Indiana Microschool Regulations: Complete 2026 Guide for Founders

Meta Description: Complete guide to Indiana microschool regulations: no state registration required for non-accredited schools. Learn requirements for Choice Scholarships, teacher certification, and startup compliance.

Indiana just made history. On May 6, 2025, Governor Holcomb signed House Bill 1001—making Indiana the 17th state with universal school choice. Starting June 2026, every Indiana student will qualify for a Choice Scholarship, regardless of family income. If you're starting a microschool in Indiana, the Hoosier State just rolled out the welcome mat.

Here's what makes Indiana exceptional for microschool founders: the state operates on a minimalist regulatory approach for non-accredited private schools. No state registration required. No teacher certification mandates. No curriculum approval process. No standardized testing requirements. You can literally hang your shingle, open your doors, and start teaching—as long as you maintain daily attendance records and provide 180 days of instruction per year. For founders who want maximum autonomy, Indiana is a dream scenario.

But here's where it gets even better: Indiana also offers one of the nation's most generous school choice programs. The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program currently serves over 70,000 students with approximately $439 million in annual funding, providing an average of $5,800 per student to attend participating private schools (Indiana Department of Education). With HB 1001's elimination of all income restrictions starting June 2026, that program is projected to expand to $674 million annually—making every Indiana student ages 5-21 eligible for state-funded private education.

This creates a strategic fork in the road for microschool founders. You can operate as a completely unregulated tuition-based school, maintaining total curricular freedom and hiring flexibility. Or you can pursue state or third-party accreditation, which unlocks access to those Choice Scholarship dollars but subjects you to teacher licensing requirements, standardized testing mandates, and curriculum alignment standards. Both paths are entirely viable—and understanding which route fits your vision is the critical first decision you'll make.

Additionally, Indiana offers a separate Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program specifically for students with disabilities and their siblings, providing up to $20,000 per student annually for special education services (Indiana Treasurer's Office). For microschools focused on serving students with IEPs or specialized learning needs, this represents another significant funding stream worth exploring.

By the end of this guide, you'll have complete clarity on Indiana microschool regulations and the state's unique two-pathway system. You'll understand exactly what's required (very little if you stay unaccredited), what's optional (accreditation for Choice Scholarship access), and how to strategically position your microschool for long-term sustainability. Whether you're planning to launch in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Carmel, or anywhere across the Hoosier State, this is your comprehensive roadmap to navigating Indiana microschool regulations from startup through scaling.

Related Reading: The Complete Microschool Startup Guide | Teacher Licensing in Microschools: State Requirements | Legal Structure for Microschools: LLC vs. Nonprofit

Let's dive in.

Legal Structure & Registration Requirements for Indiana Microschools

Do You Need State Registration?

Here's the deal: whether you need to register with the Indiana Department of Education depends entirely on your business model and your decision about accreditation.

Non-Accredited Private Schools: If you choose to operate as a non-accredited private school when starting a microschool in Indiana, registration with the Indiana DOE is completely optional. You don't need state approval or licensing. There's no curriculum approval process. No state-level facility inspections. You're free to design your educational program, hire your team, and serve your students without state oversight—subject only to local zoning ordinances and building codes, which we'll cover in the facility section.

This is Indiana's minimalist regulatory philosophy in action: the state trusts private educational institutions to self-govern as long as they're meeting compulsory attendance requirements and providing instruction equivalent to public schools (though "equivalent" is never actually defined in statute). For founders who value autonomy above all else, understanding Indiana microschool regulations shows this path offers maximum freedom with minimal red tape.

Accredited Schools or Choice Scholarship Participants: If you want your students to access Indiana Choice Scholarships—those $5,800+ annual awards that make private education affordable for families—registration with the Indiana DOE becomes mandatory. But here's the key: you don't register first and then pursue accreditation. Instead, you pursue accreditation through either the Indiana State Board of Education or a recognized third-party accrediting agency, and registration happens automatically as part of that accreditation process.

The accreditation route requires you to submit a "Notice of Intent Form" between January and April annually if you're pursuing state accreditation, or between August 1 and September 1 if you're going through a third-party accreditor. The Indiana DOE provides a petition template, you complete it and submit to SchoolAccountability@doe.in.gov, and upon approval you're assigned an education identification number that officially registers your school in the state system (Indiana Department of Education - School Accreditation).

The statutory basis for all of this lives in Indiana Code 20-18-2-12 (which defines "nonpublic school"), 511 IAC 6.1-1 (which governs school accreditation), and 511 IAC 6.1-9 (which establishes the recognition system for nonpublic schools). These regulations create a two-tier system: complete freedom for unaccredited schools, and structured accountability for accredited institutions that receive state funding.

So the bottom line: if you're launching a tuition-based microschool with no plans to accept Choice Scholarships, you can skip state registration entirely. If you want access to state voucher dollars, you'll need accreditation, which automatically triggers registration.

Can You Operate as a Homeschool Co-op?

Absolutely—and here's why Indiana makes this particularly attractive: the state is classified as a "no-notice, low-regulation" state for homeschooling. Registration as a homeschool family is not required, and parents may participate in co-ops freely without any specific state regulations governing those cooperative arrangements (HSLDA Indiana Profile).

The legal framework here is straightforward: homeschool education in Indiana must be "based in the home with the parent or guardian making decisions about curriculum and instructional matters," according to Indiana Department of Education guidance (Indiana DOE Homeschool Information). The co-op structure allows homeschooling families to group together for shared instruction—essentially pooling resources for subjects like science labs, foreign languages, or fine arts—while parents retain ultimate educational responsibility.

No co-op-specific statutes exist in Indiana law. The state treats homeschool co-ops as informal educational arrangements among homeschooling families, governed by Indiana Code 20-33-2 (Compulsory School Attendance), which classifies homeschools as "non-accredited, non-public schools." As long as instruction remains parent-directed and home-based in character, co-ops operate with complete freedom from state oversight.

However, there's a critical limitation if you're considering Choice Scholarships: you cannot operate as an informal homeschool co-op and accept Choice Scholarship funding. The moment you want students to use state vouchers, you must register as an accredited private school, which subjects you to all the accreditation standards we discussed above—teacher licensing, standardized testing, curriculum alignment, and annual reporting. The homeschool co-op model and the Choice Scholarship model are mutually exclusive pathways.

For many microschool founders, the homeschool co-op approach offers an ideal Year 1 strategy: launch informally with a handful of families, test your curriculum and teaching model, build community and reputation, and then formalize as an accredited private school once you've proven the concept and are ready to scale with state funding.

Recommended Legal Structure

Indiana private school requirements don't mandate any specific legal structure for private schools or homeschool co-ops. You're free to choose the business entity that best fits your operational needs and liability concerns. That said, not all structures are created equal—especially when it comes to protecting your personal assets.

Here's how the most common options stack up:

Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest structure—essentially just you operating under your own name. But here's the problem: you get zero liability protection. If a parent sues your microschool for any reason (injury, breach of contract, educational malpractice claim), your personal assets—your house, your savings, your car—are all on the line. For microschool founders, this structure is genuinely not recommended. The liability risks far outweigh the administrative simplicity.

Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is the sweet spot for most microschools. An LLC provides robust liability protection, shielding your personal assets from business-related lawsuits and debts. It offers flexible management structure—you can run it yourself or establish a multi-member governance model. It provides pass-through taxation, meaning profits flow directly to your personal tax return without corporate-level taxation. And in Indiana, forming an LLC is straightforward: you register with the Indiana Secretary of State, file Articles of Organization, pay the filing fee (currently around $95-$100), and you're in business. For the vast majority of tuition-based microschools, an LLC is the right choice.

Nonprofit Corporation (501(c)(3)): If you're planning to pursue grant funding, solicit charitable donations, or build a mission-driven school with a community governance board, nonprofit status offers significant advantages. Donors can deduct contributions, you're exempt from federal income tax, and you may qualify for discounted rates on insurance and services. But nonprofits come with substantially higher complexity: you need a board of directors (not just you), you must follow nonprofit governance requirements and bylaws, and you'll need to file for IRS 501(c)(3) status after incorporating with the state. This path makes sense for schools with explicit social mission objectives or those planning to serve low-income communities with scholarship-based enrollment.

Parochial/Religious Structure: If you're starting a faith-based microschool, you may operate as a ministry of an existing church or religious organization, or establish an independent religious nonprofit. This structure provides liability protection and may offer certain tax advantages. Indiana law provides specific recognition for parochial schools, and many third-party accreditors specialize in Christian and faith-based education (like ACSI and AACS). If your school's identity is explicitly religious, this structure aligns your legal status with your mission.

For liability protection alone, every microschool should establish some form of legal entity—never operate as a sole proprietorship. An LLC offers the best balance of protection, simplicity, and flexibility for most founders. Register with the Indiana Secretary of State, obtain comprehensive general liability insurance (covering both bodily injury and professional liability), and you've created a solid legal foundation for your school.

Action Items Checklist

Before you move forward, here are the critical decisions and steps for legal structure and registration:

• [ ] Decide your accreditation path: Are you launching as a non-accredited tuition-based school (maximum freedom), or pursuing accreditation for Choice Scholarship access (state funding but more regulation)?
• [ ] Choose your legal structure: LLC is recommended for most founders; nonprofit works for grant-funded schools; never operate as sole proprietorship
• [ ] Register with Indiana Secretary of State: If forming an LLC or nonprofit, complete Articles of Organization and pay filing fee
• [ ] Obtain liability insurance: Strongly recommended regardless of structure; coverage should include general liability and professional liability
• [ ] If pursuing accreditation: Submit Notice of Intent between January-April (state accreditation) or August 1-September 1 (third-party accreditation)

Indiana Teacher Certification Requirements for Microschools

Are Teaching Credentials Required?

The short answer: it depends entirely on whether you pursue accreditation.

