking your child's progress over time.
Withdrawing from Public School
If your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, the withdrawal process is straightforward:
- Notify your local ESD in writing within 10 days
- Notify the school your child currently attends that you are withdrawing them
- If your child has never attended public or private school, you still must notify the ESD when instruction begins or at the start of the school year
Once you have filed the notification, you can begin homeschooling immediately. No waiting period or approval is needed.
Evaluations
Annual evaluation and assessment options
Standardized Testing Requirements
Oregon requires homeschooled students to take an approved nationally standardized test at the end of grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. Testing must be completed by August 15 of the year in which it is due.
Approved tests include:
- Iowa Assessments
- Stanford Achievement Test
- Terra Nova/CAT (California Achievement Test)
If your child was withdrawn from school, the first test must occur within 18 months of withdrawal, unless the child is younger than grade 3 level. After that, testing follows the standard grade schedule.
Who Pays for Testing?
All costs for the test instrument, administration, and scoring are the responsibility of the parent. Depending on the test and provider, costs typically range from $25 to $75 per student. Many local homeschool groups coordinate group testing sessions to reduce costs and simplify logistics.
What Happens with Test Results?
Test results are submitted to your local ESD. Oregon does not set a minimum score threshold; there is no penalty for low scores, and you will not be required to enroll your child in public school or change your program based on test results. The state uses the results as a record of participation in the testing requirement, not as a measure of your homeschool's adequacy.
This is an important distinction from states like North Dakota, where low scores trigger monitoring. In Oregon, the test is essentially a compliance requirement with no punitive consequences attached to performance.
Financial Resources
Vouchers, scholarships, and tax credits
State Funding for Homeschoolers
Oregon does not currently offer any state-funded financial assistance specifically for homeschool families. There are no:
- Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)
- Voucher programs
- State tax credits or deductions for homeschool expenses
Oregon is one of only a few western states that has not enacted any form of school choice legislation as of early 2026. The Oregon Education Association has actively opposed voucher and ESA proposals, and no bills have advanced through the legislature.
Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Starting 2027)
A federal tax credit scholarship program is set to begin in 2027. Whether Oregon will opt into the program remains to be determined. If the state participates, eligible families could receive scholarship funds for homeschool, private school, and alternative education expenses. Watch for updates from the Oregon Department of Education and homeschool advocacy groups.
Federal Tax Benefits
Oregon homeschool families can take advantage of federal programs:
- Coverdell Education Savings Accounts: Contribute up to $2,000 per year per child and withdraw tax-free for qualifying K-12 expenses, including curriculum, books, supplies, tutoring, and testing fees
- 529 Plans: Oregon's 529 College Savings Plan may allow up to $10,000 per year in tax-free withdrawals for K-12 tuition expenses; consult a tax advisor on applicability to homeschool costs
Public School Resources and Extracurricular Access
One significant financial benefit for Oregon homeschoolers is guaranteed access to public school activities. Under ORS 339.460, homeschooled students have the legal right to participate in interscholastic activities at their local public school, including athletics, music, speech, and other activities. This means you do not need to pay for private league fees or club sports to give your child team sport and performance opportunities.
To qualify, your child must score at or above the 23rd percentile on an approved standardized achievement test. This is a relatively low bar and should not pose a challenge for most students.
Community Resources
Oregon has a robust homeschool community with many co-ops, support groups, and resource-sharing networks across the state. Organizations like the Oregon Christian Home Education Association Network (OCEANetwork) and the Oregon Home Education Network (OHEN) provide curriculum exchanges, group discounts, and cooperative teaching arrangements that can significantly reduce costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about homeschooling in Oregon