Families desiring to educate their children at home may do so by notifying their local school district superintendent and meeting the requirements outlined in Ohio law.  Once requirements are met students are excused from compulsory attendance. 

Community schools (also known as charter schools) are independently operated public schools that are not part of a school district. They are tuition-free, non-profits that can be online (e-school) or physical ‘brick and mortar’ schools.

Ohio has five programs that offer scholarships to eligible students to attend the private school of their choice: (1) Cleveland Scholarship & Tutoring Program, (2) EdChoice Scholarship Program, (3) EdChoice Income-Based (Expansion) Scholarships, (4) Autism Scholarship, & (5) Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship.

There are two types of private schools in Ohio. Chartered private (nonpublic) schools hold a charter issued by the State Board of Education. Nonchartered, nontax- supported nonpublic schools are private schools that choose not to be chartered by the State Board of Education because of truly held religious beliefs.

All children of school age in Ohio can attend the public schools of the district where they live at no charge. Traditional public schools in Ohio are funded through state, local and federal tax dollars. Some districts accept students residing in neighboring districts through open enrollment.

Scholarship providers are approved by the Ohio Department of Education. Approved scholarship providers include both chartered private (nonpublic) schools and education service organizations and individuals.

Community schools are sponsored by non-profit organizations, school districts, educational service centers, and public universities. The Department of Education approves and evaluates community school sponsors.