Non-Accredited Private Schools: Teacher certification is not required—period. Any parent or adult can teach in your microschool. No educational background required. No professional licensure needed. No bachelor's degree mandates. You can hire subject matter experts, retired professionals, talented parents, or recent college graduates based solely on their expertise and passion for teaching. This hiring flexibility is one of the most compelling advantages of operating as a non-accredited private school in Indiana.

This is explicitly confirmed by the U.S. Department of Education's compilation of Indiana private school regulations: non-accredited schools face no teacher credentialing requirements (U.S. Department of Education - Indiana Private School Regulations). The state trusts private school operators to make hiring decisions based on their school's mission and standards, without imposing one-size-fits-all licensing requirements.

Accredited Private Schools: If you pursue accreditation—either through the Indiana State Board of Education or a recognized third-party accreditor—teachers must be "properly licensed" under Indiana teacher licensure standards. This means every educator in your school must hold valid Indiana teaching credentials appropriate to their grade level and subject area. The specific licensing type depends on what they're teaching (elementary generalist license, secondary subject-specific license, special education license, etc.), but the bottom line is clear: accreditation eliminates hiring flexibility and requires professional credentials.

This requirement flows from 511 IAC 10 (Educator licensing and licensure requirements) and is reinforced by 511 IAC 6.1-1-4, which establishes instructional staff requirements as part of the accreditation standards. If you want state accreditation, you're playing by the same licensing rules as public schools.

Choice Scholarship Program Requirements

Here's where the teacher certification question gets strategically important: if you want students to access Indiana Choice Scholarships, your school must be accredited, which automatically triggers the teacher licensing requirement. There's no workaround. Accreditation is mandatory for Choice Scholarship participation, and accreditation mandates licensed teachers.

Additionally, Choice Scholarship-participating schools must implement background checks for all employees and establish annual teacher evaluation plans (Indiana Code 20-28-11.5). These aren't optional add-ons—they're non-negotiable compliance requirements if you want access to state voucher dollars.

Indiana teacher licensure is administered by the Indiana Department of Education and covers grades K-12 across various subject areas. Licenses can be obtained through several pathways: a bachelor's degree in education from an accredited college, a bachelor's degree in a subject area plus completion of a teacher education certification program, or alternative certification programs designed for career-changers (Indiana Department of Education - Teacher Licensing). The process typically takes 1-2 years for candidates who already hold bachelor's degrees in relevant fields.

The practical implication: if you're hiring licensed teachers, you need to budget for competitive salaries. Indiana public school teachers average $50,000-$60,000 annually depending on experience and location. Private school salaries tend to run 10-20% lower, but you're still looking at $40,000-$50,000+ per full-time licensed teacher. For a microschool with 15-25 students, this significantly impacts your financial model compared to hiring unlicensed subject experts at $25-$35 per hour for part-time instruction.

Strategic Recommendation

Most microschool founders should think about teacher certification as a phased decision, not an all-or-nothing choice at launch.

Path 1: Non-Accredited (Maximum Freedom): Launch your microschool without accreditation in Year 1-2. Hire based on expertise, passion, and cultural fit—not credentials. A retired engineer teaching physics. A bilingual parent teaching Spanish. A professional artist teaching studio courses. A former programmer teaching coding. This flexibility lets you build an exceptional team based on what they know and how they teach, not what degrees they hold. Your funding model is 100% tuition from families, which means you need strong value proposition and exceptional educational outcomes, but you control every aspect of hiring and staffing.

Path 2: Accredited (Choice Scholarship Access): Once you've built enrollment, proven your curriculum, and established strong parent satisfaction (typically Year 2-3), begin the 6-12 month accreditation process. This requires you to transition your team toward licensed teachers—either by hiring newly credentialed staff or supporting current team members through alternative certification programs. Once accredited, you gain access to $5,800+ per student in Choice Scholarship funding, which dramatically improves your financial sustainability and allows you to serve families who couldn't afford full tuition. But you've now traded hiring flexibility for financial scalability.

Path 3: Hybrid Approach: Some microschools operate with a core team of licensed teachers (to maintain accreditation) supplemented by specialist instructors for electives, enrichment, and extracurricular programs. For instance, your math and English teachers might be fully licensed and credentialed, while your coding instructor, art teacher, and debate coach operate as contractors or part-time specialists outside the core faculty. This maintains compliance while preserving some hiring flexibility for specialized subjects.

The strategic recommendation for most microschools: launch non-accredited in Year 1-2, build your proof-of-concept with maximum curricular and staffing freedom, then pursue accreditation in Year 2-3 to access Choice Scholarships starting Year 3-4. This phased approach lets you validate your model before committing to the constraints of accreditation.

Action Items Checklist

• [ ] Define hiring standards aligned with your chosen path (non-accredited vs. accredited)
• [ ] If pursuing accreditation: Budget for licensed teacher salaries ($40K-$60K+ range) and plan transition timeline
• [ ] If non-accredited: Hire based on subject expertise and teaching ability; prioritize real-world experience and passion
• [ ] Document teacher qualifications in personnel files regardless of licensing status (creates credibility with parents)
• [ ] If planning eventual accreditation: Identify which current team members could pursue alternative certification programs

Curriculum Requirements for Indiana Microschools

Required Subjects

Here's the beautiful simplicity of Indiana microschool regulations for curriculum in non-accredited schools: there are no state-mandated subjects. None.

The Indiana Department of Education explicitly states: "Non-accredited private schools have no subject requirements, no state-mandated standardized testing. Must provide instruction 'equivalent to' public schools (not defined). Instruction must be in English language" (Indiana Department of Education). That "equivalent to public schools" standard is deliberately vague and never operationally defined in statute or regulation. As long as you're providing instruction in English and meeting the 180-day requirement, you have complete curricular freedom.

Want to build a microschool centered on classical education with Latin and Great Books? Go for it. Want to create a project-based learning environment focused on STEM and entrepreneurship? Perfect. Want to design a nature-based outdoor education program with integrated academics? Indiana won't stop you. This curricular autonomy is one of the state's most valuable features for innovative educators who want to break free from standardized approaches.

The only curricular constraint: instruction must be in the English language. This doesn't prohibit foreign language instruction (Spanish, French, Mandarin classes are fine)—it simply requires that primary instruction in core subjects happens in English.

For Accredited Schools: Everything changes. If you pursue state accreditation (or certain third-party accreditations that align with state standards), you must comply with specific curriculum requirements outlined in 511 IAC 6.1-1-4:

• Indiana Constitution and U.S. Constitution (grades 6-12): Required civics instruction
• Government systems and civic participation (grades 6-12): Understanding federal, state, and local governance
• Morals instruction (grades 1-12): Character education and ethical reasoning
• Indiana Academic Standards alignment: Your curriculum must align with state learning standards across core subjects
• School improvement and achievement plans: Annual planning and assessment processes

Additionally, accredited schools must participate in Indiana's statewide assessment program (ISTEP) and high school End of Course Assessments (ECAs). These aren't optional add-ons—they're mandatory compliance requirements (Indiana Department of Education - Accreditation Standards).

The statutory basis for curriculum requirements lives in Indiana Code 20-33-2-12 (nonpublic schools curriculum requirements), 511 IAC 6.1-1-4 (accreditation requirements), and 511 IAC 6.2 (school performance and growth standards).

So the bottom line on curriculum: if you stay non-accredited, you have complete freedom to design your educational program based on your philosophy, your students' needs, and your community's values. If you pursue accreditation for Choice Scholarship access, you must align with Indiana Academic Standards and participate in state testing.

Standardized Testing Requirements

Non-Accredited Schools: Zero standardized testing requirements. You can assess student learning however you want—portfolios, projects, presentations, mastery-based assessments, narrative evaluations. You're not required to administer ISTEP, SAT, ACT, or any other standardized measure. If you believe standardized testing provides valuable data, you can choose to administer assessments voluntarily. But the state imposes no mandates.

Accredited Schools and Choice Scholarship Participants: Mandatory participation in Indiana's statewide testing program. This means administering the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress (ISTEP) at required grade levels (typically grades 3-8) and End of Course Assessments (ECAs) for high school students in subjects like Algebra I, English 10, Biology, and U.S. Government. Test results must be reported to the Indiana DOE and become part of your school's public accountability profile.

For microschool founders who are philosophically opposed to high-stakes standardized testing, this is a significant consideration. The non-accredited path preserves your ability to assess students using alternative methods aligned with your educational philosophy. The accredited path requires you to adopt the same testing regime as public schools, which may conflict with progressive, Montessori, Waldorf, or other educational approaches that prioritize authentic assessment over standardized measures.

Instruction Requirements

All private schools in Indiana—accredited or not—must provide 180 days of instruction per academic year (Indiana Code 20-33-2-20). The school year is defined as July 1 through June 30, giving you flexibility to design your academic calendar (traditional September-June, year-round with intersessions, trimester system, etc.). As long as you hit 180 instructional days, you're compliant.

Instruction must be in the English language, as noted earlier. And all schools must provide instruction "equivalent to" that offered in public schools—though again, this standard is undefined and essentially unenforceable for non-accredited institutions. The state presumes you're meeting this requirement if you're providing 180 days of English-language instruction and maintaining attendance records.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Here's where Indiana does impose a universal requirement: daily attendance records are mandatory for all private schools (Indiana Code 20-33-2-20).

The statute explicitly states: "Accurate daily attendance records mandatory for all private schools. Must verify enrollment and attendance. Must be available upon request from State Superintendent, local school corporation superintendent, or Indiana DOE."

What this means practically: you need a system—paper or digital—for tracking which students attended each day of instruction. You must maintain these records throughout the school year and be prepared to produce them if requested by state or local education officials (though in practice, such requests are rare for non-accredited schools operating without complaints).

The good news: there's no specific format required. You can use a simple spreadsheet, a notebook, a digital attendance app, or any other method that accurately captures daily attendance. No state approval of your forms is needed. You just need to maintain the records and make them available if audited.

