homeschool requirements by state
Homeschool in Oregon — Laws, Requirements, and How to Start
Oregon is a moderate homeschool state that requires families to file annual notification with their local Education Service District (ESD) and have homeschooled students tested in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 with a nationally normed standardized test. Oregon does not require a minimum score, does not require results to be submitted to the state, and does not mandate specific subjects or teacher qualifications. Families in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, and across Oregon’s 36 counties operate under a framework that establishes accountability through testing without imposing subject mandates or score thresholds.
Oregon families looking for structured, faith-based education can explore Zion Academy’s full range of Oregon curriculum and programs serving students in all 50 states.
What Are the Oregon Homeschool Legal Requirements?
Oregon’s homeschool statute is found in Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 339.035. The law establishes three primary requirements for homeschool compliance: annual notification to the local Education Service District, compulsory instruction for children ages 6 through 18, and standardized testing at four grade levels. Oregon imposes no curriculum approval process, no teacher certification requirement, and no minimum test score.
Notification Requirement
Oregon parents must file written notification with the Education Service District (ESD) in their region before beginning homeschool instruction. Notification must be filed annually. Each of Oregon’s 19 ESD regions has its own notification process — most accept written notice by mail or email. The notification identifies the child being homeschooled and confirms the parent’s intent to provide home instruction. Oregon law does not require curriculum submission or approval as part of the notification process.
Required Subjects
Oregon does not specify a list of required subjects for homeschoolers. The statute requires only that children between the ages of 6 and 18 receive instruction during the compulsory school period. Parents are free to determine the curriculum, subject areas, and teaching methods used in their homeschool. No agency reviews or approves curriculum content.
Standardized Testing
Oregon requires homeschooled students to take a nationally normed standardized test in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. Families are responsible for selecting the test, arranging administration by a qualified neutral party, and paying testing fees. Commonly used tests include the Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test, and California Achievement Test. Oregon does not require a minimum score — students simply complete the test. Results are kept by the parent and are not submitted to the ESD or the Oregon Department of Education.
Attendance Requirements
Oregon requires compulsory instruction for all children ages 6 through 18. Oregon does not specify a minimum number of instructional days or hours for homeschoolers. Families establish their own school calendar and daily schedule.
Teacher Qualifications
Oregon does not require homeschooling parents to hold a teaching certificate, college degree, or any credential. Any parent may legally provide home instruction in Oregon.
Record Keeping
Oregon does not require homeschool families to submit records to any government agency. Maintaining organized records of curriculum, coursework, testing results, and instructional time is strongly recommended for re-enrollment, dual enrollment, and college admission purposes.
How to Start Homeschooling in Oregon
Starting homeschool in Oregon involves three clear steps: withdrawing from public school if applicable, filing notification with the local ESD, and selecting a curriculum. Families must also plan for standardized testing at the appropriate grade levels.
Step 1 — Withdraw from Public School
If your child currently attends an Oregon public school, notify the school in writing that your child is withdrawing to homeschool. Include the child’s name, grade, and effective withdrawal date. Request copies of academic records for your home file. Oregon school districts cannot require curriculum submission or approval before permitting withdrawal.
Step 2 — File Notification with Your ESD
Contact the Education Service District that serves your region to obtain the correct notification form or process. Oregon has 19 ESDs, each covering a geographic region. For example, families in the Portland metro file with Multnomah ESD; families in the Eugene area file with Lane ESD; families in the Salem area file with Willamette ESD. Submit your notification before beginning instruction and renew it each school year. Find your ESD at the Oregon Department of Education website (oregon.gov/ode).
Step 3 — Choose a Curriculum
Select a curriculum that provides instruction appropriate for your child’s grade level. Oregon imposes no curriculum requirements, giving parents complete freedom of choice. Zion Academy of America provides a fully accredited, faith-based K-12 online curriculum with structured coursework in all core subject areas, including preparation for standardized testing in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. Oregon online homeschool
Step 4 — Plan for Standardized Testing
Schedule standardized testing for students in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. Select a nationally normed test and arrange administration through an approved testing center, certified proctor, or qualified neutral party. Oregon does not specify which nationally normed test must be used. Keep the completed test results in your home files — they are not submitted to the ESD or state.
Homeschool Funding and Resources in Oregon
Oregon does not currently offer a statewide Education Savings Account (ESA), voucher program, or homeschool-specific tax deduction. Homeschool families in Oregon bear the full cost of curriculum, testing fees, and educational materials. Several organizations support Oregon homeschoolers with community and legal resources.
Oregon Organizations
Oregon Home Education Network (OHEN) is the primary statewide organization for Oregon homeschoolers, providing legislative advocacy, community resources, and an events calendar. Home Education Research Institute (HERI) and other regional groups support families in the Portland metro, Willamette Valley, and Southern Oregon. OHEN monitors Oregon’s ESD notification system and alerts members to any proposed changes in ORS 339.035.
Co-ops and Support Groups
Homeschool co-ops operate throughout the Portland metro, Eugene, Salem, Medford, Bend, and other Oregon communities. Co-ops provide group instruction, science labs, physical education, and extracurricular activities. OHEN maintains a regional support group directory covering all parts of Oregon.
Dual Enrollment
Oregon law allows homeschooled students to participate in public school courses and extracurricular activities on a part-time basis. Participation is subject to school district policies and available space. Contact your local school district to inquire about dual enrollment options in your area.
HSLDA Membership
The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) supports Oregon homeschoolers with legal advocacy and monitors Oregon’s notification and testing requirements. HSLDA membership is valuable for navigating any disputes with an ESD or school district.
Frequently Asked Questions — Homeschooling in Oregon
The following questions address the most common concerns Oregon families raise when starting or continuing a homeschool program.
Where do I file my homeschool notification in Oregon?
Oregon homeschool notifications are filed with the Education Service District (ESD) that serves your region — not with individual school districts or the Oregon Department of Education. Oregon has 19 ESD regions. Contact your regional ESD directly to obtain the current notification form or process. Notification must be filed annually before beginning instruction.
What grades require standardized testing in Oregon?
Oregon requires standardized testing in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. The test must be nationally normed. Families select the specific test, arrange administration by a neutral third party, and pay the testing fees. No minimum score is required, and results are not submitted to the ESD or the Oregon Department of Education.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Oregon?
Oregon does not specify required subjects for homeschoolers. The law requires only that children ages 6 through 18 receive instruction during the compulsory school period. Parents have complete freedom to choose the curriculum and subject areas used in their homeschool program.
Does Oregon require homeschooled students to score above a certain level on standardized tests?
No. Oregon requires only that students complete the standardized test at the designated grade levels — grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. No minimum score is required, and results are not reported to any government agency. The testing requirement is a documentation step, not a performance gate.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects our understanding of current homeschool laws as of 2026. Homeschool laws, regulations, and funding programs change frequently at the state, county, and district level. This page does not constitute legal advice. Families should verify current requirements directly with their state’s department of education, consult HSLDA.org for up-to-date legal guidance, or speak with a qualified attorney before making educational decisions based on this information.
Zion Academy Is Accepted in Oregon
Zion Academy of America is a fully accredited, K-12 Christian online homeschool academy serving families throughout Oregon. Zion’s structured curriculum prepares students across all core subject areas with rigorous academics that support strong performance on Oregon’s standardized testing requirement at grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. Oregon families receive complete academic records, progress reports, and an accredited diploma upon graduation.
Families in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Medford, Bend, and across Oregon’s rural counties choose Zion Academy for its accredited academics, Christian foundation, and full compliance with Oregon’s ESD notification and testing requirements.