Homeschooling in Oregon
ESD Registration & Testing
In Oregon, you notify your local Education Service District (ESD), not the local school, of your intent to homeschool. You must also arrange for standardized testing in specific grades.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
one-time
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Register with ESD (One-time, within 10 days of starting)
- Test in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 (by August 15)
- Testing must be done by a qualified neutral person
- New homeschoolers get an 18-month grace period before testing kicks in
- No specific curriculum or hours required
Legal Framework
Oregon Revised Statutes 339.030 and 339.035 govern homeschooling.
Filing Requirements
What to file
ESD Notification Form (varies by ESD)
When
Within 10 days of withdrawing from school OR moving to Oregon
Where
Local Education Service District (ESD) - NOT local school
How to submit
Submit to ESD office
What to include
- • Intent to homeschool
- • Student info
**Testing REQUIRED grades 3, 5, 8, 10** by 'Qualified Neutral Tester' (licensed teacher - parents CANNOT test own children). 18-month grace period for new homeschoolers. Scores kept on file; submit only if ESD requests. **Sports (OSAA)**: Requires annual testing (not just 3/5/8/10) with 23rd %ile minimum. Special needs: alternative evaluation available.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Grades 3, 5, 8, 10
Grades: 3, 5, 8, 10
Approved standardized test required in grades 3, 5, 8, 10. Must be done by qualified neutral tester. Scores kept on file.
How to Get Started
- 1
Withdraw from School
If enrolled, notify the school you are withdrawing.
- •Send withdrawal letter
- 2
Notify ESD
Submit notification to your Education Service District.
- •Find your ESD website (many have online forms)
- •Submit within 10 days of starting/withdrawing
Tip: You must re-notify if you move to a new ESD.Within 10 days of starting
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Testing is only 4 times in a student's career
- ✓18-month grace period for testing new students
- ✓Online registration in many counties
Cons
- •Must find and pay a qualified tester
- •Testing deadlines (Aug 15) are strict
Sports & Activities
**Allowed / Strict**. To play sports (OSAA), you must register with the public school and take a standardized test **EVERY YEAR** (not just 3, 5, 8, 10) to maintain eligibility (minimum 23rd percentile).
Track Oregon compliance with Starpath
Free portfolio and compliance tracker tailored to Oregon's requirements. Log learning, track hours, and generate reports, all in one place.
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · OR homeschool law guide