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Homeschooling in Oklahoma: Guidance for Getting Started
If you are a parent considering homeschooling in Oklahoma or are a current Oklahoma homeschooler, this comprehensive guide has everything you need.
We answer the most commonly asked questions about getting started in Oklahoma as a homeschooler, including what the state requires, the best homeschool curriculum resources, what you can expect in the day-to-day of homeschooling, and even what field trips are favorites in the Sooner State.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not written as legal advice. Check with your local school board and official Oklahoma laws before making decisions about educating your children.
Is it easy to homeschool in Oklahoma?
Homeschooling in Oklahoma is actually quite easy. In fact, the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) has designated it a no-notice, low-regulation state. This designation means that Oklahoma is one of the least restrictive homeschool states in America! In fact, Oklahoma is the only state to include the right to homeschool in its state constitution.
In addition to the freedom and autonomy you can expect as an Oklahoma Homeschooler, you’ll find that homeschooling is a popular choice for families in the Sooner state. A recent US Census Bureau survey revealed that Oklahoma had the fourth-highest increase in students making the transition to homeschooling since 2019.
What are the Homeschooling Requirements In Oklahoma?
The State of Oklahoma does not require any notification, reporting, or testing for homeschooling families. As long as you meet the state minimum days of instruction each year (180 days) you are legally able to homeschool in any manner you choose, with no reporting requirements.
How many days are required for homeschool in Oklahoma?
What are the homeschool hour requirements in Oklahoma?
Do you have to be certified to homeschool in Oklahoma?
Who is eligible for homeschooling in Oklahoma?
Is unschooling legal in Oklahoma?
Can I homeschool someone else's child in Oklahoma?
At what age is school mandatory in Oklahoma?
How long can you homeschool a child?
Do homeschoolers have to take standardized tests in Oklahoma?
There are no testing requirements at all, for any homeschool grade level, in Oklahoma.
Getting Starting with Homeschooling in Oklahoma
Because there is virtually zero regulation, oversight, or requirements for Oklahoma homeschoolers, you have the freedom to homeschool in any way you see fit. For many parents, this freedom is a huge relief. But, it can also feel daunting to know what you need for homeschooling and where to start.
We recommend that you begin to build your homeschool knowledge with our 101 Guide to Getting Started as a Homeschooler.
Homeschool Curriculum Resources
It is natural, when first getting started, to focus on the curriculum itself and what you want to teach. We recommend however, that you take some time to consider the big picture first.
What do I need to homeschool my child in Oklahoma?
As you begin to plan for homeschooling your child, you will likely discover that creating a day-to-day routine and plan for learning is essential. Here are two videos to help you prepare.
We also recommend that you designate a specific area in your home for your homeschool supplies, books, and learning resources. It is not necessary to have a dedicated room for homeschooling! In fact, many families report the dining room table or living room couch as their primary school area.
Next, you’ll need to choose resources for learning in your homeschool. Your choice should reflect the subjects you hope to teach and your preferred approach to learning.
Do you have to have a curriculum when homeschooling in Oklahoma?
There are no curriculum, or even subject requirements, for homeschooling in Oklahoma. You are free to choose the learning resources you feel work best for your child, and the academic subjects you wish to include.
Looking for homeschool curriculum resources can be an overwhelming task, especially without any guidance from the state. Although legally you are allowed to homeschool without any requirements, having an engaging and comprehensive curriculum makes homeschooling so much easier!
The Sonlight All-Subjects Package has everything you need to homeschool in Oklahoma, guiding you as you confidently provide a rich and appealing learning experience for your child.
You may also be wondering about online homeschool programs. While online learning certainly has a place in homeschooling, there are invaluable benefits to Sonlight’s Literature Based Approach. The compelling nature of literature is the basis of Sonlight curriculum options. Sonlight creates an engaging environment for growing young minds through the power of story.
Can you skip kindergarten in Oklahoma?
Because school is compulsory beginning at age 5, some sort of kindergarten homeschool experience is required in Oklahoma. You do, however, have the anatomy to choose what and how your child learns in their kindergarten year.
For homeschooling prior to first grade, Sonlight offers the following programs for early learning:
Must-see Oklahoma Field Trips for Homeschoolers
Field trips are a fun and dynamic way to bring learning to life for our children. As a homeschooler in Oklahoma, you have a variety of field trip options to consider.
Take a look at some of the most popular field trips for homeschoolers in Oklahoma:
- Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center
- Oklahoma City Museum of Art
- Fort Gibson
- No Man’s Land Museum
- Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
- Blue Zoo Aquarium
- Oklahoma City National Memorial
- Toy and Action Figure Museum
- Sequoyah’s Cabin
- Pioneer Woman Museum
With such a fascinating state history, Oklahoma has so many opportunities for learning beyond the walls of your home. As you complete field trips in your homeschool, we help you document your learning with our free printable field trip log. This is an excerpt from the Sonlight homeschool planner and a great way to keep track of all of your field trip learning.
Financial Considerations for Homeschooling in Oklahoma
There is a wide range of financial flexibility for Oklahoma homeschoolers.
