Common Questions
Common questions and answers about Home Schooling in Oregon and Multnomah Education Service District's (MESD) program for home school notification.
Requirements
Q: What are the requirements to home school my child?
First, provide written notice of your intent to Home School your child. A notification form can be downloaded from the link provided here.Second, provide instruction in the course of study ordinarily taught in public schools.
Third, have your child tested at the end of grades 3, 5, 8 and 10. The first test is due 18 months after notification. If your child has never attended school he/she must be tested at the end of 3rd grade.
Provide Written Notice
Q: When must I register my child for Home Schooling and how do I go about it?
If your child is 7 - 18 years of age, you must notify the MESD in writing if you choose not to enroll your child in school. If you withdraw your child during the school year, you must notify the MESD in writing at least 10 days of withdrawal.
Q: Must I notify the MESD if my child returns to private or public school or if we move out of the area?
Although it is not required, it keeps records up-to-date.
Q: Must I notify my child's school prior to removing him/her for home schooling?
No, however, we suggest you notify the school principal.
Q: What information goes in my written notice?
The information requested on the Home School Notification Form is on this web page.
Provide Instruction
Q: What curriculum requirements do I follow when Home School my child?
You are encouraged to set up a curriculum similar to the course of study pursued in the public schools.
Q: Where do I get textbooks and find out what standards must be met?
Local school districts are not required to furnish textbooks or curriculum guides. Some of them, depending on their policy, do provide materials. Also, commercial companies sell textbooks and curriculum materials. Purchasing textbooks and materials is the parent's responsibility. Support groups may be able to help you.
Q: Can Home School children attend a particular class or classes at their local district?
Many districts do offer classes and learning opportunities designed to meet the needs of Home School children. Please check with your local district.
Q: Can my child participate in interscholastic activities such as athletics, choir and band providing he/she meets eligibility criteria.
For students interested in interscholastic activities, please contact your local school district for eligibility requirements.
Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) requires any student participating in athletics notify their local esd within ten days of withdrawal and prior to the first day of the school year. Tests must be submitted at the end (by August 15) of each school year in order to participate in any activities the following year.
Q: May my child receive academic credit and/or graduate?
School districts are not required to award credit toward graduation for work completed while being home schooled. However, many school districts will work with the parent and child to create opportunities for earning credit toward graduation. Please check with your local district.
Q. What if my child is registered with a correspondence school?
Even if your child is taking classes through a correspondence school, you must still notify the MESD as they are considered a home schooled student per State of Oregon Law.
Submit Test Results
Q: When do I have to submit my child's test results?
Testing must occur by the end of grades 3, 5, 8 and 10 ending August 15th. For new home school students, the first examination must be taken at least 18 months after notifying the MESD. If the child never attended school, the first examination must be taken prior to the end of the 3rd grade.
While the law states you are required to test your child only at grades 3, 5, 8 and 10, MESD would encourage annual testing to better monitor your child's academic progress. MESD will be happy to maintain all test scores as part of the student's home school record.
Q: Can I purchase and administer the required test to my child or will the local school administer the test?
State-approved tests may only be administered by an qualified, neutral test administrator. Local districts may administer tests, but are not required to do so.
Q: Where can my child be tested:
You can contact the Oregon Department of Education for a list of qualified testers. Or you may call the Oregon Department of Education at 1-503-378-3600 - office of curriculum.Q: What happens if test results indicate that my child is not making satisfactory educational progress?
If a child scores below the 15th percentile on their first test, they will be given the opportunity to take the test in the two succeeding years. If the child still scores below the recommended percentile, the MESD may give the parent the choice of being tutored by a certified teacher or may remand the child back to school.
Still have questions - contact Jodi Seaburn at 503-257-1651 or e-mail at jseaburn@mesd.k12.or.us
For further information concerning home school laws please contact the Oregon Department of Education
The MESD acknowledges all correspondence including notification and submitted tests
The MESD may not accept faxed notification forms
