The state says. •Teach thoroughly and on a regular schedule.•Teach long enough to carry out your plan.•The attendance law covers the part of the year when public schools are open.•None of the rules sets a number of days or hours.

You do. 1.Set your own calendar and daily schedule.2.Keep each child's portfolio up to date.•It is the record that shows the teaching happened.

The state says. •There is one way: a home school.•The child's own parent or legal guardian runs it.•You may not teach other families' children in it.•You tell OSSE, the District's state education office.

You do. •File the form with OSSE yourself.•The parent or legal guardian who will teach is the one who files.

Where. Step 1 of Do the steps

The state says. •From age 5 until age 18.•A child who turns 5 by September 30 counts that school year.

You do. •Check each child who is 5 by September 30 and not yet 18.•Each one must be in a school or in your home school.

The state says. •Yes, then every year.•File a form online with OSSE, the District's state education office.•It is called the Notification of Intent to Homeschool.•File it at least 15 business days before you start.•Business days skip Saturdays, Sundays and District holidays.•Each year after, file a Notification of Homeschool Continuation by August 15.

You do. 1.Sign in to the District's HomeSchool website.2.Fill in your details and each child's details.3.Upload your diploma or GED, or ask for a waiver.4.Wait for the email that says OSSE approved it.5.Keep the verification letter OSSE sends.

Where. Step 1 of Do the steps

The state says. •Yes.•The parent or legal guardian who teaches needs a high school diploma.•Or the equal of one, like a GED.•Without one, you may ask OSSE for a waiver.•A waiver is a yes to skip that rule.•You must show you can give thorough, regular teaching.

You do. 1.Upload a copy of your diploma or GED when you file.2.Have one but can't find it? The form lets you answer "Yes, but not available."•Then you may send a waiver request.3.No diploma? Fill out the waiver request in the same form.•OSSE must get it within 7 calendar days of filing your notice.•Calendar days count Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.4.OSSE lists examples of proof, like a sign-up in an accredited program, a co-op sign-up, or a plan for the first 90 days.5.

The state says. Teach at least these eight subjects:•language arts•math•science•social studies•art•music•health•physical education•You choose the books and the way you teach.

You do. •Plan a year that covers all eight.•The Academic Planner shows what colleges expect on top of that.

The state says. •No test is required.•Your child may take the public school's yearly tests for free.•That is the public school your child could attend.•You can get the results, to see how your child is doing.

You do. •Skip testing if you like.•To join the public school tests, ask your neighborhood public school for the dates.

The state says. •The home school rules do not mention shots.•The District's shot law covers children who attend a school or licensed child care.•The law's list of schools does not name a home school.

You do. •You send no shot records to OSSE.•Keep each child's shot record at home.•Give it to a school or child care only if your child enrolls there.