On average, it costs between $500 to $2500 a year to homeschool one child, but how much will it cost you? There are many factors to consider when creating your homeschool budget.
How much does it cost to homeschool in Oklahoma?
While curriculum and other learning resources are typically the greatest expense, another cost to take into account is the potential loss of a parent’s income. Most families choose to have one parent give up full time employment in order to best meet the needs of homeschooling.
Looking for more information about what to expect financially as an Oklahoma homeschooler? Our comprehensive guide, How Much Does Homeschooling Cost? will help.
Does Oklahoma pay for homeschooling?
There is no state funding, vouchers, or grants available for Oklahoma homeschoolers. However, Oklahoma is one of a handful of states that provide a tax credit for homeschooling families. This tax credit is currently $1000.00 per child, per tax year.
If cost is a concern, these suggestions will help you save money and avoid the financial stress of homeschooling:
- If you are homeschooling multiple children, choose a curriculum that you can use for the whole family.
- Learn what money-back guarantees and payment plans are available.
- Be certain your homeschool program is truly worth the expense.
How can I homeschool in Oklahoma for free?
While you can certainly homeschool for free in Oklahoma, you will want to consider the time and effort needed to cultivate the resources you need to create a comprehensive education for your child. The most common resources for free homeschooling in Oklahoma include the local library and resources available for free on the Internet.
It sounds amazing to be able to homeschool for free, but this choice is costly in other ways. Spending nothing in your homeschool likely means you will instead spend a significant amount of time searching for free resources and creating lesson plans from scratch. While this approach saves money, there is a substantial cost in terms of the amount of effort, time, and energy necessary to ensure you are providing a comprehensive education for your child.
Rather than focusing on homeschooling for free, we suggest that you choose the very best curriculum program you can afford. This will allow you the support and guidance you need as you get started, as well as the confidence in knowing that your child is getting a holistic and engaging education.
Partnering with Schools in Oklahoma
While some states allow homeschoolers to participate in part-time educational programs and other interscholastic activities provided by public schools, Oklahoma does not. This means that as a homeschooler in Oklahoma, you will not have access to school programs of any kind for your child.
If you are looking for resources to help you fill the gaps as you move from public school to homeschooling, these videos have tips and encouragement to help you successfully make the transition.
Christian Homeschooling in Oklahoma
Many families make the choice to homeschool in the hopes of weaving religious education into everyday learning. For example, Christian homeschoolers typically incorporate Bible texts as a part of their homeschool curriculum, Christian biographies included as reading requirements, learning and discussions across all subjects through the lens of faith, and prayer incorporated into the homeschool day.
We are happy to suggest Sonlight as a curriculum for Christian homeschoolers. Not only does Sonlight these Christian approaches woven into the learning, Sonlight is the standard for Christian homeschool curriculum with its literature-based perspective.
In addition, Christian homeschoolers in Oklahoma also have access to Homeschool Oklahoma, a community dedicated to Christian homeschooling in the state. They offer learning resources, homeschool graduations, and family events and activities throughout the year.
Finding Homeschool Community in Oklahoma
One way to make your homeschool journey more successful and enjoyable is by connecting with other homeschool families. Finding like-minded homeschoolers can open up opportunities to participate in homeschool co-ops, group learning activities, organized field trips, and provide support and encouragement along the way.
For local support groups and events, the Homeschool Oklahoma website has resources for connecting locally across the state.
It is also incredibly valuable to find a homeschool mentor to help as you navigate the highs and lows of homeschooling. Mentors can be a wonderful support through all of your years of homeschooling, especially as you get started.
Sonlight is another great resource for connecting with other homeschoolers. Use our Sonlight Connections Page to find in-person, local homeschool groups in Oklahoma. You can also request to join our Sonlight Connections Facebook group and connect with homeschoolers in Oklahoma and all over the globe!
Homeschooling High School in Oklahoma
When your homeschooled child begins the high school years in Oklahoma, you will find that state requirements and expectations do not change. Homeschooling high school in Oklahoma has the same level of autonomy and flexibility as any other grade level, all the way up through graduation.
Because there are no specific subject requirements for Oklahoma homeschoolers, you will determine what your child learns and which subjects will be covered in order to graduate. While this freedom is marvelous, many parents are also concerned about what subjects need to be covered in order to complete a high school transcript and be eligible for post-secondary educational institutions.
One place to start is in the Oklahoma state requirements for public and private school graduation.
These requirements include:
- 4 years - English (grammar, composition, literature; courses should include an integrated writing component)
- 3 years - Lab science (biology, chemistry, physics or any lab science)
- 3 years - Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, math analysis, pre-calculus, statistics, and probability)
- 3 years - History and Citizenship
- 2 years - Foreign Language or Computer Technology
- 1 year - Additional course from any of the subjects listed above or psychology or sociology
- 1 year - Fine arts (music, art, drama) or Speech
While Oklahoma law does not require homeschoolers to complete this specific coursework in the high school years, these requirements must be accounted for in order to gain acceptance into any state college or university. Sonlight has high school programs available that not only meet these requirements but also create a rich and engaging learning environment for your child.
High School Transcripts
Because you will be creating your high schooler’s transcript, Sonlight has created a variety of resources to help.
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