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.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Oregon
The Waldorf Map lists 12 schools, 5 kindergartens and playgroups, and 1 class or course in Oregon, 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.
- Cedarwood Waldorf School, Portland
- Corvallis Waldorf School, Corvallis
- Eugene Waldorf School, Eugene
- Portland Waldorf School, Milwaukie
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).
Questions about homeschooling in Oregon
Can I test my own child?
No. The tester must be a 'qualified neutral person' defined by law.
What if my child fails the test?
If the score is below the 15th percentile, you may adhere to a remediation plan.
Can homeschoolers play sports?
Yes. Oregon law allows homeschoolers to participate in interscholastic activities at their resident public school.
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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 Oregon records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Oregon tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · OR homeschool law guide