For accredited schools, record-keeping requirements expand significantly. You must maintain academic records (transcripts, grades, credits), student progress reports, assessment results, and any other documentation required by your accrediting body. Per 511 IAC 6.1-1-4(H), accredited schools must ensure "accurate and timely submission of reports" to the state, which creates more extensive documentation requirements than non-accredited institutions face.

Action Items Checklist

• [ ] Set up daily attendance tracking system: Choose a method (spreadsheet, digital app, paper log) and use it consistently from Day 1
• [ ] Plan for 180 instructional days: Build your academic calendar with buffer days for weather/illness/unexpected closures
• [ ] If pursuing accreditation: Align curriculum with Indiana Academic Standards across core subjects (ELA, math, science, social studies)
• [ ] If non-accredited: Design your custom curriculum with complete freedom—prioritize educational philosophy and student outcomes over compliance
• [ ] Document your curriculum: Even as a non-accredited school, having a written curriculum and scope-and-sequence builds credibility with parents and protects against challenges

Indiana Facility Requirements for Private Schools

Zoning & Facility Regulations

At the state level, Indiana takes a hands-off approach to facility requirements for non-accredited private schools. No state facility requirements. No state inspections required. The Indiana DOE doesn't send inspectors to verify your building meets certain standards before you can open. Your facility compliance obligations exist entirely at the local level—meaning city or county zoning ordinances and building codes.

Non-Accredited Schools: You're subject to local zoning ordinances and local building codes, but nothing at the state level. This means your first call shouldn't be to the Indiana Department of Education—it should be to your local planning and zoning department to verify that operating an educational facility is permitted at your chosen location. Zoning requirements vary dramatically by municipality, and we'll dig into the critical questions you need to ask in just a moment.

Accredited Schools: If you pursue state accreditation, your facility must comply with Indiana State Board of Education facility rules, fire prevention commission requirements, Indiana Department of Health standards, and OSHA regulations (511 IAC 6.1-1-4(A)). However—and this is important—building guidelines are not specifically required for accreditation. The state performs facility assessments as part of the recognition system, but there isn't a separate set of construction or building design standards unique to accredited schools. You're primarily concerned with health, safety, and accessibility compliance.

The key difference: non-accredited schools face only local regulation, while accredited schools face both local and state-level health/safety requirements.

Local Zoning is Critical

Here's where many microschool founders make costly mistakes: they fall in love with a facility, sign a lease, build out classrooms, and then discover their location isn't zoned for educational use. Or they get six months into operation and receive a cease-and-desist from the local zoning authority. Zoning compliance is not optional—and it varies wildly by jurisdiction.

Before you commit to any facility, you need to contact your local planning and zoning department and ask these specific questions:

• Is educational use permitted? Some zones allow schools by right; others require conditional use permits; some prohibit educational facilities entirely.
• What are the parking requirements? Many jurisdictions impose parking ratios (e.g., one space per staff member plus one per five students). For microschools in urban areas with limited parking, this can be a dealbreaker.
• What are occupancy limits? Fire codes and zoning ordinances cap how many people can occupy a space based on square footage and use type. Make sure your intended enrollment fits within allowable limits.
• Are there signage restrictions? Some residential zones prohibit commercial signage, which could limit your ability to advertise your location.
• Residential vs. commercial use: If you're starting your microschool in a home or residential property, verify whether your zoning allows home-based businesses or educational co-ops. Some jurisdictions classify small schools as home occupations (allowed); others categorize them as commercial uses (prohibited in residential zones).

The recommendation: consult with your local planning/zoning authority and local fire marshal before selecting a facility location. A 15-minute phone call can save you from a $50,000 mistake.

Health & Safety Inspections

Non-Accredited Schools: No state-mandated facility inspections. However, you're still subject to local health department regulations (if you're serving food, for example) and fire marshal inspections based on local code. Many jurisdictions require fire safety inspections for educational occupancies, even if the state doesn't mandate them. OSHA workplace safety requirements also apply if you're operating as a business with employees.

Accredited Schools: Must demonstrate compliance with fire prevention requirements, health department standards, and OSHA regulations. Depending on your accrediting body, you may be subject to facility inspections as part of the accreditation review process. These aren't as intensive as public school facility standards, but you'll need to document that your building meets basic health, safety, and accessibility requirements.

Common inspection types you may encounter (depending on local jurisdiction and accreditation status):

• Fire safety/fire marshal inspection: Verifies fire exits, extinguishers, smoke detectors, occupancy limits, and emergency evacuation plans
• Health department sanitation inspection: Required if you're preparing or serving food (kitchens, cafeterias)
• ADA accessibility inspection: Ensures compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (wheelchair access, accessible restrooms, etc.)
• Building code compliance inspection: Verifies structural safety, electrical systems, plumbing, and general code compliance

Even as a non-accredited school with no state facility mandates, you should proactively address fire safety and accessibility. Installing smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and clearly marked exits isn't just good practice—it's essential for student safety and parent confidence. And while ADA compliance isn't explicitly mandated for small private schools under certain size thresholds, making your facility accessible opens enrollment to students with mobility challenges and demonstrates inclusive values.

Action Items Checklist

• [ ] Verify local zoning compliance for your facility location before signing lease or purchase agreement
• [ ] Contact local fire marshal to determine occupancy limits and fire safety requirements
• [ ] Schedule required inspections if pursuing accreditation (fire, health, building code)
• [ ] Budget for facility modifications: Fire exits, accessibility features, safety equipment may require capital investment
• [ ] Document facility compliance: Even without state mandates, maintaining records of inspections and safety measures protects against liability

Student Enrollment & Indiana Compulsory Attendance Laws

Compulsory Attendance Age Range

Indiana law requires school attendance for students ages 7-18 years old (Indiana Code 20-33-2-4). This is the compulsory attendance range—meaning parents are legally required to ensure their children attend school (public, private, or homeschool) during these ages (Justia - Indiana Compulsory Attendance).

The academic year is defined as 180 days of school attendance, with the school year running July 1 through June 30. This gives you flexibility to design your calendar—you could run September through May with a traditional summer break, operate year-round with periodic intersessions, or adopt a trimester or quarter system. As long as you deliver 180 instructional days within the July-June window, you're compliant.

Ages 5-6 (Kindergarten and Pre-K): Kindergarten is not compulsory in Indiana. Parents can choose to enroll their 5-6 year olds in kindergarten at a private school or homeschool them, but attendance isn't legally required. However, if a student is enrolled in your microschool—even at age 5-6—they're subject to your school's attendance requirements and must be included in your daily attendance records.

Age 18+: Once students turn 18, compulsory attendance no longer applies. They can continue attending school voluntarily (to complete high school graduation requirements, for example), but they're not legally required to attend.

Exceptions to Compulsory Attendance: Students who graduate before age 18 are exempt from further attendance requirements. Valid medical or health exemptions may excuse attendance, as can court-approved alternative arrangements. But for the vast majority of students ages 7-18, daily attendance at some form of school is legally required.

Attendance Tracking Requirements

Every private school in Indiana must maintain accurate daily attendance records (Indiana Code 20-33-2-20). This isn't optional for non-accredited schools while being required for accredited ones—it's a universal mandate.

The statute is explicit: "Daily attendance records mandatory. Must verify enrollment and attendance. Must be available upon request from State Superintendent or local superintendent."

What this means in practice: you need a system for verifying which students were physically present each instructional day. You must record attendance daily—not weekly or monthly—and maintain these records throughout the school year. If the State Superintendent, your local school corporation superintendent, or the Indiana DOE requests your attendance records, you must be able to produce them.

Here's what's not required: a specific format. You can track attendance using a digital app (like Transparent Classroom, Google Classroom, or a custom spreadsheet), a paper attendance book, or any other method that accurately captures daily presence. No state approval of your attendance forms is needed. The only requirement is accuracy and availability.

For students ages 5-6 who aren't subject to compulsory attendance: if they're enrolled in your school, the same attendance tracking requirements apply. If they're not enrolled (perhaps they're homeschooled or not yet in any formal program), you have no reporting obligation for them.

Practical tip: Invest in a simple, reliable attendance system from Day 1. It takes 30 seconds per day to record attendance in a spreadsheet or app, but recreating months of attendance records retroactively—because a state auditor requested them—is a nightmare. Make daily attendance tracking a non-negotiable operational habit.

Enrollment Documentation

While Indiana doesn't prescribe specific enrollment forms for non-accredited schools, you should maintain basic enrollment documentation for every student to verify compulsory attendance applicability and establish your legal relationship with families.

Required information (recommended at minimum):

• Student name and date of birth
• Age verification (confirms whether student is within compulsory attendance age range)
• Parent/guardian contact information (name, phone, email, address)
• Enrollment date
• Attendance records (as discussed above)

Optional but strongly recommended:

• Transcript from previous school (helps with grade placement and curriculum planning)
• Immunization records (if your school policy requires them—note: Indiana law doesn't mandate vaccination for private school attendance, but you can set your own policy)
• Parent agreement/enrollment contract (establishes tuition payment terms, withdrawal policies, behavioral expectations)
• School handbook acknowledgment (confirms parents received and agree to abide by school policies)

For non-accredited schools, you have complete freedom to develop your own enrollment forms. No state approval is needed. Design your enrollment packet to capture the information you need for operations while protecting your school legally (clear tuition payment terms, liability waivers, pickup/drop-off authorization, media release permissions, etc.).

For accredited schools and Choice Scholarship participants, additional enrollment documentation is required. You'll need to maintain records sufficient for state audit and verification, including proof of student eligibility for Choice Scholarships (Indiana residency, age verification, and—until June 2026—income verification). The Indiana DOE provides specific guidance on required documentation for Choice schools.

