How Ohio Families Can Enroll at Enlightium Academy

Enlightium Academy is an approved private Christian school that is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Enlightium has served homeschool, online, and co-op school students in K-12 since 2003. In general, state institutions recognize Enlightium Academy as an out-of-state private school that allows students to transfer in or transfer out to public and private schools. Enlightium Academy provides our families with standard information about their state’s requirements, and parents are encouraged to review their state’s requirements at hslda.org/legal and/or the Ohio Department of Education, as educational policies are subject to change over time.

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.; however, with the freedom to educational opportunities comes a responsibility to understand and fulfill legal requirements. This can be worrisome, yet you’re not alone in this endeavor. Enlightium Academy is here to help! 

Please note that the resources below serve as a starting point for your family; it is important that you research Ohio’s requirements.

As you review your state’s homeschooling requirements, please keep in mind that Enlightium Academy holds dual accreditation from Cognia and ACSI. This enables us to serve students in all 50 states, providing an accredited education that leads to a high school diploma recognized nationwide. 

‍

Ohio’s Homeschooling Requirements at a Glance

Homeschooling Options = Option 1: Homeschooling under Ohio’s homeschool statute

State Educational Funds = Yes

Does the Parent Need to Notify the State? = Yes

Academic Calendar Requirement = No

Reporting Age Requirement = 6-18

Instructor Qualifications = No

Required Subjects = Yes

Standardized Assessment = No

Immunization Requirement = No

Keep a Portfolio = Yes

Enlightium Parents App with Group for Ohio Families = Yes

‍

Notifying the State

Under Option 1, the parent would need to follow the homeschooling requirements of submitting a notice of intent to the resident school district superintendent by August 30th every year or within five calendar days after commencing home education, moving into a new school district, or withdrawing from a public or nonpublic school. You can also find a sample notice of intent to homeschool here.

‍

State Educational Funds

The state of Ohio provides up to $250 in tax credit per student on qualifying home education expenses for homeschoolers. Learn more about this program, the qualifying expenses, eligibility, and more at this website. 

‍

Academic Calendar

The Ohio State Department of Education does not require a minimum number of hours of instruction each school year. Enlightium’s school calendar has 180 school days (around 210 days with summer school). Additionally, students have access to the courses 24/7 for most days of the school year, including weekends and holidays.

‍

Age Requirement

Ages five or younger:

Students are not required to attend school, but they can enroll in primary school at Enlightium Academy to get a head start and be ready for kindergarten.

Aged six on or before the first day of school in the local school district:

Students must continue their education at a school of their parents’ choice until they turn 18 years old; this includes enrolling at Enlightium Academy.

‍

Instructor Qualifications

The Ohio Department of Education does not require students to have teachers with specific credentials or qualifications. 

As a part of Enlightium Academy’s dual accreditation, Enlightium teachers are state and/or ACSI-certified. A number of our faculty members have Master's and Doctorate degrees in their fields. 

Students in the Book-Based Program use book-based Christian curricula from AOP or BJU Press, while students in the Online Program use a digital Christian curriculum. Finally, students in the Sapphire Live program use a collection of the best curriculum options on the market. Each curriculum includes Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and elective courses. Click here to learn about the curriculum used at Enlightium Academy and to find the curriculum option that works best for your family.

‍

Required Subjects

Under Option 1, the Ohio Department of Education requires home education students to take the following subjects:

• English/Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Social Studies/History/Government
• Science

The above subjects are core courses at Enlightium Academy and should be assigned by your student’s counselor. 

‍

Standardized Assessment

The Ohio Department of Education does not require a standardized test for homeschooled students. However, Enlightium provides multiple assessment options to help you see how your student is progressing per a given grade level:

• Grades PreK-8: IXL diagnostic assessments or Iowa Complete Annual Assessment; you can also opt out of an assessment
• Grades 9-12: Guidance for college-preparatory assessments such as the PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT

‍

Immunization Requirement

Immunization is not required in the state of Ohio, but you should have your exemptions or immunizations documented and on file. 

‍

Keep a Portfolio

You may need to provide your state with additional information, so please keep a digital record every year you are enrolled at Enlightium Academy, which should include the following:

• Attendance - Enlightium provides your family with progress reports via email. You can screenshot the details in these emails to show attendance.
• Curriculum information and samples - Enlightium provides its families with both curriculum overviews by grade level and samples by course.
• Academic plans - Enlightium Academy counselors provide academic plans during the admission process for each of our four divisions of grades: primary school (PreK-2), elementary school (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12).
• Grades - Enlightium provides report cards for all students at the end of each quarter. Transcripts are available upon request.
• Test scores - This can include occasional screenshots of test scores and/or standardized assessment scores.
• Academic Awards - Enlightium provides qualifying students with certificates for Honor Roll, Scholar’s List, Dean’s List, Outstanding Improvement, and the Presidential Award.
• Social/Competition Achievements - Enlightium holds social events and competitions throughout the school year, such as art competitions and involvement in the Student Council.

‍

Enlightium Parents App with Group for Ohio Families

Enlightium Academy has an app and a desktop platform for families of currently enrolled students. Within this app is a group just for families living in Ohio to inform and support each other in fulfilling your state’s requirements. Your family will be provided a link to download the app after enrolling.

‍

Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?

1. Explore Enlightium Academy’s website
2. If you have any questions:
   
   1. Chat with a team member
   2. Email consultants@enlightiumacademy.com
   3. Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
3. Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process, and select the “Enroll Now” button.

‍

Since 2003, Enlightium Academy has supported K–12 students in online, book-based, hybrid, and partner schools. Our dedicated faculty and staff, in collaboration with parents, deliver high-quality instruction and individualized learning. We focus on developing each student’s academic, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional well-being.

To find out if Enlightium is the right school for your family, schedule an appointment, call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com. 

We review state requirements and regulations annually; however, each state may update its guidelines more frequently. If you have additional questions, please contact your state board of education.

‍

Sources reviewed in January 2025:

• https://hslda.org/legal
• https://education.ohio.gov/