Homeschooling in Kentucky
Simple notification and flexible record-keeping
In Kentucky, homeschooling families operate as private schools. This means you have a great deal of freedom in how you educate your children, provided you meet a few administrative requirements. You must notify your local school board annually and keep records of attendance and grades.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
8
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Homeschools operate as private schools
- Must verify instruction in English
- No standardized testing required
- You set your own curriculum
Legal Framework
Kentucky homeschooling is governed by the private school statute. Parents must establish a bona fide private school in their home, notifying the local board of education annually.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Kentucky
The Waldorf Map lists 1 school and 4 kindergartens and playgroups in Kentucky, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Waldorf School of Louisville, Louisville
- Forest Pals, Clermont
- Gooseberry Nature School, Covington
- Grow! Playschool, Bowling Green
Required Subjects
Instruction must be in the English language.
Reading
Writing
Spelling
Grammar
History
Mathematics
Science
Civics
Filing Requirements
What to file
Private School Notice of Attendance (Letter of Intent)
When
Within first 2 weeks of school year (or within 10 days of starting/withdrawing)
Where
Local school district superintendent
How to submit
Letter or district form
What to include
- • Student name
- • Grade level
- • Parent contact info
Must provide 170 days / 1,062 hours of instruction. 8 required subjects in English: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar, History, Math, Science, Civics. Keep attendance records (don't submit but must have if inspected). **Sports**: KHSAA allows homeschoolers to participate if district permits + meet academic requirements. Dual enrollment available at many KY colleges.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
No standardized testing is required.
How to Get Started
- 1
Submit a Letter of Intent
Send a letter (Private School Notice of Attendance) to your local school district superintendent notifying them of your intent to homeschool.
- •Draft a letter including names, ages, and residence of students
- •State the current school year
- •Send to local superintendent within the first two weeks of the school year
Tip: It is recommended to send this via certified mail to keep proof of deliveryAnnually, within first 2 weeks of school year
- 2
Establish Your Records
Set up a system to track attendance and grades (scholarship reports).
- •Create an attendance register
- •Create a way to record grades/progress (report card style)
Tip: The state does not specify a format, so a simple spreadsheet or notebook works
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Low regulation
- ✓No testing
- ✓Control over curriculum
Cons
- •Must track hours/days carefully
- •Annual notification required
Sports & Activities
Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) allows homeschoolers to participate in public school sports primarily if the district permits it and specific academic requirements are met.
Questions about homeschooling in Kentucky
Does Kentucky provide a curriculum?
No. As a private school, you are responsible for choosing and obtaining your own curriculum.
Can I homeschool someone else's child?
Generally, homeschooling laws are designed for parents to educate their own children. Educating other children may classify you as a regular private school with different regulations.
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Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your Kentucky records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Kentucky tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · KY homeschool law guide