Action Items Checklist

• [ ] Create enrollment packet template: Include student/parent information, enrollment date, tuition agreement, school policies acknowledgment
• [ ] Set up daily attendance tracking system: Digital or paper—choose one and use it every day without exception
• [ ] Plan for 180 instructional days: Build calendar with buffer for weather/illness (185-190 total days recommended)
• [ ] Develop parent agreement/contract: Cover tuition, payment schedule, withdrawal policy, liability, transportation, behavioral expectations
• [ ] Verify compulsory attendance ages: Ensure you're enrolling students ages 7-18 (with flexibility for kindergarten ages 5-6 if desired)

Indiana Choice Scholarship Program: Universal Eligibility 2026

Program Overview

The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program is the state's flagship school choice initiative—and it's about to become one of the most generous voucher programs in the nation. Currently, the program serves over 70,000 students with approximately $439 million in annual funding, allowing eligible students to receive state funding to attend participating private schools (Indiana Department of Education).

Here's how it works: eligible students receive a scholarship—essentially a voucher paid directly to the private school—covering a substantial portion of tuition costs. The average scholarship amount is approximately $5,800 per student per year, though the exact amount varies based on the state's per-student funding allocation and the school's reported tuition. For families who can't afford $8,000-$12,000 annual private school tuition, these scholarships make private education financially accessible.

For microschool founders, the Choice Scholarship Program represents a critical strategic decision. Do you build a tuition-based model serving families who can afford $600-$1,000 per month per student? Or do you pursue accreditation, accept Choice Scholarships, and open enrollment to a much broader socioeconomic range of families? Both paths are viable, but the financial and operational implications differ dramatically.

CRITICAL CHANGE: Universal Eligibility (2026)

On May 6, 2025, Governor Holcomb signed House Bill 1001 into law—transforming Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program from an income-restricted voucher to a universal school choice program. Effective June 2026, all income restrictions are eliminated, making every Indiana student ages 5-21 eligible for a Choice Scholarship regardless of family income (Indiana Department of Education).

Let that sink in: a family earning $300,000 annually can receive the same state-funded scholarship as a family earning $30,000. Income is completely off the table as an eligibility criterion. The only requirements are Indiana residency and age (5-21 years old). This makes Indiana the 17th state with universal school choice—joining Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Arkansas, Utah, West Virginia, and others in eliminating income-based restrictions on educational choice.

The projected fiscal impact is substantial: the program is expected to expand from $439 million annually to approximately $674 million with universal eligibility. That's a 53% increase in program costs, reflecting both expanded eligibility and increased per-student payments (scholarship payments increase from 2 to 4 disbursements per school year starting in 2026-2027).

For microschool founders, universal eligibility is a game-changer. Starting June 2026, you're no longer competing for a limited pool of income-eligible families—you can market to every family in Indiana. Upper-middle-class families dissatisfied with public schools can now access Choice Scholarships. Two-income professional households seeking smaller class sizes and customized learning can use state vouchers. The addressable market just expanded exponentially.

Current Eligibility (2025-2026 School Year)

Before universal eligibility takes effect in June 2026, students must meet all three of the following criteria to qualify for a Choice Scholarship:

1. Residency: Legal settlement in Indiana (proof of Indiana address required)
2. Age: At least 5 years old and less than 22 years old by October 1 of the school year
3. Income: Household annual income ≤ 400% of federal Free/Reduced Lunch threshold

For the 2025-2026 school year, the income limits are approximately:

• Family of 1: $111,444
• Family of 2: $151,256
• (Limits increase for larger family sizes; see Indiana DOE website for complete table)

These income caps are quite generous—400% of Free/Reduced Lunch threshold captures a significant majority of Indiana families. But they still exclude high-income households, which will change in June 2026 when income becomes irrelevant.

If you're planning to launch a microschool in 2025-2026 and want to accept Choice Scholarships immediately, you'll need to help families navigate the current income verification process. Starting in 2026-2027, income documentation disappears entirely from the application.

Funding Amounts

Current Structure (2025-2026 School Year): Choice Scholarship awards are calculated as the lesser of:

• 90% of the state's per-student funding allocation for the student's school corporation, OR
• The school's reported tuition and fees

This creates a natural cap: if your tuition is $6,000, the student receives $6,000 (not 90% of a potentially higher state allocation). If your tuition is $8,000 but the state allocation is $6,500, the student receives 90% of $6,500 = $5,850. The scholarship never exceeds your tuition, and it never exceeds 90% of state funding.

The typical award range across Indiana is approximately $5,800 per student per academic year. Some schools in higher-funded districts see awards closer to $6,500-$7,000; schools in lower-funded rural areas may see $5,000-$5,500. But $5,800 is a reasonable planning figure for most microschools.

2026-2027 Structure (After HB 1001): Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, scholarship payments increase from 2 disbursements to 4 disbursements per year. Each payment will be the lesser of tuition or 90% of state allocation, with subsequent payments at 50% of the initial amount. This provides more consistent cash flow for schools and reduces the risk of families withdrawing after receiving their bi-annual scholarship payments.

Special Circumstances:

• Siblings: Each child receives a scholarship independently. If you have three kids in a Choice school, all three receive full awards.
• Mid-year enrollment: Prorated scholarship amounts are available if students enroll after the school year begins.
• Private-to-private transfers: Students can transfer between Choice schools mid-year; scholarships follow the student.

Recent Growth

The Choice Scholarship Program has experienced explosive growth over the past five years:

• Current enrollment: Over 70,000 students (as of 2024-2025 school year)
• Current annual cost: ~$439 million
• Projected cost at universal eligibility: ~$674 million (53% increase)

This growth trajectory suggests strong demand for private school alternatives in Indiana. For microschool founders entering the market, this represents both opportunity (large addressable market) and competition (established private schools are also growing Choice enrollment). Differentiation—through educational philosophy, community culture, or specialized programming—becomes critical.

Participating School Requirements

Not every private school can accept Choice Scholarships. To participate in the program, your school must meet six core requirements. These are non-negotiable—there are no waivers or exceptions for small schools.

1. Accreditation (REQUIRED): Your school must be accredited by either the Indiana State Board of Education or a recognized third-party accrediting body. Non-accredited schools are completely ineligible for the Choice Scholarship Program—no exceptions.

Recognized third-party accreditors include:

• Cognia/AdvancED (regional accreditor serving secular and religious schools)
• American Association of Christian Schools (AACS)
• Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
• Catholic University of America's Lumen Accreditation
• Additional regional and specialized accrediting bodies approved by the Indiana State Board

If you're starting from scratch, the accreditation process typically takes 6-12 months from application to approval. State accreditation requires submission of a Notice of Intent between January-April, followed by a formal petition process. Third-party accreditation timelines vary by organization but generally require a self-study, site visit, and board approval process spanning 6-18 months.

2. Assessment & Testing: Choice schools must administer the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress (ISTEP) at required grade levels (typically grades 3-8) and End of Course Assessments (ECAs) for high school students (Algebra I, English 10, Biology, U.S. Government). Test results must be reported to the Indiana DOE and become part of your school's public accountability profile.

This is a significant philosophical consideration for many microschool founders. If your educational model emphasizes project-based learning, portfolio assessment, or mastery-based progression, mandatory standardized testing may feel incompatible with your approach. But participation is non-negotiable for Choice schools.

3. Curriculum Requirements: Choice schools must provide instruction in the following subjects:

• Language Arts (reading, writing, communication)
• Mathematics
• Social Studies (history, geography, civics)
• Science
• Fine Arts
• Health
• Civics (Indiana Constitution, U.S. Constitution, government systems)
• Character Education

Your curriculum must be consistent with state-accredited standards. This doesn't mean you must use the same textbooks or teaching methods as public schools, but your scope and sequence should align with Indiana Academic Standards to ensure students are college- and career-ready.

4. Employment Standards: All employees must undergo background checks (criminal history, child abuse/neglect registry checks). Teachers must be properly licensed according to accreditation requirements. Schools must implement annual teacher evaluation plans demonstrating ongoing assessment of instructional quality.

For microschool founders accustomed to hiring passionate subject experts without formal credentials, this requirement represents a fundamental shift. Accreditation forces you into the traditional teacher labor market, competing with public schools and established private schools for licensed educators. Salaries will be higher, hiring pools may be smaller, and you'll lose flexibility to hire unconventional talent.

5. Non-Discrimination: Choice schools cannot discriminate based on race, color, or national origin. You must comply with federal civil rights laws (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act). This doesn't prohibit religious schools from maintaining faith-based admission requirements or conduct standards, but you cannot exclude students based on race or national origin.

6. Financial & Accountability: Schools must submit required reports to the state, maintain accurate enrollment and attendance records, and comply with financial accounting standards. The state audits Choice schools periodically to verify compliance. Financial mismanagement or falsified enrollment data can result in removal from the program and potential fraud charges.

Over 250 private schools across Indiana currently participate in the Choice Scholarship Program, including Catholic schools, Christian academies, Montessori schools, and secular independent schools. The mix demonstrates that participation is feasible for schools across the philosophical and religious spectrum—as long as you're willing to meet the accreditation and testing requirements.

Application Process

Application Timeline: The primary application period runs March 1 through September 1 each year. Awards cover the full school year if the student remains enrolled. Rolling enrollment is available after September 1 for mid-year applicants, though scholarship amounts may be prorated.

Application Process:

1. Parent enrolls student in a participating Choice school (your microschool, once accredited)
2. School submits application on parent's behalf through the secure DOE portal
3. Parent provides eligibility documentation (proof of Indiana residency, student age verification, and—until June 2026—income verification)
4. School reviews and confirms eligibility in the state system
5. Scholarship is awarded and funds are disbursed directly to the school

Parents do not apply directly to the state. The application process is school-initiated, with parents providing supporting documentation. This makes the enrollment process relatively straightforward for families: they choose your school, complete your enrollment paperwork, and you handle the Choice Scholarship application on their behalf.

Documentation Required (current; income documentation eliminated June 2026):

• Proof of Indiana residency (utility bill, lease agreement, driver's license)
• Student age verification (birth certificate or state-issued ID)
• Income verification (tax returns, pay stubs, W-2 forms)—eliminated June 2026
• Parent authorization for application submission

Starting in June 2026, the documentation requirement shrinks dramatically: residency and age only. This simplifies enrollment and removes the potentially uncomfortable process of families sharing tax returns and income information with schools.

