Yes, homeschooling is legal in Oregon under ORS 339.035, allowing parents to educate children at home. The state mandates annual notification to the local Education Service District (ESD) and standardized testing or assessment by grade 3, 5, 8, and 10. Compliance with Oregon’s compulsory education laws is required, with oversight from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Oregon
- Annual Notification: Parents must submit a one-time notice of intent to homeschool to their local ESD, including the child’s name, age, and address. Renewal is not required unless the child enrolls in public school.
- Assessment Requirements: Homeschooled students must undergo standardized testing or an approved alternative assessment in specified grades. Results are submitted to the ESD but are not publicly disclosed.
- Curriculum Standards: Instruction must align with Oregon’s Common Core standards or equivalent. Subjects include reading, writing, math, science, history, and physical education.
Local ESDs monitor compliance, and non-compliance may trigger investigations by the ODE. Recent 2026 legislative shifts emphasize digital literacy inclusion in homeschool curricula, requiring updates to lesson plans. Parents should consult their ESD for district-specific guidance to avoid penalties.