CURRENT GRADE: C
Indiana has some education freedom options, but they need to be expanded. There are around 1.12 million school aged children in the state but less than 71,000 benefit from school choice legislation. There is a great ESA for students with special needs, but it is limited in numbers—it should be expanded to all children.
Homeschooling is parent friendly with minimum reporting requirements. Homeschoolers can participate in athletics and other extracurriculars in public schools if permitted by the local school district.
Compulsory education is required for ages 6-18.
Education Options
Choice Scholarship Program: state funding for qualified students to offset tuition costs at participating schools.
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- Based on household income.
- 2023-24 school year there were 70,095 children served.
Indiana Education Scholarship Account
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- For students with disabilities and their siblings.
- Based on household income.
- 540 students were able to participate.
- Eligible recipients receive 100% of state special education dollars and 90% of state tuition dollars that can be used for tuition and fees at an approved school, camps, curriculum, transportation, therapies, and more.
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- Individuals or corporations who donate to a scholarship granting organization receives a tax credit.
- In 2024-25, $18.5 million was donated to benefit students.
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- Education expenses may be deducted up to $1,000 per child.
Homeschooling Laws
Here are state requirements on the topic of homeschooling:
- Notification must be made of homeschool enrollment.
- 180 days of instruction must be provided. Attendance records may be requested by the local public-school superintendent or State Attendance Officer.
- No testing or other reporting requirements.
- Homeschool students may participate in extracurricular public school activities/sports at the discretion of the local school district.
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)