How to Become a Choice Scholarship School

If you've decided that Choice Scholarship participation aligns with your microschool's mission and financial model, here's the step-by-step roadmap:

Step 1: Obtain Accreditation (6-12 months)

You must achieve accreditation from either the Indiana State Board of Education or a recognized third-party accrediting body. This is the single biggest barrier to Choice participation—and the longest part of the timeline.

For state accreditation:

• Submit Notice of Intent between January-April
• Indiana DOE provides petition template and guidance
• Complete self-study documenting compliance with accreditation standards (curriculum, teacher licensing, facilities, governance, assessment)
• Submit formal petition to SchoolAccountability@doe.in.gov
• State conducts review and site visit (if required)
• Accreditation approval typically takes 6-12 months

For third-party accreditation:

• Submit Notice of Intent to Indiana DOE between August 1-September 1
• Apply to your chosen accrediting body (Cognia, ACSI, AACS, etc.)
• Complete self-study according to accreditor's standards
• Host site visit from accreditation team
• Receive accreditation decision (6-18 months depending on organization)
• Notify Indiana DOE of accreditation approval

Step 2: Meet Program Requirements

While pursuing accreditation, you'll need to build the infrastructure for Choice Scholarship compliance:

• Hire licensed teachers or support current staff through alternative certification programs
• Implement ISTEP and ECA testing protocols (training, secure test administration, results reporting)
• Develop curriculum aligned with Indiana Academic Standards across all core subjects
• Establish background check procedures for all employees (criminal history, child abuse registry)
• Implement annual teacher evaluation system (formal observations, feedback, professional development plans)
• Create non-discrimination policies and grievance procedures

Step 3: Register with Indiana DOE

Once accredited, your school is automatically registered with the Indiana DOE. You'll be assigned an education identification number and listed as an eligible Choice school in the state system. This isn't a separate application—it happens automatically upon accreditation.

Step 4: Submit School Profile

Through the DOE portal, you'll submit your school profile for families:

• Tuition and fees documentation (this determines scholarship award amounts)
• Curriculum overview and educational philosophy
• Teacher credentials and qualifications
• School contact information, enrollment process, application deadlines

This information appears in the state's public directory of Choice schools, helping families find and compare participating schools.

Step 5: Ongoing Compliance

Choice Scholarship participation isn't one-and-done. You must maintain compliance annually:

• Submit annual reports to the state (enrollment, attendance, testing results)
• Maintain accreditation status (re-accreditation cycles vary; typically every 3-5 years)
• Comply with assessment requirements (administer ISTEP/ECAs, report results)
• Submit student progress data and school performance metrics

Failure to maintain compliance can result in removal from the program, loss of scholarship funding for current students, and potential legal consequences for financial mismanagement.

Timeline for New Schools:

• Accreditation process: 6-12 months minimum
• Program registration: Immediate upon accreditation
• First students served: Same school year if accredited by September 1, or following school year

If you're launching in Fall 2025 and want Choice Scholarship participation by Fall 2026, you need to start the accreditation process immediately—ideally by January 2025 for state accreditation (Notice of Intent deadline) or by August 2025 for third-party accreditation.

Contact Information:

• Email: schoolaccountability@doe.in.gov
• Website: https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-choice-scholarship-program/
• Official program site: https://indianachoicescholarship.org/

Action Items Checklist

• [ ] Decide whether to pursue Choice Scholarship participation: Weigh financial benefits ($5,800+ per student) against operational constraints (accreditation, licensing, testing)
• [ ] If yes: Choose your accreditor: State accreditation (more Indiana-specific) or third-party (may offer more philosophical alignment)
• [ ] Plan 6-12 month accreditation timeline: Budget time for self-study, documentation, site visits, approval process
• [ ] Budget for licensed teacher salaries: Plan for $40K-$60K+ per full-time teacher vs. $25-$35/hour for unlicensed specialists
• [ ] Prepare curriculum aligned with Indiana Standards: Map your scope and sequence to state standards for all core subjects
• [ ] If targeting 2026 universal eligibility: Begin accreditation process by January 2025 to be ready for June 2026 launch

Indiana Education Scholarship Account (ESA) Program

Program Overview

Alongside the Choice Scholarship Program, Indiana offers a separate school choice vehicle specifically designed for students with disabilities and their siblings: the Indiana Education Scholarship Account (INESA). This program is administered by the Indiana Treasurer's Office—not the Indiana Department of Education—and operates through a secure digital platform called ClassWallet (Indiana Treasurer's Office).

Unlike the Choice Scholarship Program, which pays funds directly to private schools, the ESA program deposits money into parent-controlled accounts. Parents then use those funds to pay for pre-approved educational services, including private school tuition, specialized therapies, tutoring, curriculum materials, and assistive technology. This gives families substantially more flexibility to customize their child's education by combining multiple service providers rather than committing to a single school.

For microschools serving students with special needs—particularly those focused on dyslexia remediation, autism support, ADHD accommodations, or twice-exceptional learners—the INESA program represents a critical funding source. And with funding up to $20,000 per student annually for students with disabilities, it's substantially more generous than the Choice Scholarship Program's $5,800 average.

Eligibility

Students with Disabilities (Primary Beneficiaries): The program primarily serves students ages 5-22 who have an active Individualized Education Program (IEP), Service Plan (SP), or Choice Special Education Plan (CSEP). If a student qualifies for special education services in a public school setting, they're likely eligible for an ESA.

IEPs are developed for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and outline specialized instruction and related services. Service Plans are used for students with disabilities who don't qualify for IDEA but need accommodations under Section 504. Choice Special Education Plans are Indiana-specific documents for students who transfer from public to private schools with special education needs.

Siblings of Students with Disabilities (Expansion - July 1, 2024): Effective July 1, 2024, eligibility expanded to include siblings of students with disabilities—even if those siblings don't have disabilities themselves. This sibling provision allows families to keep multiple children in the same educational setting using ESA funds, reducing logistical complexity and promoting family cohesion. Siblings must be ages 5-22 and meet residency requirements, but no IEP or disability diagnosis is required.

Current Program Status: The INESA program reached full enrollment for the first time in the 2024-2025 school year, with 862 students with disabilities enrolled and 156 siblings participating (Indiana Treasurer's Office). This means new applicants may be placed on a waitlist until additional funding is appropriated or current participants age out/withdraw. If you're planning a microschool specifically for ESA-funded students, check current waitlist status before making enrollment projections.

Funding Amounts

Students with Disabilities: Up to $20,000 per academic year (July 1 - June 30). This amount includes 100% of the state's special education funding allocation plus 90% of the general state tuition allocation. The $20,000 figure represents the maximum; actual amounts vary based on the student's school corporation funding levels and special education classification.

Siblings without Disabilities: Up to $8,000 per academic year. This amount includes 90% of the general state tuition allocation only—no special education funding component. While lower than the amount for students with disabilities, $8,000 is still significantly higher than the Choice Scholarship average of $5,800, making the ESA program financially attractive for families with mixed-needs children.

These funding amounts are disbursed into parent-controlled ClassWallet accounts, where parents can see available balances and make payments to approved vendors (including your microschool, if you become an eligible provider).

Approved Uses for ESA Funds

Parents can use ESA funds for a wide range of educational services and expenses. Here's what's covered:

Primary Educational Services:

• Private school tuition and fees (your microschool, if you become an approved vendor)
• Educational camps and training programs
• Curriculum and educational supplies
• Individual classes and courses (e.g., music lessons, language classes, STEM programs)

Special Education Services:

• Tutoring services (reading specialists, math tutors, executive function coaches)
• Testing fees and educational assessments
• Specialized therapies:
• Occupational therapy (fine motor skills, sensory integration)
• Speech therapy (communication, language development)
• Behavioral therapy (ABA, social skills training)
• Physical therapy, vision therapy, and other specialized interventions

Supplementary Services:

• School-sponsored extracurricular activities
• Transportation services (up to $750 annually) to special education service providers
• Educational technology and adaptive equipment (assistive technology, communication devices, adaptive software)
• Professional assessment and evaluation (psycho-educational evaluations, academic testing)

General Educational Expenses:

• Books and learning materials
• Educational courses through accredited providers
• Virtual school programs and online curricula
• Online learning platforms and subscriptions

Restrictions: All expenses must be pre-approved as educational in nature. Non-educational expenses (family vacations, general childcare, non-academic activities) are not covered. Funds that remain unused at the end of the academic year (June 30) revert to the state—they don't roll over to the next year.

For microschools, the key implication: you can serve as a vendor for tuition payments, but families may also use ESA funds to purchase specialized services (therapy, tutoring, assessments) from your school if you offer those programs. This creates multiple revenue streams from a single ESA-funded student.

Access & Administration

Fund Management: Parents access ESA funds through the ClassWallet secure portal, available via mobile device or computer. After services are delivered, parents make direct payments to service providers through the platform. This means you're not billing the state directly—you're receiving payment from parents who are using state-deposited ESA funds.

The practical workflow: Your microschool becomes an approved ClassWallet vendor. Parents enroll their ESA-eligible child in your program. Each month (or semester, depending on your payment schedule), parents use ClassWallet to pay your tuition invoice. Funds transfer from their ESA account to your business account. Parents can see their remaining balance in real-time and allocate funds across multiple providers (your school for tuition, a speech therapist for services, an OT for sensory integration therapy, etc.).

Eligibility Documentation: To qualify for an ESA, families must provide:

• Proof of active IEP, SP, or CSEP (documentation from current or previous school)
• Verification of student age (5-22 years old)
• Proof of Indiana residency
• Sibling documentation if applying as a sibling of a student with disabilities

Applications are submitted through the Indiana Treasurer's Office, not your school. Families apply independently, receive approval and account funding, and then select service providers (like your microschool).

