CURRENT GRADE: F
The state has no options for tax dollars to follow the student. They do offer limited tax credits. Charter schools are governed by boards made up of the community and teachers which is better than many states. They are still restricted by state laws.
Homeschooling laws are some of the worst in the nation. They are very restrictive and even require immunizations unless the parent requests and exemption.
Compulsory education is required for children ages 7-17.
Education Options
- K-12 Education Tax Credit Program
- To qualify, your filing status cannot be married filing separately.
- Income must be below required amount: Ex.—family of 3 $82,670 gross max.
- May claim a credit for qualifying expenses for public, private, or qualified home school.
- K-12 Education Tax Subtraction Program
- No income limit or filing status requirements.
- Subtraction depends on child’s grade.
- K-6th is $1,625
- 7-12 is $2,500
- Charter Schools
- Governed by parents, teachers, and community members.
- Must abide by certain state and federal laws.
- Must accept all students up to capacity.
- May not limit students based on intellectual ability or aptitude.
Homeschooling Laws
Here are state requirements on the topic of homeschooling:
- Intent to home school notification must be made to district superintendent.
- Parents required to submit proof of immunization (medical and non-medical exemptions can be obtained).
- Parent must hold a bachelor’s degree or be approved by an accredited program.
- Must submit annual examinations with testing approved by the state.
- Home school students may participate in public school extracurricular activities.
Religious Exemptions:
The state has no formal laws related to religious exemptions but there are no requirements or notifications to homeschool.
The First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Many argue that a religious conviction to provide a home-based education is constitutionally protected and a state religious exemption law is not a requirement to be able to homeschool on religious grounds.
It should be noted that the U.S. Supreme Court in Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) established that “Under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, a state law requiring that children attend school past eighth grade violates the parents’ constitutional right to direct the religious upbringing of their children.” (The case involved a challenge of a 16-year-old student to be exempt, so the scope was limited)
