Homeschooling in Oklahoma comes with a level of freedom found in few other states. In fact, Oklahoma was the first state to legalize homeschooling, and it’s the only state where the right to homeschool is protected in the state constitution. That foundation has made homeschooling not only widely accepted, but also increasingly popular, with nearly 8% of Oklahoma students estimated to learn at home.
If you’re considering homeschooling in Oklahoma—or planning a move to the state—you’ll find an educational landscape that offers maximum flexibility with minimal red tape. At the same time, many Oklahoma families turn to structured, accredited programs like Bridgeway Academy to make the most of that freedom and provide their children with the best possible homeschool education.
In this blog we’ll share Oklahoma’s homeschool laws, what’s required of families, and how to set your child up for success during and beyond their homeschool education.
Why Oklahoma Is Unique for Homeschooling
Not only is homeschooling a constitutional right in Oklahoma, but families are free to shape their children’s education without state interference. No notice of intent is required, there’s no state-mandated curriculum, and students don’t have to participate in standardized tests.
This flexibility and autonomy gives OK families the power to customize lessons to their child’s interests and education level, experiment with a variety of teaching styles and resources, and focus on their values and priorities. It’s also why Oklahoma consistently ranks among the most homeschool-friendly states in the nation.
Why Many OK Families Seek Structure from Homeschooling Programs
Even with few legal requirements in the state, many of our Oklahoma homeschooling families prefer the structure of our accredited homeschool programs. Bridgeway programs provide:
- Structured, expert-designed curriculum and online class options.
- Recordkeeping, including grades, academic process, and transcripts.
- Guidance for college and career readiness.
Our homeschool community tells us that this support is essential to their success. It eases the administrative burden of homeschooling, reduces parent stress, and ensures that a child’s education is properly recognized by schools, colleges, and future employers.
Legal Requirements to Homeschool in Oklahoma
As we mentioned, Oklahoma keeps homeschooling regulations to a minimum. There is no state funding, no required standardized testing, and no oversight visits by school officials. Still, there are a few things that Oklahoma families should keep in mind:
- Compulsory Schooling: Children ages 5–18 must receive some form of education.
- Instructional Time: Families are encouraged to teach the equivalent of 180 days per year, about six hours a day.
- Good Faith Instruction: Parents must provide genuine, meaningful instruction comparable to public schooling.
While no Notice of Intent is required, parents are encouraged to alert their local school district of their decision to homeschool. Some districts may request a form releasing the school from responsibility for your child’s education.
Required Subjects for Homeschooling in OK
Although Oklahoma does not mandate specific subjects for homeschoolers, the state recommends that families cover all subjects required in public schools:
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Science
- Citizenship and the US Constitution
- Health and Safety
- Physical Education
- Conservation
At a minimum, most Oklahoma families teach the core subjects of math, reading, writing, science, and history. Accredited homeschool programs like Bridgeway Academy offer comprehensive coverage for these subjects, while also providing academic guidance to help your child pursue their unique interests and educational goals.
The Pros and Cons of Oklahoma’s Homeschool Freedom
The flexibility offered by Oklahoma’s minimal homeschool regulations has many advantages, but it can have its challenges too. Below, we’ve outlined some of the pros and cons of the state’s homeschool freedom.
Pros
Some of the benefits of homeschool freedom include:
- Flexibility: Families have maximum control over curriculum and teaching methods, including how and where their children learn.
- Autonomy: No testing, reporting, or approval is required.
- Personalization: Students can learn at their own pace and focus on their individual interests and aspirations.
Cons
Freedom can come with challenges. Some of the most common concerns about homeschool freedom include:
- Lack of Oversight: The quality of education will vary significantly from family to family, with minimal oversight into curriculum standards and instruction.
- Records: Inconsistent recordkeeping may make it difficult to transfer back into public/private school or pursue higher education.
- Accreditation: Colleges and scholarship programs may not recognize unaccredited transcripts, creating a barrier to higher education.
Bridgeway Academy helps Oklahoma families to overcome these challenges, offering support for your child’s current homeschool education and an eye to their future as well.
Accredited Homeschool Programs vs. Parent-Directed Homeschooling in Oklahoma
Choosing an accredited homeschool program is one of the best ways to ensure a high-quality education for homeschooled children in Oklahoma. Bridgeway’s programs offer Oklahoma families expert-crafted and highly flexible curriculum options, academic support services, recordkeeping, structured flexibility, and opportunities to connect with other homeschooling families in the community.
Together, these benefits make Bridgeway Academy a leading homeschool provider in Oklahoma. Below, we compare the benefits of Bridgeway Academy’s accredited homeschool programs to parent-led homeschooling.
| Feature / Requirement | Bridgeway Academy (Accredited Homeschool Program) | Parent-Directed Homeschooling
(Unaccredited) |
| Accreditation | Fully accredited, meets national standards | Not accredited; parent managed |
| Recordkeeping | Bridgeway maintains grade records, transcripts, and portfolios | Parent responsible; not standardized |
| Curriculum | Structured, customizable, and aligned with standards | Parent chooses and implements curriculum; varies widely |
| College & Career Readiness | Accredited transcripts recognized nationwide (colleges, scholarships, NCAA) | Depends on parent’s documentation; may face hurdles with college admissions |
| Support Services | Access to teachers, advisors, and dedicated support staff | None; parent-led only |
| Compliance Burden | Simplified; Bridgeway ensures standards are met | Parent carries full responsibility |
| Cost | Tuition-based, includes curriculum, support, and accreditation | Lowest direct cost (mainly curriculum and testing expenses) |
| Parent Time | Bridgeway manages administrative details and offers prepared curriculum ranging from parent-led to live and on-demand classes | Fully parent-managed, from records to curriculum selection, preparation, and instruction |
Questions to Ask Before You Start a Homeschool Program
Choosing a homeschool program is a big decision, and the right fit depends on your child’s needs, your family’s goals, and the level of support you want as a parent. Before committing to any program, consider asking these key questions:
- Will this program provide transcripts?
- Does the program offer virtual groups or communities for students?
- Can it adapt the curriculum to my child’s unique learning style?
- Is the program accredited?
- What level of parent involvement is required?
- How much does it cost, and what’s included?
- What support services are available?
There’s no single right answer to these questions; the best responses are those that align with your child’s needs and your family’s homeschooling goals.
How to Get Started Homeschooling in Oklahoma
If you’re ready to begin homeschooling in Oklahoma, Bridgeway Academy can help. Bridgeway’s team of experts can help guide you through the process of getting started and selecting the right program for your child’s educational needs.
To learn more, attend one of our virtual open houses or reach out directly to speak with an academic advisor.
Common Questions Oklahoma Parents Ask About Homeschooling
As a leading homeschool service provider in Oklahoma, we speak with many parents about the concerns and challenges they’re facing. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from parents.
Does Oklahoma give money for homeschooling?
Oklahoma does not provide any direct financial support for homeschooling families, but they may be eligible to claim some expense through the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit (PCTC). Up to $1,000 can be claimed for each child for qualifying educational expenses such as curriculum and online programs.
How much does it cost to homeschool in Oklahoma?
The cost to homeschool in Oklahoma varies widely. Parent-guided educational programs offer the cheapest option for families, but also require the most time and effort from parents. Tuition-based homeschool programs like Bridgeway Academy offer peace of mind, academic guidance, and oversight for administrative and curriculum needs.