Contact Information:

• Indiana Treasurer's Office - INESA Program
• Website: https://www.in.gov/tos/inesa/
• Alternative resource: https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-education-scholarship-account-program/

Action Items Checklist (For ESA-Participating Microschools)

• [ ] Become an eligible ClassWallet vendor: Register with ClassWallet platform to receive ESA payments
• [ ] Obtain pre-approval for specific services: Work with Indiana Treasurer's Office to ensure your school's tuition and services qualify
• [ ] Develop programming for IEP-qualified students: Specialized instruction, accommodations, and support services aligned with students' needs
• [ ] Partner with parents on fund management: Help families understand how to allocate ESA funds across tuition and specialized services
• [ ] Track ESA vs. non-ESA enrollment: Maintain records showing which students are funded through ESA for compliance and financial reporting

Accreditation: Strategic Decision

Is Accreditation Required?

The straightforward answer: accreditation is optional for non-Choice schools and absolutely required for Choice Scholarship participants. There's no middle ground.

If you're operating a tuition-based microschool with no intention of accepting state vouchers, accreditation is entirely voluntary. You can operate indefinitely as a non-accredited private school, maintaining complete autonomy over curriculum, staffing, and assessment. Many successful microschools across Indiana follow this path—serving families who prioritize educational philosophy and community culture over state funding access.

However, if you want students to use Choice Scholarships at your school, accreditation is non-negotiable. The Choice Scholarship statute explicitly requires participating schools to be accredited by the Indiana State Board of Education or a recognized third-party accrediting body. There are no exceptions for small schools, new schools, or schools with exceptional educational outcomes. Accreditation is the price of admission to state voucher funding.

Voluntary Accreditation Benefits (even if you're not pursuing Choice Scholarships):

• Enhanced credibility: Many parents view accreditation as a quality signal, particularly families transitioning from public schools
• Teacher licensing flexibility: Accreditation allows you to hire licensed teachers who may be more comfortable in an accredited environment
• Access to state assessment materials: Accredited schools can access ISTEP and other state resources
• College admissions support: Some universities look favorably on transcripts from accredited schools (though homeschool students successfully attend college without accreditation, so this isn't determinative)
• Future optionality: If you start non-accredited and later decide to pursue Choice Scholarships, you'll need to achieve accreditation anyway—some founders pursue it early to avoid later disruption

Accreditation Costs (non-trivial considerations):

• Licensed teacher salaries: $40K-$60K+ per full-time teacher vs. $25-$35/hour for unlicensed specialists
• Testing administration: ISTEP costs, staff training, test security, results reporting
• Compliance infrastructure: Annual reporting, teacher evaluations, curriculum documentation
• Accreditation fees: Third-party accreditors charge annual fees (typically $1,000-$5,000+ depending on school size and accreditor)
• Lost curricular autonomy: Must align with Indiana Academic Standards, limiting ability to pursue alternative educational philosophies

For most microschools, voluntary accreditation without Choice Scholarship participation makes little financial sense. The costs outweigh the benefits unless you're specifically targeting parents who require accreditation for peace of mind. The strategic play is either stay non-accredited for maximum freedom, or pursue accreditation specifically to unlock Choice Scholarship revenue.

Accreditation Standards

Schools pursuing state accreditation through the Indiana State Board of Education must meet eight core standards outlined in 511 IAC 6.1-1-4:

1. Health and safety requirements: Compliance with fire prevention, health department, and OSHA standards
2. Minimum time requirements: 180 days of instruction per academic year
3. Staff-student ratio requirements: Adequate staffing to maintain safe and effective instruction
4. Curriculum offering requirements: Instruction in required subjects (civics, character education, core academics)
5. Instructional staff requirements: Teachers must be properly licensed according to grade level and subject
6. Assessment requirements: Participation in ISTEP testing and End of Course Assessments
7. Annual assessment and reporting: Submit required data and reports to Indiana DOE
8. School improvement and achievement planning: Develop and implement plans for ongoing school improvement

Schools that meet these standards are assigned to one of three performance categories based on assessment results and accountability metrics:

• Exemplary: Highest-performing schools with strong student outcomes
• Commendable: Solid performance with room for growth
• Academic Progress: Meeting minimum standards with improvement plans in place

The Indiana DOE provides detailed guidance on each accreditation standard through its School Accreditation webpage (Indiana Department of Education - School Accreditation). The self-study process requires you to document compliance with each standard, provide evidence of student learning, and demonstrate organizational capacity to sustain quality education.

Recognized Accrediting Bodies

If state accreditation doesn't align with your school's mission or timeline, you can pursue third-party accreditation through organizations recognized by the Indiana State Board of Education:

Major Recognized Accreditors:

1. Cognia/AdvancED: Regional accreditor serving both secular and religious schools across the U.S. Well-established, rigorous standards, suitable for schools of all types.
2. American Association of Christian Schools (AACS): Faith-based accreditor for conservative Christian schools. Standards emphasize biblical integration and Christian worldview.
3. Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI): Large Christian school accreditor with global presence. Serves evangelical Christian schools with diverse educational models.
4. Catholic University of America's Lumen Accreditation: Specialized accreditor for Catholic schools aligned with Catholic educational philosophy.
5. Additional regional and specialized bodies: National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS), and others approved by Indiana State Board.

Selection Criteria: Choose an accreditor aligned with your school's mission and educational philosophy. A Montessori microschool might pursue Cognia for its secular, research-based approach. A classical Christian microschool might choose ACCS or ACSI for alignment with classical education principles. A faith-based school serving Catholic families might pursue Lumen Accreditation for theological consistency.

The accrediting body you choose must be recognized by the Indiana State Board of Education—verify this before beginning the application process. Contact SchoolAccountability@doe.in.gov to confirm an accreditor's recognition status if it's not listed on the DOE website.

Strategic Recommendation

Here's the phased approach that makes the most sense for most microschool founders:

Path 1: Non-Accredited (Year 1-2) - Launch quickly with complete autonomy. No accreditation means no state registration, no teacher licensing requirements, no standardized testing mandates, and no curriculum approval processes. You hire passionate educators based on expertise and fit. You design curriculum aligned with your educational philosophy (classical, Montessori, project-based, competency-based, Waldorf—whatever you believe works best). You assess students using authentic methods (portfolios, presentations, mastery demonstrations) rather than standardized tests. Your revenue is 100% tuition from families, which means you need competitive pricing and strong value proposition, but you control your destiny.

Use Year 1-2 to build proof-of-concept: demonstrate student learning, cultivate parent satisfaction, refine curriculum, and establish community reputation. If your educational model works—if students thrive, parents rave, and enrollment grows—you've validated your vision. Now you can decide whether to scale tuition-based or pursue state funding.

Path 2: Pursue Accreditation (Year 2-3) - Once you've proven your model and built enrollment (ideally 15-25+ students), begin the 6-12 month accreditation process. Submit your Notice of Intent (January-April for state, August-September for third-party), complete the self-study, host the site visit, and achieve accreditation. This requires transitioning your teaching team toward licensed educators—either hiring new credentialed staff or supporting current team members through alternative certification programs. It requires implementing ISTEP testing and aligning curriculum with Indiana Academic Standards. But it unlocks Choice Scholarship eligibility.

Path 3: Accept Choice Scholarships (Year 3+) - With accreditation secured, you can now enroll Choice Scholarship-eligible students. Starting June 2026, that's every Indiana family—universal eligibility. You receive $5,800+ per student annually in state vouchers, which dramatically improves unit economics. A family paying $8,000 in tuition now only pays $2,200 out-of-pocket (with the state covering $5,800). This makes your school accessible to middle-class families who couldn't afford full tuition, expanding your addressable market significantly. You can scale enrollment to 30, 50, 75+ students using state funding to offset facility costs, teacher salaries, and operational expenses.

This phased approach gives you the best of both worlds: freedom to innovate in the early years, then financial sustainability through state funding once you've proven your model. The alternative—pursuing accreditation from Day 1—forces you into compliance constraints before you've validated your educational approach, increasing risk of failure.

Quick-Start Compliance Checklist

Non-Accredited Startup (Minimal Regulation)

If you're launching a tuition-based microschool with no plans for immediate Choice Scholarship participation, here's your compliance checklist. It's remarkably short:

Before Opening:

• [ ] Register business with Indiana Secretary of State: Form an LLC (recommended) or nonprofit corporation. Cost: ~$95-$100 filing fee.
• [ ] Set up daily attendance tracking system: Choose a method (digital app, spreadsheet, attendance book) and use it from Day 1. Required by Indiana Code 20-33-2-20.
• [ ] Verify local zoning compliance: Contact city/county planning department to confirm educational use is permitted at your chosen facility location. Get this in writing before signing a lease.
• [ ] Obtain liability insurance: General liability coverage ($1-2 million minimum) plus professional liability. Expect $1,000-$3,000 annually for adequate coverage.

What You DON'T Need:

• ❌ State registration with Indiana DOE
• ❌ Teacher certification or licensing
• ❌ Curriculum approval from the state
• ❌ Standardized testing (ISTEP, ECAs)
• ❌ State facility inspections

Funding Source: 100% tuition from families. You'll need to price competitively (most Indiana microschools charge $6,000-$10,000 annually) while delivering exceptional educational value to retain enrollment.

That's it. Four action items, five things you explicitly don't need to worry about. Indiana's regulatory minimalism for non-accredited schools is genuinely remarkable compared to states like California, New York, or Pennsylvania with extensive private school oversight.

