K-12 Education Options in Ohio
The Ohio Constitution requires the state to fund a system of public education. Ohio laws also permit students to participate in four other education options. Each operates under different rules. None are accountable to an elected school board. Until recently only charter schools received public funds. Depending on the option, public funds are now used for tuition payments (vouchers), student transportation, auxiliary services, or administrative costs. Even homeschooling is eligible for tax credits for education expenses.
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Public Education System Ohio's public education system is open and free to all children and available in all parts of the state. There are more than 600 public school districts across Ohio. Students may attend the public schools located in the district where they live. Public schools are accountable to the local board of education and state government. 90% of Ohio students attend public schools. Public schools are primarily funded by state and local taxes, with targeted contributions from federal sources. |
Public Chartered Schools (Community Schools) Community schools were established by the Ohio legislature in 1998 as a nonprofit, nonreligious, tuition-free public school alternative, available in targeted communities. Community schools are independent of traditional public school districts and can be in a physical building or online. Enrollment does not require permission from the home school district. Community schools are funded with state and federal funds. |
Chartered Nonpublic Schools (Private Schools) Chartered nonpublic schools are tuition-based, private schools that hold a valid charter issued by the State Board of Education. These schools may promote religion. Chartered nonpublic schools are eligible to receive tuition vouchers for eligible students they admit. These schools maintain compliance with Ohio Operating Standards and are eligible for state funded transportation, auxiliary and administrative services. Private schools are privately funded, and receive state funds for voucher students and compliance expenses. |
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Non-Chartered, Non-Tax Supported, Nonpublic Schools (Parochial/Religious) Non-chartered, non-tax supported (NCNT) schools are nonpublic, tuition-based schools that choose not to be chartered by the State Board of Education because of truly held religious beliefs. Each NCNT school must submit an annual report to families and the Ohio Department of Education showing that it meets the Ohio Operating Standards. Each school meeting Ohio's compulsory attendance obligation will be listed as an NCNT school with the Ohio Department of Education. NCNT schools are not eligible for state and local funds. |
Homeschooling This is a tuition-free option for families who choose to educate their student and select curriculum and course of study. Families must notify their school district superintendent and meet state requirements to home school. Students are excused from compulsory attendance. Students are eligible for College Credit Plus (CCP) and Afterschool Child Enrichment(ACE). Homeschooling is not funded by the state. Homeschool families are eligible for tax credits for education expenses. |