Choice Scholarship-Eligible Startup

If you're planning to pursue accreditation and Choice Scholarship participation—either at launch or within 1-3 years—your compliance checklist expands significantly:

Accreditation Process (6-12 months):

• [ ] Choose your accreditor: State accreditation through Indiana State Board of Education (secular, state-aligned) or third-party accreditation through recognized body (may offer philosophical alignment with Christian, classical, or other educational models)
• [ ] Submit Notice of Intent:
• State accreditation: January-April submission window
• Third-party accreditation: August 1-September 1 submission window
• [ ] Complete accreditation requirements: Self-study, documentation of compliance with standards, curriculum alignment, teacher licensing verification, site visit (if required), accreditation approval

Program Requirements (must be in place before accepting Choice Scholarships):

• [ ] Hire licensed teachers only: All instructional staff must hold valid Indiana teaching licenses appropriate to grade level and subject area. Budget $40K-$60K+ per full-time teacher.
• [ ] Implement ISTEP and ECA testing: Train staff on test administration, establish secure testing protocols, administer tests at required grade levels, submit results to Indiana DOE.
• [ ] Align curriculum with Indiana Standards: Map your scope and sequence to Indiana Academic Standards for Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and other core subjects.
• [ ] Establish background check procedures: All employees (teachers, administrators, support staff) must undergo criminal background checks and child abuse/neglect registry checks before hire.
• [ ] Develop teacher evaluation system: Annual observation and feedback processes with documented improvement plans for struggling teachers.
• [ ] Create non-discrimination policies: Written policies prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. Grievance procedures for complaints.

Upon Accreditation:

• [ ] Register with Indiana DOE (happens automatically): You'll receive an education identification number and be listed as an eligible Choice school.
• [ ] Submit school profile: Tuition and fees documentation, curriculum overview, teacher credentials, school contact information for parent directory.
• [ ] Begin enrolling Choice Scholarship students: Help families complete Choice Scholarship applications, verify eligibility, receive scholarship payments directly from state.

Funding Source: $5,800+ per student annually (state vouchers) plus any additional tuition you charge above the scholarship amount.

The timeline matters: if you want to accept Choice Scholarships by Fall 2026 (when universal eligibility begins), you need to start the accreditation process by January 2025 at the latest. Six to twelve months is the realistic timeframe from Notice of Intent to accreditation approval.

ESA-Participating Provider

If you're specifically targeting students with special needs and want to accept ESA funds:

• [ ] Become eligible ClassWallet vendor: Register with the ClassWallet platform (used by Indiana Treasurer's Office for ESA disbursements)
• [ ] Obtain pre-approval for services by Treasurer's Office: Verify that your tuition and any specialized services (tutoring, therapy, assessments) qualify as approved ESA expenses
• [ ] Develop programming for IEP-qualified students: Specialized instruction, accommodations, and support services designed for students with learning differences
• [ ] Access up to $20,000 per disabled student annually: Understand that ESA funds are parent-controlled, meaning parents choose how to allocate funds across multiple providers
• [ ] Partner with parents on fund management: Help families understand ESA spending, invoicing through ClassWallet, and coordinating services across providers

ESA participation doesn't require accreditation (unlike Choice Scholarships), making it accessible to non-accredited microschools serving special needs populations. This can be a financially viable niche for schools focused on dyslexia, autism, ADHD, or twice-exceptional learners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Not Planning for 180-Day Requirement

The Problem: Indiana Code 20-33-2-20 requires all private schools to provide 180 days of instruction per academic year. This isn't a suggestion—it's a legal mandate, and attendance records can be audited by the state or local school corporation.

New founders sometimes build academic calendars with 175-178 instructional days, thinking they can make up shortfalls or that "close enough" is acceptable. But if you're forced to cancel school due to weather, illness, facility issues, or emergencies, you can quickly fall below the 180-day threshold. Once you're non-compliant, you're vulnerable to enforcement action, and parents may question whether your school is legally operating.

The Solution: Build your calendar with 185-190 total instructional days to create a buffer for unexpected closures. If you experience multiple snow days, a COVID outbreak, or facility emergencies, your buffer days ensure you still meet the 180-day requirement without scrambling to add make-up days in June. Calendar planning is unglamorous work, but it's foundational compliance.

Also clarify what counts as an "instructional day." A field trip where students are engaged in educational activities counts. A professional development day for teachers with no student instruction does not. Half-days typically count as full instructional days as long as students receive instruction, but verify this if your school uses frequent half-day schedules.

Mistake #2: Skipping Daily Attendance Records

The Consequence: Indiana Code 20-33-2-20 mandates accurate daily attendance records for all private schools. These records must be available upon request from the State Superintendent, local school corporation superintendent, or Indiana DOE. Failure to maintain attendance records is a statutory violation—and if you're ever audited (due to a complaint, enrollment verification, or compulsory attendance investigation), missing records create serious legal exposure.

The Reality: This happens more often than you'd think. Founders get busy with curriculum, parent communication, and day-to-day operations. Attendance tracking feels like administrative paperwork—easy to skip on a chaotic day. A few missed days turn into a few missed weeks, and suddenly you have no attendance records for an entire semester. If the state requests those records, you're in a very difficult position.

The Solution: Set up a daily tracking system from Day 1 and make it a non-negotiable operational habit. Use a digital attendance app (many are free or low-cost), a shared spreadsheet, or a paper attendance book—whatever fits your workflow. Assign someone (yourself, an assistant, a lead teacher) to record attendance every single morning. Build it into your school routine like taking lunch count or morning announcements. Thirty seconds per day prevents a crisis later.

If you're using a digital system, set up automatic backups. If you're using paper, periodically scan or photocopy your records so you have duplicates if the original is lost.

Mistake #3: Assuming Accreditation is Quick

The Reality: Many founders assume accreditation is a 30-60 day process—submit paperwork, pass a site visit, receive approval. In reality, accreditation takes a minimum of 6-12 months, and often longer if you're starting from scratch without established systems.

The accreditation process involves a comprehensive self-study where you document compliance with every accreditation standard. You need to demonstrate curriculum alignment, teacher qualifications, assessment practices, governance structures, financial stability, facility adequacy, and student outcomes. This requires substantial documentation—curriculum maps, teacher resumes and licenses, financial statements, board meeting minutes, student assessment samples, facility inspection reports.

Then you host a site visit from the accrediting team, who spend 1-2 days reviewing your documentation, interviewing staff and parents, observing classes, and evaluating whether you meet standards. After the visit, the team submits their report to the accrediting body's board, which reviews the recommendation and issues a final accreditation decision. This entire process—from Notice of Intent to final approval—takes 6-12 months minimum, sometimes 12-18 months for new schools without prior accreditation experience.

The Solution: If you're planning to pursue Choice Scholarship participation, start the accreditation process in Year 2 (not Year 3 when you actually want to accept scholarships). Submit your Notice of Intent in January-April (state accreditation) or August-September (third-party accreditation) a full 12-18 months before you intend to enroll Choice students. This gives you adequate buffer for the self-study, site visit, and approval process without delaying your financial strategy.

If accreditation is denied or delayed, you have time to address deficiencies and reapply without losing a full school year of potential Choice Scholarship revenue.

Mistake #4: Hiring Non-Licensed Teachers (Accredited Schools)

The Problem: Accredited schools are required to hire properly licensed teachers per 511 IAC 10 and 511 IAC 6.1-1-4. This isn't optional or negotiable—it's a core accreditation standard. Yet some founders pursue accreditation while planning to continue hiring passionate subject experts without formal credentials, assuming they can request waivers or demonstrate equivalent qualifications.

This doesn't work. If you're accredited (or pursuing accreditation), every teacher must hold a valid Indiana teaching license appropriate to their grade level and subject. If you hire an unlicensed math teacher to teach middle school algebra, you're in violation of accreditation standards. When the accrediting body conducts its site visit or annual review, they'll discover the non-licensed teacher and either deny accreditation or place you on probation with requirements to remediate.

The Solution: Budget for licensed teacher salaries from the beginning if you're pursuing accreditation. Indiana public school teachers average $50,000-$60,000+ annually depending on experience and district. Private school salaries typically run 10-20% lower, but you're still looking at $40,000-$50,000+ per full-time licensed teacher. This is substantially higher than paying unlicensed specialists $25-$35 per hour for part-time instruction.

If you have passionate unlicensed educators on your founding team, explore alternative certification pathways. Indiana offers several routes for career-changers and subject matter experts to become licensed teachers through accelerated programs (typically 1-2 years while teaching under provisional licenses). Supporting your team through these programs can retain talent while achieving compliance.

Alternatively, structure your staffing model with a core team of licensed teachers for compliance, supplemented by unlicensed specialists for electives and enrichment (music, art, coding, etc.) that fall outside core accreditation requirements.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Local Zoning

The Risk: You find the perfect facility—affordable rent, great location, adequate square footage. You sign a lease, build out classrooms, purchase furniture and supplies, hire teachers, and enroll students. Then, three months into operations, you receive a cease-and-desist letter from the local zoning authority: educational use isn't permitted in your zone, and you have 30 days to vacate or face fines.

This is a catastrophic scenario—and it happens. Founders assume that if a property is available for lease, it must be legal to operate a school there. But commercial landlords often don't verify zoning compliance for specific uses, and real estate agents may not understand educational use zoning. You can't rely on landlords or agents to protect you—this is your responsibility.

The Solution: Verify zoning compliance with the city or county planning/zoning department before signing any lease or purchase agreement. Call or visit the zoning office, provide the specific property address, and ask: "Is operating a private school permitted at this location?" Get the answer in writing (email confirmation works) and save it in your records.

If educational use requires a conditional use permit (CUP), budget time and money for the application process. CUPs typically require public hearings, neighbor notifications, and planning commission approval—a process that can take 2-6 months. Don't sign a lease until the CUP is approved.

If zoning is non-compliant, either find a different facility or request a zoning variance (expensive and uncertain). Never assume you can operate under the radar—one neighbor complaint triggers an investigation, and zoning violations are enforceable through fines and closure orders.

Frequently Asked Questions: Indiana Microschool Regulations

Do I need to register my microschool with the state of Indiana?

No, if you operate as a non-accredited private school. Registration with the Indiana Department of Education is completely optional for non-accredited schools. You can legally operate without state approval, licensing, or registration. However, if you want students to access Indiana Choice Scholarships, you must pursue accreditation (state or third-party), which automatically triggers registration with the Indiana DOE.

Are teachers required to be licensed in Indiana private schools?

No, unless you pursue accreditation. Non-accredited private schools in Indiana have no teacher certification requirements. You can hire any adult based on expertise and passion for teaching—no bachelor's degree, no professional licensure needed. Accredited schools (required for Choice Scholarship participation) must hire properly licensed teachers under Indiana teacher licensure standards (511 IAC 10).

How many days of instruction are required in Indiana?

180 days per academic year (Indiana Code 20-33-2-20). All private schools—accredited or not—must provide 180 instructional days between July 1 and June 30. Build your calendar with 185-190 total days to create a buffer for weather closures, illness, and unexpected events. Daily attendance records are mandatory for all private schools.

What is universal school choice in Indiana?

Starting June 2026, every Indiana student ages 5-21 qualifies for a Choice Scholarship regardless of family income. House Bill 1001 (signed May 6, 2025) eliminates all income restrictions. The program will expand from $439 million annually to approximately $674 million, making Indiana the 17th state with universal school choice. The average scholarship is $5,800 per student annually.

Can I operate as a homeschool co-op in Indiana?

Yes, with no specific state regulations. Indiana is a "no-notice, low-regulation" state for homeschooling. Registration as a homeschool family is not required, and parents may participate in co-ops freely. However, homeschool co-ops cannot accept Choice Scholarship funding—you must register as an accredited private school to access state vouchers.

What are the Indiana private school requirements for facilities?

No state facility requirements for non-accredited schools. You're subject only to local zoning ordinances and building codes. Accredited schools must comply with Indiana State Board of Education facility rules, fire prevention requirements, health department standards, and OSHA regulations (511 IAC 6.1-1-4(A)). Always verify local zoning compliance before signing a lease.

How do I access Indiana Choice Scholarships for my school?

You must achieve accreditation first. The process takes 6-12 months minimum:

1. Choose your accreditor (Indiana State Board of Education or recognized third-party)
2. Submit Notice of Intent (January-April for state, August 1-September 1 for third-party)
3. Complete self-study documenting curriculum, teacher licensing, facilities, and assessment
4. Host site visit and receive accreditation approval
5. Register with Indiana DOE (automatic upon accreditation)

Once accredited, you can enroll Choice Scholarship students and receive $5,800+ per student annually.

What's the difference between Choice Scholarships and ESA in Indiana?

Choice Scholarships ($5,800 average) require accreditation and pay funds directly to schools. Education Scholarship Accounts (ESA) provide up to $20,000 for students with disabilities and $8,000 for siblings, paid into parent-controlled accounts. ESA doesn't require accreditation, making it ideal for non-accredited microschools serving special needs populations.

Resources & Next Steps

Official Indiana Resources

Indiana Department of Education:

• Main site: https://www.in.gov/doe/ - General education information and resources
• School Accreditation: https://www.in.gov/doe/it/school-accreditation/ - Accreditation requirements, forms, and guidance
• Choice Scholarship Program: https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-choice-scholarship-program/ - Eligibility, application, and participating schools
• Homeschool Information: https://www.in.gov/doe/students/homeschool-information/ - Homeschool regulations and requirements
• Email: SchoolAccountability@doe.in.gov - Direct contact for accreditation and Choice Scholarship questions

School Choice Programs:

• Choice Scholarship (official site): https://indianachoicescholarship.org/ - Parent-facing information, school directory, application process
• ESA Program (Treasurer's Office): https://www.in.gov/tos/inesa/ - ESA eligibility, ClassWallet access, approved expenses

Indiana Statutes:

• Indiana Code Title 20 (Education): https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-20/ - Complete education law statutes
• Compulsory Attendance (IC 20-33-2): https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-20/article-33/chapter-2/ - Attendance requirements, age ranges, exemptions

Homeschool Resources:

• HSLDA Indiana Legal Profile: https://hslda.org/legal/indiana - Homeschool law summary, co-op guidance, legal support

Your Next Steps

You've reached the end of this comprehensive guide—now it's time to turn knowledge into action. Here's your roadmap for launching your Indiana microschool:

1. Decide Your Business Model: Are you launching as a non-accredited tuition-based school with maximum freedom, or pursuing accreditation from the start to access Choice Scholarships? This fundamental decision when starting a microschool in Indiana drives every subsequent choice—staffing, curriculum, compliance infrastructure, financial projections. For most founders, the phased approach (non-accredited Year 1-2, accredited Year 3+) offers the best balance of innovation and sustainability.

2. Register Your Business: Form an LLC with the Indiana Secretary of State. This protects your personal assets from liability and establishes your school as a legitimate business entity. Filing takes 15-30 minutes online and costs approximately $95-$100. Choose a business name that resonates with your educational mission and is available for trademark/domain registration.

3. Verify Local Zoning: Before committing to any facility, contact your local city or county planning/zoning department. Confirm that educational use is permitted at your intended location. Get written confirmation. If a conditional use permit is required, start that process immediately—it takes months, not weeks.

4. Set Up Attendance System: Choose a daily attendance tracking method (digital app, spreadsheet, paper book) and commit to using it from Day 1. This is a legal requirement under Indiana Code 20-33-2-20, and the easiest compliance obligation to meet—as long as you do it consistently.

5. If Pursuing Choice Scholarships: Submit your Notice of Intent for accreditation between January-April (state accreditation) or August 1-September 1 (third-party accreditation). Begin the self-study process, document compliance with accreditation standards, and budget for licensed teacher salaries ($40K-$60K+ per full-time teacher). Plan for 6-12 months minimum from Notice of Intent to accreditation approval.

6. Obtain Liability Insurance: Every school—accredited or not—needs comprehensive general liability insurance. Coverage should include bodily injury, property damage, and professional liability (errors and omissions). Expect $1,000-$3,000 annually for adequate coverage depending on enrollment size and facility.

Conclusion: Indiana's Two-Pathway Opportunity

Understanding Indiana microschool regulations reveals an exceptional choice that few states can match: launch immediately with zero state regulation and complete educational autonomy, or pursue accreditation for access to one of the nation's most generous universal school choice programs. Both pathways are entirely viable—and understanding which route aligns with your vision, values, and financial model is the foundation of a successful microschool.

Key Takeaways

Non-Accredited Path - Maximum Freedom:

• ✅ No state registration with Indiana DOE
• ✅ No teacher certification requirements (hire based on expertise and passion)
• ✅ Complete curriculum freedom (design your educational program without state approval)
• ✅ No standardized testing (assess students using authentic methods)
• ✅ Tuition-based revenue (families pay directly; no state funding)

This path is ideal for founders who prioritize educational innovation, pedagogical autonomy, and community-driven culture. You're free to implement Montessori, Waldorf, classical, project-based, outdoor, or hybrid educational models without conforming to state standards. You hire the best educators you can find regardless of credentials. You assess learning through portfolios, presentations, and mastery demonstrations rather than high-stakes tests. Your challenge is financial: attracting enough families who can afford full tuition and delivering exceptional educational value to retain enrollment.

Accredited/Choice Scholarship Path - State Funding Access:

• ✅ 6-12 month accreditation process (state or third-party)
• ✅ Licensed teachers required (budget $40K-$60K+ per full-time teacher)
• ✅ ISTEP testing required (state-mandated standardized assessments)
• ✅ $5,800+ per student annually (current average; varies by school corporation)
• ✅ Universal eligibility starting June 2026 (all income levels qualify)

This path is ideal for founders who want to serve a socioeconomically diverse student population and achieve financial sustainability through state funding. With Choice Scholarships covering the majority of tuition, you can make private education accessible to middle-class families who couldn't otherwise afford $8,000-$12,000 annual tuition. Your challenge is operational: complying with accreditation standards, hiring licensed teachers, implementing state testing, and maintaining annual accountability reporting.

Strategic Recommendation

Most microschools should launch non-accredited in Year 1-2 to build proof-of-concept with maximum flexibility, then pursue accreditation in Year 2-3 to access Choice Scholarships starting Year 3-4. This phased approach to navigating Indiana microschool regulations lets you validate your educational model, build parent satisfaction, and establish community reputation before committing to the constraints of accreditation. Once you've demonstrated success with 15-25 students, you can transition toward accreditation with confidence that your model works—and the financial infusion from Choice Scholarships allows you to scale to 30, 50, 75+ students.

Learn More: Microschool Accreditation: Is It Worth It? | Indiana School Choice Explained

With HB 1001's universal eligibility taking effect June 2026, Indiana becomes one of America's most attractive states for microschool expansion. Every student—regardless of family income—will qualify for Choice Scholarships. Upper-middle-class families seeking smaller class sizes can use state vouchers. Professional households dissatisfied with public schools can access private education affordably. The addressable market expands exponentially, making Choice Scholarship participation a financially compelling long-term strategy for nearly every microschool.

For founders targeting special education populations, the Indiana Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program offers up to $20,000 per student annually—substantially more than Choice Scholarships—and doesn't require accreditation. Microschools focused on dyslexia remediation, autism support, ADHD accommodations, or twice-exceptional learners can access ESA funds while maintaining non-accredited flexibility.

Ready to launch your Indiana microschool? The regulatory landscape is uniquely favorable—minimal barriers for non-accredited schools, generous state funding for accredited schools, and universal choice coming June 2026. Whether you're starting a microschool in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne, Bloomington, or any Indiana community, use this guide to Indiana microschool regulations as your roadmap, make strategic decisions aligned with your mission, and build the microschool your community needs.

Get Started: Create your school profile on Biggie and connect with Indiana families searching for microschool alternatives. Our platform helps you navigate the regulatory landscape and attract enrollment for your 2026 launch.

The Hoosier State just rolled out the welcome mat. It's time to build.

Disclaimer: This guide provides educational information about Indiana microschool regulations based on current laws and publicly available resources. It is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified education law attorney before making decisions about your specific situation, especially regarding legal structure, ESA fund eligibility for church schools, zoning compliance, and tax obligations. Laws and regulations change - verify all information with official sources before taking action.